Nothing could be truer when it comes to your wedding photography.  Why would you choose the best of everything for your wedding spend months planning only to come to your photographer and say we are on a “budget” and don’t want to spend much or we will get a friend to do it.

Why would you risk it?  Why would you put that kind of stress on a friend or someone with no or little experience?   You may not get the photographer you booked for your wedding day but rather an assistant?  It happens… Your wedding day is a one off… it cant be reproduced, restaged…  it just would not be the same.  

Aside from the photographic aspect of creativity and technical ability a professional photographer has a huge impact on the mood and smooth running of your wedding day.  It is their experience that enables them to: organise and mobilise large groups of people, be time consistent, a stress absorber, a problem solver, confidence builder and all the while being a fun person to have sharing one of the biggest days in your life.

When choosing your photographer make sure they are a Qualified Member of the New Zealand Institute of Professional Photographers (NZIPP).  Go to www.nzipp.org.nz to find members in your area.

If you are looking at websites of photographers, look for the NZIPP logo and the credentials of your photographer will state their qualified membership level.

As other professions have licences, workmanship standards and  examination achievements, photography is no different.  This is your photographers licence to operate, your guarantee of quality workmanship and they have passed the necessary examinations.

Check payment options with your photographer they may have a payment plan that would suit or ask for photography gift vouchers to be added to your wedding gift registry. 

So when you are weighing up the cheap vs the good.  There is a good reason that things are cheap but that not all cheap things are good.   

 

Quick tips to great wedding photography:

 

Always choose a Professional qualified NZIPP Photographer.

Before you confirm your wedding date, check the availability of your photographer.   Professional photographers book out up to a year in advance. 

Check if any of your family members wear transition lenses.  On bright sunny days they are very dark, get them to bring along a spare non-transitional pair for the family photos.

Have a list of family photographs for your photographer so you remember the ones most important.  Always let them know if there are any family dynamics they need to be aware of.

Always have a contingency plan in place for wet weather (not that it will rain but best be prepared).

Relax, have fun and enjoy.  It makes for great spontaneous moments for your photographer to capture.

 

Shar Devine Photography (ANZIPP)