Pricing and guide to Wedding Photography in Kent

In the world of weddings, choosing the right vendor can be very tricky, so here’s a guide to finding the right photographer for you!

1. Start Early:

• Begin your search for a wedding photographer as early as possible, especially if you have a specific date in mind. Good photographers are often booked well in advance.

2. Define Your Style:

• Determine the style of photography you prefer – whether it’s traditional, photojournalistic, contemporary, editorial, fun or a mix. Look through portfolios to find a photographer whose style resonates with you.

3. Set a Realistic Budget:

• Establish a budget for photography services. Remember that quality photography is an investment, and allocating a reasonable budget ensures you get the best possible memories captured. It’s usually recommended setting aside a minimum of 10% of your wedding budget each for photography and videography, rising to more if you’re very particular about pictures and videos. With the average wedding in the UK costing £18,400 that works out at around £1,840. The average cost of a photographer is anywhere from £1100 – £2000
• Wedding photographers charge not only for the time they’re with you on the day, but for the hours spent researching editing and meeting with you, and more often than not, the more you spend with a photographer, the more you end up with – whether that’s more hours of coverage, more edited pictures, a more experienced photographer or an additional shooter. Another thing to mention is that on average, every 1 hr of shooting equates for up to 3-6hrs of work behind the scenes.  

4. Research:

• Utilize online platforms, social media, and recommendations from friends and family to create a shortlist of potential photographers. Check reviews and testimonials for insights into their professionalism and the quality of their work.

5. Review Portfolios:

• Take the time to thoroughly review the portfolios of your shortlisted photographers. Look for consistency in their work, storytelling ability, and attention to detail. 
• Request access to previous wedding galleries so you get an idea of what a full day might look like.

6. Meet and Interview:

• Schedule meetings with potential photographers to discuss your vision, wedding details, and expectations. Ask about their experience, style, and the equipment they use. Chemistry is crucial, so make sure you feel comfortable with them.

7. Discuss Packages and Pricing:

• Inquire about the photographer’s packages, pricing, and what is included. Understand any additional costs for albums, prints, drone photography, travel or extra hours of coverage.

8. Ask for References:

• Request references from past clients to get a sense of the photographer’s professionalism, reliability, and ability to capture moments.

9. Check Availability:

• Confirm the photographer’s availability on your wedding date. If they’re unavailable, ask if they have associates who follow a similar style.

10. Review Contract Details:

• Carefully read through the contract before signing. Ensure it outlines all services, fees, timelines, and any rights to the images. Seek clarification on any unclear points.

11. Equipment:

• The equipment a photographer uses is not the most important thing about them, but here are couple tips for things to check!
• Back up cameras, make sure your photographer has at least 2 cameras, most do but this is vital as if one camera stops working we can still get by with the other. 
• Duel card slots, something often missed is checking if your photographer uses a duel card slot camera. Whilst this may be a small thing, cameras with 2 card slots enable a back up copy of every photo, so in the rare case a memory card gets corrupted, your photos are still safe!

12. Trust Your Photographer:

• Once you’ve hired a photographer, trust their professional judgment. They have experience capturing weddings and know how to document the day seamlessly.

13. Create a Shot List:

• Collaborate with your photographer on a shot list. Include must-have shots and any specific requests you might have.

14. Communication is Key:

• Maintain open communication with your photographer leading up to the wedding. Share any changes in schedule or special moments you want to ensure are captured.

15. Insurance:

• Make sure your photographer has liability AND indemnity insurance, this is extremely important and some venues wont allow photographers to attend without it, and all parties are protected 

16. Enjoy the Moment:

• On your wedding day, relax and enjoy the moment. Trust that your photographer will capture the essence of your day, allowing you to relive it through beautiful images.

Choosing the right wedding photographer is a significant decision in your wedding planning journey. By following these steps and communicating effectively, you can ensure that you find a photographer who aligns with your vision and creates lasting memories of your special day.

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