How to choose the perfect photographer for your wedding.
Today I want to write a post that is very practical for everyone because many times you ask me. Knowing how to choose a supplier or another either in florist, catering, video, musicians and photographer of course. In my case it is important to explain how to choose the perfect photographer for your wedding. It can sometimes be very complicated for you. For example, I usually get asked a lot of questions or maybe I don’t get asked the questions I should and that’s important. There are also many details that you have to take into account and that don’t come to your mind. It’s normal since you don’t get married every day and you don’t have to choose suppliers.
I can start by saying that choosing a photographer for your wedding is one of the most important decisions you will make during the planning. After all, the photographs will be the memory you will keep forever of that unique moment. Here I will try to explain and help you make the right decision.
Wedding photographer in Mallorca
Define your preferred style of photography
The first step in knowing how to choose the perfect photographer for your wedding is to understand what style of photography you like. Wedding photographers tend to specialise in one or several styles. I can summarise them as
Photojournalism or documentary: This is when you capture spontaneous, in-the-moment moments telling the story of your wedding without posing. There is movement in the photos and they make you feel something when you see them, be it joy, laughter, some kind of emotion.
Traditional or classic photography: This is more static and tends to be composite portraits, such as family photos and iconic moments of the day but passive.
Artistic or creative style: We use unique approaches, different angles perhaps and artistic editing to create more modern images. It is now fashionable for example to use a lot of flash and to create strong artificial lighting at certain moments.
Fashion style: Similar to magazine photos, with a focus on created and static poses related to advertisements or editorials and are often sophisticated. Very Vogue style and all that goes with it.
Film or fine art photography: Uses natural lighting, soft colours and minimalist compositions for an elegant and romantic result.
Photographer in Mallorca
As I have already told you as a wedding photographer in Mallorca sometimes we use one style or another. My photography is totally photojournalism, with an editorial touch and bringing art to weddings. I specialize in capturing the moments, the most emotional moments that maybe you didn’t realize when it happened. I customize depending on the couple and their style or tastes. For me every wedding and every couple is different, so you will see in my portfolio weddings of different styles.
I meet with you many times and we talk incessantly because I am 100% involved in many details. I ask you about your tastes, I go to see the lighting, I ask you for pictures of your dresses, the colors, the decoration, etc… For example, it is not the same the lighting and the colors that will be in a church or if the wedding is going to be in a white beach club, the photography will never be the same. According to all this for the wedding day I already have the photos organized and prepared. I know exactly what to do and when especially for you.
Wedding photographs Mallorca
This is why I advise you to look at entire weddings of photographers, not just four pretty pictures from Pinterest or Instagram to identify the style that appeals to you the most. Taking screenshots of photos that move you this will help you narrow down your search from the start. Other things to know how to choose the perfect photographer for your wedding are :
Wedding photography in Mallorca
- Set a budget
Another very important thing before contacting photographers is to know how much you are willing to invest. Costs can vary widely depending on the photographer’s experience, the material used and the services included.
Keep in mind that photographers with more experience and a solid track record tend to charge more, but also offer quality guarantees. Be realistic with your budget and always remember that the photos will be the most lasting memory of your wedding. Sometimes, spending a little more for an experienced and quality professional is worth it.
Research and seek recommendations : Once you are clear about your desired style and budget, start looking for photographers. Here are some effective methods:
Weddings in Mallorca
Social networks and online portfolios. Apps like Instagram, Facebook and specialized websites are great for discovering photographers’ work. On Google you can find everything you want at different prices and qualities. Ask friends or family members who have recently gotten married. You may have hired a wedding planner, or event planner, they have lists of photographers they usually work with. Just be careful with this because sometimes they only work with vendors that give them commission and will only show you these.
Usually the big photographers don’t work with wedding planners that charge commission, so you will be missing out on the best photographers for this reason.
As you look around, I recommend that you make a list of at least three photographers whose work catches your eye and interests you.
Exclusive weddings in Mallorca
4. Review Portfolio and Experience
Once you are clear on the style you want and your budget, start looking for photographers. Here are some effective methods:
Make sure the photographer maintains a consistent style throughout their work. Ask to see full wedding galleries, not just the two featured photos that appear on their website or social media. This will give you an idea of how they capture the whole day, from the preparations to the party. It’s very important because as I’ve said before, a couple of photos uploaded to Instagram don’t represent what they can do all day.
There are many important moments and types of lighting during a wedding. See how they handle light, colors and compositions. Ask how many weddings they have photographed and if they have experience in events similar to yours e.g. day, night or indoor weddings etc. Although you will see this at full weddings because they usually cover all types of lighting.
How to choose the perfect photographer for your wedding
Interview Finalist Photographers
Once you have a short list of potential candidates, organise meetings that can be video calls or in person to get to know each other better. Here are some key questions to ask:
The first thing is of course availability: Are you available on the date of your wedding? Because if we are not, no matter how much you liked the job, it is impossible. Unless you don’t have the venue and catering booked on a precise date, which is difficult. We usually book these two things first and then photo and video.
Do they prefer to take posed photos or work discreetly to capture spontaneous moments? Although from their photos you may have already seen it but this way you can tell us your preferences. What kind of camera and equipment do they use? Do they have backup equipment in case of failure? What happens if they get sick or face an emergency? Do they have a back-up photographer?
Wedding photography Mallorca
And something very important, how long does it take to deliver the photos? The truth is that as a wedding photographer in Mallorca I am one of those who give them in the shortest time possible (in a month you have all the photos) and that is something very important. There are photographers who do 70 weddings a year, they are cheaper but they give them to you in six months and when they give them to you, you have already lost the desire and the illusion. I even give a few the next day because I like to see the work I’ve done and share with you some that I know are very exciting.
Doing only 15 weddings a year means that you give a personalized and exclusive treatment to the couples. You can dedicate a lot of time, know all the details and surprise them by giving them the photos so quickly.
Professional wedding photographer in Mallorca
I consider that as I said at the beginning it is important that you know everything even if you don’t know what is important. For me it is essential that you feel comfortable with me, as I will be with you throughout the wedding day. We are going to share many emotional and stressful moments for many hours and the experience and passion that you put into it helps to calm any unforeseen events that may occur.
6. Read Opinions and Testimonials
Another thing on how to choose the perfect photographer for your wedding is to check out reviews from couples who have worked with the photographers you have listed. This can give you an idea of their professionalism and quality of their personal and overall service.
Look for reviews on platforms like Google, Facebook or specialized wedding directories. I for example am also on bodas.net and there I have many recommendations that are very reliable because they investigate if they are true before uploading them looking at the ips from where they are written, they do a questionnaire to couples and photographers to see if it is a real couple and it is not your cousin who is leaving you the review.
Weddings in Mallorca
7. Evaluate Packages and Contract
When you find a photographer who meets your requirements, ask for detailed information about their service packages. Make sure you understand exactly what each one includes: Hours of coverage: Some packages cover only the ceremony, while others include the entire day. How many photos they will deliver, if they retouch them or if they are retouched by artificial intelligence putting the same colors to all photos. Extras: Do they offer pre-wedding sessions, printed albums or access to online galleries?
How to choose your wedding photographer in Mallorca
Plan a photo shoot (Optional)
Some photographers offer pre-wedding sessions, some say they are ideal to get to know your style of work and gain confidence in front of the camera. But I usually tell you that since we are going to see each other many times we will already have a mutual trust for when the wedding day arrives. However, of course I can do a pre-wedding and many times these photos are used for wedding invitations. Really, anyone can take beautiful photos of a couple in a beautiful place, but the day of the wedding is where you will really see if the photographer really captures the unique moment or not.
Mallorca weddings
Consider Personal Chemistry
It is certainly important that you connect with your photographer on a personal level. We will be present at intimate moments of your wedding, such as the preparations and all the emotions shared with your family and friends. You need to feel comfortable with the person you choose. I value this relationship very much and I can say that nowadays many of my best friends I have met doing their weddings.
10. Book Early
Of course as I said before good wedding photographers are usually booked well in advance, sometimes a year or more in advance. Once you have made your decision, sign the contract and pay the deposit as soon as possible to make sure your date is locked into the schedule.
So I hope all this information and tips have helped you know how to choose the perfect photographer for your wedding.
I would love for you to give me a call and let’s talk for a while so we can get to know each other and have the best memory of your life.