How to Choose the Right Wedding Photographer

Your wedding day happens once. The photographs are what you will have to look back on for years to come. That is why choosing a photographer should be about more than finding the cheapest package or the first person who is available on your date. The right photographer is someone whose work you like, whose style suits you and, perhaps most importantly, someone you trust to capture the day as it actually happens.

Start with their portfolio

Before you look at packages and prices, look at their work.

And do not only look at the few photographs they use on social media. If possible, ask to see full wedding galleries. A photographer may have ten beautiful photographs on Instagram, but what matters is whether they can consistently produce good photographs throughout an entire wedding. Look at the ceremony. Look at the family photographs. Look at the reception. Look at the candid moments. Do the photographs feel natural? Are the colours consistent? Do you like the way they capture people? You should be able to look through their work and get a good idea of what your own photographs could look like.

What style do you actually like?

Photographers have different styles, and there is no right or wrong one.

Some couples love photographs that are posed and carefully styled. Others prefer natural, candid photographs where people are simply enjoying themselves.

Some photographers focus on dramatic portraits, while others keep things light and natural.

Have a look at different photographers and work out what you are drawn to.

Your photographer's style will influence how your wedding memories look for years to come, so choose someone whose work you genuinely love.

Do not only compare the price

Price is obviously important when you are planning a wedding.

But when comparing photographers, make sure you are comparing like with like.

Ask what is included in the package.

• How many hours of coverage do you get?
• How many photographs will you receive?
• Are the photographs edited?
• Will you receive high-resolution images?
• Is there a second photographer?
• How long will you wait for your photographs?

A cheaper package may not necessarily be cheaper once you start adding the things you actually want. Experience, professionalism and reliability are worth considering alongside the price.

Can you trust them with the moments you might miss?

This is probably one of the most important questions to ask.

You will not see everything that happens on your wedding day.

While you are getting ready, something funny may be happening with your bridesmaids. While you are taking photographs, your parents may be having a special moment with your guests. While you are busy on the dance floor, something memorable could be happening on the other side of the room. A good photographer is paying attention to those moments.

They are not simply waiting for you to stand in front of the camera. They are watching what is happening around them and looking for the little things that tell the story of your day.

Look beyond the posed photographs

Of course, you want beautiful photographs of the two of you.

But some of the photographs you treasure most years later may be the ones you did not know were being taken. Your dad's reaction when he sees you for the first time.

Your friends laughing during the reception. Your grandmother dancing.

The look on your partner's face during the ceremony. The little details you spent months choosing. These are the moments that can easily be missed if your photographer is only focused on the planned photographs.

Meet your photographer before the wedding

If possible, meet your photographer before booking. You are going to spend a lot of time with this person on your wedding day, so you want someone you feel comfortable around.

Ask questions. Tell them what is important to you. Talk about the photographs you love and the ones you do not. A good photographer should also be interested in your wedding, not just the date and the package you are booking.

Your photographer is telling the story of your day

Photography is not simply about taking a good picture. It is about capturing the story of the day. The excitement before the ceremony. The nerves. The laughter. The happy tears. The people you love. The small details. The moments you did not even realise were happening.

Years from now, you may not remember every detail of your wedding day.

Your photographs can bring those moments back. That is why it is worth taking the time to find a photographer whose work you love and whose approach you trust.

Our preferred photographer

At Usambara, we have a preferred supplier list to help couples when they are looking for trusted wedding suppliers. Our preferred photographer is Khaya Perfect Studios, who specialises in capturing weddings and special occasions.

If you would like to find out more about their photography packages or view their work, you can contact them directly:

Khaya Perfect Studios
Call 078 191 4251  |  Email kages.mp@gmail.com

As with all suppliers, we recommend that you speak to them directly about their packages, availability and pricing. Your wedding day will go by quickly. The photographs are what stay behind. Choose someone who will capture not just what your day looked like, but what it felt like.

All photographs in this article by Khaya Perfect Studios.