Your choice of photographer lasts a lifetime, so make sure you pick a photographer in your budget that reflects your style and personality!

We are so lucky in Guernsey to have a great choice of talented photographers and videographers, who are brilliant at capturing your special day. Most professionals offer different packages, so you’re guaranteed to find something to suit your style and your budget.

There are a few things to consider before you book…

1. Budget

Whether you simply want to capture the ceremony and some group shots with your nearest and dearest, or whether you want to have the fully bespoke packages from capturing the wedding party getting ready right to when the last guest leaves, there’ll be a package for everyone.

Do your homework and then decide what your budget is before you engage with a photographer, as it’s easy to get carried away and end up spending much more than you originally wanted to! But remember that even the ‘cheaper’ photographers can provide you with fantastic shots from the day and are simply able to keep their costs lower by not spending their time editing them, post event.

2. Style

This is a very personal choice…

Traditional style is generally shot at eye-level and are posed shots, encompassing wedding party, family and friends group images. They are traditional for a reason – they’ll stand the test of time and will be referenced for years to come.

Photojournalistic style captures people un-guarded, often producing the gems from the day as guests relax and get into the spirit of the celebrations.

Editorial style is unusual but produces a highly stylised and well-planned images. Think magazine fashion-shoot and you’ll be on the money.

Dramatic style – using lots of light contrast – a dark and moody feel. This can produce some stunning imagery, something you may see more often in wedding magazines as its popularity grows.

Aerial style – a.k.a. drone photography has become very popular as the use of drones has become more widespread. These images provide a stunning perspective on your outdoor wedding and/or reception. They are also great for capturing a picture of you and all your guests.

Fine Art style is light, bright and airy, giving a softer and more delicate image than usual. This is growing in popularity and is becoming more widely used for wedding photography.

Black and White style is more of an editing choice than necessarily shots made with black and white camera. Your photographer will know which images will work better in black and white.

Landscape style inevitably relies on a dramatic backdrop for a photoshoot, usually with just the couple, while the guests are tucking into the canapés! Think of beaches and clifftops in Guernsey and the islands.

There are some photographers who can include most, if not all of these styles in their offering, so be sure to discuss what you are looking for from them to avoid disappointment.

3. Deciding on a photographer

Do your research. Ask for recommendations among friends or relatives that have been to weddings or been married recently.

Check out photographer’s social media accounts or websites. Most will have a great selection of photographs and video reels showcasing their work.

Visit wedding fayres or other related events where photographers will be attending.

Checking out their portfolio to see how the photographer copes with challenging weather and where the light is less than optimum – most can take a decent shot on a fine day in the daytime – what can sets the really good ones apart is what they can capture in the more difficult conditions.

4. Ten questions to ask a potential photographer

Are they available on your wedding date?
Will yours be the only wedding they have that week/weekend?
Will they work with an assistant for weddings of a similar size to yours?
What is included in the cost of standard and/or other packages?
Do they have a cancellation or refund policy?
Can you specify a list of group or location photographs?
How would they describe their photography style?
Do they provide image editing and/or correction?
How long will it take them to provide the images?
Will you then have the image rights?

There may not be a right or wrong answer to some of these questions, but if you’re asking these in person, their responses will open the conversation and help you to find out more about them.

5. Get to know your photographer

Build a rapport with your photographer, so they get to know you and can do the best they can to provide you with the photos you want.

Your photographer should have a list of all the group shots that you want, to make sure Great Aunty Lil doesn’t get left out and to minimise the amount of time it takes to organise, you’ll need to make sure that your groomsmen are fully briefed on who is needed and make sure that they do all the running around!

6. The venue

Check with the photographer whether they have worked at the venue before.

If they have, it may be useful to see the full gallery of photographs they’ve taken, so you can see what you might want to include or exclude.

If they haven’t shot at the venue previously, check that they will visit it with you in advance to scout out the best backdrops.

7. Alternative photography ideas

If you’re just having a professional photographer for part of your wedding day, you can co-opt your guests to provide extra photographs - although there’s no guarantee how good the quality will be! You might consider providing them with some extra options:

Photobooths – there are a few choices available for hire these days, from passport style, to 360º, to slow-mo, to ‘magic-mirror’ and many of them will include themed props. Or you can create your own photobooth!
Photo-sharing sites, where your guests can upload their pictures.
Ask your guests to post photos online with a unique hashtag, so you don’t miss any of them.
Have an oversized photo frame with a great backdrop for you and your guests to pose in.