Choosing your fine art wedding photographer is an enormous decision – there are no two ways about it. This is the person who’s going to capture your day in detail for you to enjoy for years to come.
It’s one of the first planning decisions you’ll make, so take your time. Sit down with a glass of wine, and as you’re browsing for a fine art wedding photographer and ask yourselves the following questions. You’ll soon be on the way to finding the perfect fine art photographer for you.
Why do you want a fine art wedding photographer?
Perhaps you’ve fallen head over heels for the light, airy, whimsical style of pictures with a fine art finish. You may even have been inspired by this photographic style’s origins in film photography.
Whatever draws you towards these dreamy images for your wedding photos, it’s important to choose a fine art wedding photographer who captures photos in the style you really like.
Take inspiration from Philippa and Gordon’s Upwaltham Barns wedding, where the creative fine art photos are filled with emotion.
How much have you got to spend?
One of the biggest factors in any element of wedding planning is your budget. Booking your fine art wedding photographer is no different.
Sit down and crunch the numbers to decide how much you can afford, then invest in the very best photographer you can. They’re responsible for capturing your keepsakes. What you spend now will reward you for years and years to come.
Who is behind the camera?
Your wedding day is intimate, romantic and one of the most magical days of your lives. Who you spend it with counts – and that includes your fine art wedding photographer!
Get to know them on a personal level before the wedding. This starts with reading every word of their about page (find out about my past life as a wedding magazine art director!) and following up over the phone or with a consultation. Part of the reason you choose a photographer is the photographer themselves, after all you will spend so much time with us. Both of us have over a decade of experience photographing weddings
For many years I was also art director at TOP BRIDAL MAGAZINE WEDDING, so I know about so many aspects of your day and love hearing about all your plans!
Have you looked through their real wedding galleries?
If you haven’t, then this should be the very next thing you do. These galleries give you an authentic picture of what could be captured at your own wedding day.
If you adore photos of the details or at certain light levels, look through as many real wedding galleries as you can to establish the right match. You can check out my wedding galleries right here.
Leona and Ross’s greenery and blush fine art wedding will give you lots of inspiration. And if it’s beautiful portraits at sunset that you’re after, Beth and Adam’s The Granary Estates wedding will wow you.
Do they offer engagement shoots?
This is a brilliant way to get to know your fine art wedding photographer ahead of the big day, without the pressure of it being your actual wedding.
They may offer an engagement shoot as an upgrade or within certain packages. Chat through your options early in the process to find out what is possible. You can browse my engagement photography shoots here.
Have they worked at your venue before?
That’s not to say a fine art wedding photographer can’t capture somewhere new beautifully – every venue will have its first time.
But if they have worked at your venue before, they’ll know its layout, location and lighting intimately. That means they’ll make the most of these elements on the day, with minimum downtime for you while they set photos up.
From the dramatic stone arches of their Arundel Castle ceremony, to the rustic-luxe charm of their Upwaltham Barns reception, discover how I made the most of two distinctly unique locations for Patrick and Rachel’s fine art wedding.
Are they recommended by others?
Whether it’s happy couples piling on the praise or award nominations and features in the press, look for signs that your fine art wedding photographer is as good as their photographs look.
Glowing reviews and other accolades should help give you confidence that they’ll deliver on your big day. Find out what couples thought about my wedding photography here.
Follow these seven steps and you’ll soon discover the perfect fine art wedding photographer for you.