Your wedding photographs will be amongst the most cherished keepsakes for life. Naturally, you wouldn’t want to look back on your most important day with disappointment. And while choosing the right photographer may seem daunting or a diversion, it still is an important decision you must make.
Your wedding deserves to be eternalised by someone who understands your vision and elevates those special moments in style. To simplify the selection process for you, we have created this guide to choosing the perfect wedding photographer Dublin for your big day.
Start With Selecting a Venue
First things first – narrowing down on your wedding venue. Your venue will play a big factor in choosing a photographer who suits your style. Once your wedding destination is sorted, the next step is to book a photographer early, possibly months or even a year in advance, to ensure availability.
Understand Your Preferred Style & Vision
Wedding photographers have contrasting styles, which is why it’s important to look at their portfolios and find similarities with your vision. Do research online to find the style of photography that appeals to you the most. Do you like the vintage look, or are you more of a contemporary person? Do you want natural shots displaying raw emotions or poses with a natural backdrop?
You can create a Pinterest board with all the images you like to get a better understanding of your needs. Once you identify your perfect style, shortlist photographers who meet your criteria.
Obtain Recommendations From Friends & Family
Friends, family, and colleagues who have married recently are in a great position to give you recommendations. Ask for their feedback on their wedding photographer and see their photos to determine if the imagery suits your style. While Google can return a whole list of options, word of mouth and first-hand experiences are still the best way to get a reliable photographer.
Set up an In-Person Meeting
With your final list of options ready, establish contact with them to check availability. Once confirmed, prepare a list of questions and meet them face-to-face. Make a list of questions like:
- What is your background?
- How many photographers do you have on your team?
- Do you have a wedding portfolio?
- What is included in your wedding photography package?
- Are there additional costs apart from your package?
- What will you cover on the day of the wedding?
- How long till we receive our photos?
- Have you worked at our venue before?
- What is your cancellation & refund policy?
Know the Costs Involved
Cost is one of the foremost factors that will influence your decision-making process of choosing a wedding photographer. Some photographers offer package deals, while others charge an hourly rate. Ensure whether their package includes charges for albums, digital pictures, and high-res images. Ask how many photographers will be at the venue and where they will take the photos. Preparing an itinerary for the day will give you clarity on what to expect and what you are paying for.
Go With Your Gut-Feeling
With all the information in hand, it’s time to trust your instincts and make a decision. Do you like their photography style? Are you comfortable with their overall personality? Can you visualise them covering your wedding and turning stills into artwork? If the answer to these questions is yes, then congratulations. You have found your dream wedding photographer.
Let’s Cover Your Special Day
Bluebird Studio is a team of wedding photographers & cinematographers who are passionate about turning wedding memories into family heirlooms for generations to witness. We are based in Dublin but shoot weddings all across Ireland.
To learn more about our photography styles and past creations, we welcome you to explore our portfolio page. Contact us to enquire about availability & packages.
