TOP TIPS TO HIRE THE BEST WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER IN 2020

Don’t hire a good wedding photographer.

Hire a great one.

It was a hot summers day in Mumbai when we received a call from someone who couldn’t even say “hello” properly on the phone. He was sobbing away and mumbling something about “regretting some decision” and “bad photographs” and “help”. Finally, when he calmed down, he told us his name was Ankur and he was going to hire us for his wedding in Dubai.

It still didn’t make any sense. We didn’t have any enquiries from Ankur, let alone someone who we had upset this badly. As we got talking, it transpired that he had enquired with us over 18 months ago. He was going to book us for his wedding, but eventually decided to go with another photographer because his family found someone cheaper – by 50%!

He was very upset whilst talking with us, and explained how his photographer didn’t deliver portraits of the couple, his wedding ceremony was only half captured, the final photos looked dull and many other issues. He called us to ask for help, but deep down even he knew that it was too late to do anything about it.

Unfortunately, we have seen this happen too many times. It is rare that a potential client calls us up months later asking for help, but we hear many such anecdotes from our peers.

Cheap access to good cameras and an easy social media presence has made everyone a photographer. But just as having a frying pan and a cooker doesn’t make you a chef, having a camera and an Instagram account doesn’t qualify you as a photographer.

A good photographer will ensure you get quality images, full coverage, and a beautiful album.

A great photographer will capture moments and build memories for you and will become a part of your family.

There are three things that make the difference between a good and a great wedding photographer:

• Style
• Quality
• Connection

STYLE OF WORK

Imagine walking into a Sabyasachi store and asking for a Manish Malhotra outfit. It’s not going to happen, is it? You’d be lucky if they don’t cordially escort you out of the store.

The hallmark of a great photographer is their uncompromising style. It is evident throughout their work, and consistently shows up in everything they do. Even in the way they present themselves and talk to their clients.

Don’t engage a photographer if they don’t suit your style. And more importantly, don’t ask them to deliver someone else’s. They are unique, and hire them for what they have to offer.

Asking Salman to act like Shahrukh will result in a very bad movie.

QUALITY OVER QUANTITY. ANY DAY.

What would you choose?

A photographer who can deliver 3,000 photos, 10 of which you would consider sharing with your friends and family.

Or a photographer who delivers 700 photos, 200 of which you would happily showcase around your house and share with your loved ones.

Great photographers capture moments and create memories. They are passionate about the quality of work they deliver, and take pride in their service.

They may compromise on the quantity, but never on their quality.

In fact, a great tip is to ask them to show you a full gallery from a specific wedding. If they take pride in their work, they will not hesitate to present this to you.

CONNECT AND ENGAGE.

 A photographer’s style and quality ensures your expectations are met with their deliverables. But if he or she gets on your nerves, you may never get to the end product.

There is great vulnerability and intimacy in allowing a photographer to enter your private space. To be in the same room when you are getting ready. To be in a close space with your partner. Trusting them with what will be a once-in-a-lifetime moment for you and your family.

None of this happens without a connection. Don’t think that you are hiring a photographer and their services. Think as if you are asking a close friend to be a part of your intimate ceremony.

When you meet and speak with the photographer, you will get a feel for whether you would allow them to be a part of your family or not. If you can’t build a connection, don’t force yourself to hire them.

Meet. Phone. Facetime. WhatsApp. But engage with them.

Don’t get blown away by a photographer’s Instagram images only to be later blown away by their total lack of respect for your friends and family.

Remember, uncompromising style, great quality and intimate connection are the three characteristics that make a great photographer. Don’t settle for just good.

Feel free to go through our work and if our wedding photography style is what you’re looking for, drop us a message here.