3 mistakes you don't want to do when choosing your wedding photographer

1. Trusting a guest

"No, but we're not going to take a photographer, it's useless... My uncle John has just bought the last Cakonix with 5 lenses and 3 flashes, he'll do the photography for us".

First of all, ask yourself if you would have the same thought if Uncle John or Auntie Jane had bought a Thermoconnect and offered to take care of the cocktail, the meal and the set-up.

Secondly, yes, Uncle John is a nice guy, but having a camera doesn't mean that he has developed his sensitivity or style. It doesn't mean that he has learned to play with the light, to hide an unsightly detail by changing angle, etc. At every wedding I see people with a reflex camera and all of them come to me for advice, because they don't have the opportunity to take it out so much in fact... And I don't think they're really interested in it. 

Then you have to keep in mind the following: a guest is a guest and a photographer is a photographer ("Wow, but this guy is so relevant!"). A photographer will make the taking of pictures his priority. A guest will be there to enjoy and take some pictures. Say goodbye to the dressing, wedding rings, the meal and the party... It's still a shame.

To give you a personal example, when friends say to me "at my wedding I'll hire you", I answer them "Frankly, at your wedding I'd rather prefer that you invite me". Because, even if I blend in with the guests to better surprise them au naturel, I will be either a guest or a photographer. But under no circumstances will I be able to be both fully.

2. Choose the wedding photographer because he is cheap... Or because he is free

So yes, a photographer is not cheap... Just like the caterer, the Wedding venue, the DJ and the dress! But he has the heavy task of making furtive moments into eternal memories! To create your family heritage that you will enjoy sharing with your family and children. That your children will keep preciously.

The price is important... But before you focus on the price, discover his work, his state of mind and check if it suits you. If it's the cheapest... It's great for your honeymoon! If not... Maybe you could remove a tray of ephemeral petits fours to award yourself a lifetime of emotions?

And if you're not sure about the budget or you think a photographer is too expensive... here's a question for you: At which price would you be willing to sell the photos of your wedding if in return you would never be able to see a single image of this unique day again? 10000€? 100000€ ? None, memories are priceless !?

Seen like this, a photographer is not that expensive, right?

3. Choose a photographer / videographer / cook / waiter / DJ / officiant / florist

Choosing a photographer who "does it all" and especially who promises to take care of the photos and videos of your wedding alone is the best way to get soulless images. The photos won't cause you any emotion, the movie won't have that little extra that makes the difference between Papy Henry and Spielberg. The moments that would have been magnified in photo will be made in video and vice versa.

As the saying goes, "better 1 you get it than 2 you get it". Better to choose a photographer who only knows how to do that than a photographer who promises mountains and wonders. If you prefer video then choose a videographer with the same criteria. You will be happier when you see the result.

See you soon!