Peace of mind

Choosing the right wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions a couple can make. To help we have outlined some tips from our own experience

Do your research
Before you book a photographer, do your homework. Your album and images are one of the few tangible wedding items you'll have after your wedding. You'll also spend a fair amount of time with the photographer on the day, so it's important you feel comfortable with him or her. Ask married friends, browse the web and visit wedding fairs for potential candidates.

Budget properly
Budgeting for a wedding can be a challenge for most couples. Weir Photography have flexible and open pricing so there are no hidden costs. All our wedding packages offer very high standards and good value for money.

Think about styles
Should you have classic, reportage or avant-garde? You will see many styles when doing your homework. Weir Photography embraces all styles to produce a well rounded group of images for your album and CD.

Learn the basics
You don't need to become the next David Bailey but it makes sense to learn a few key points when reviewing potential photographers:

  • Are the sample shots in focus and exposed properly?
  • Has the photographer captured the moment well?
  • Do the people in the photographs look happy?
  • Do the photographs show creativity?
  • Do the photographs capture the details, people & moments from the day?

Book early
The best professional photographers get booked up years in advance for Saturday weddings in the summer months. Weir Photography only take bookings for one wedding a day and these go on a first come first served basis. Through the week and winter weddings offer more availability and hence reduced rates.

Hire a professional
There are many reasons why you should hire a professional and not an amateur. Images from a relatively experienced amateur will never stand up to those created by a professional with years of experience. Asking a friend is not only a risk to your images but can hinder the smooth running of the day and a friendship. They may have good people and technical skills but do they have backup equipment and could they cope in poor weather / lighting conditions?

Digital photography has made it easier for amateurs to shoot a few weddings on the side. This has led to a sharp rise in complaints as they often lack the commitment of a professional who relies on their reputation. The MPA and BIPP are two of the most established professional associations, who require the photographer to qualify by assessment to use their name and logos. For more details see www.mpa.co.uk & www.bipp.co.uk details.

Meet in person
Photography has now become an integral part of most weddings, from morning preparations to the first dance and beyond as opposed to the 1 hour formal session. Your photographer is likely to spend more time with the bride and groom than any other supplier on your day. It is, therefore, very important to choose a photographer you trust & feel comfortable around. You can only really judge this by meeting them in person before booking. Weir Photography offers a free consultation before booking.

Camera shy?
Some couples doubt how photogenic they are. Many of our wedding couples opt for a test shoot a few weeks before their wedding to overcome their fear, get to know us and learn the tips on how to pose confidently. This also provides an opportunity to make a personal guest book from your pre wedding portraits.

Schedule your day
Deciding on a sensible, realistic schedule is the key to a relaxed, stress free wedding. Feel free to draw on our wealth of experience to help you schedule your day. You are the customer and we will always do our very best to accomodate your requests. Your wedding schedule should include any specific photographs you want, and allow time to get groups together and for any travel.

Get the right album
Your album is the one tangible item from your wedding day that you will look at time and time again. It's important to choose the right one otherwise your will look at it and wish you had spent that extra few pounds. Weir Photography has a wide range of albums to suit every taste and with most you get to see the album design before it is printed. A selection of albums are available in the links page.


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