What makes a good Wedding Photographer, and why do you need one

With the wedding season finally here, I asked Nigel Auckland of BifsPix Photography what makes a good Wedding Photographer, and more importantly, why you need one

"It is probably easier to answer these questions in the reverse order, as why a Good Wedding Photographer is needed will dictate a lot of the facets that make a Good Wedding Photographer.

Why won’t just any photographer do?

A Wedding, or Civil Ceremony is an event that cannot be repeated. If the images obtained on the day are not right for whatever reason then the opportunity is lost. It might be possible to get some at a later date but to gather all the guests again in the same places would be expensive and very very difficult. It is very necessary to have a competent photographer, able to adapt to the situation and circumstances presented. It might be hoped that perfect weather would be the order of the day. If it is then things are easier. However, if the weather is dull or wet then the photographer has to be able to adapt and still get the required images.

Emotions run high at an event of this nature. The Photographer has to be able to get people to do things they are not used to, and might not like; but at the same time not upset anybody. He/She has to be good with people and used to working with groups and crowds and in stressful situations.

Your photographer will need to know exactly what sort of images you want, even if you are not exactly sure yourself. Hence He/She will need to be able to talk to you, establish a rapport, and then make sure he/she gets the images you were not sure you wanted yourself at the outset.

You have to feel comfortable with your photographer, trust him/her, and feel you can tell him/her what you want and not be told by the photographer. If you do not feel comfortable then get another photographer.

So what helps to make a Good Wedding Photographer?

He/She has to be highly competent, and be able to demonstrate this. It should not only be weddings; if he/she can show ability with other subjects then it is likely he/she is adaptable and can cope with different circumstances with confidence.

He/she will have to have a good range of equipment, and that must include two cameras. It is no good your photographer turning up and half way through the day apologizing because his/her camera has broken. A spare must be available. Flash equipment is also imperative as the light may be bad.

You photographer should be happy to visit you and listen to your wants and wishes. He/she will often ask you to get a selection of images form magazines of photographs you like and photographs you do not like. This will help to establish the type of images you want.

He/she should provide you with examples of print and albums for you to look at. The quality of the finished product is very important.

You photographer should establish a relationship with you, a rapport, so you feel comfortable with him/her. Sometimes this may take two visits. Some photographers attend the rehearsal to help build this relationship.

The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and happy with your photographer, and that you feel he/she will not only deliver what you want but be an asset to the day and not a necessary hindrance.

At BifsPix Photography we specialise in providing a personal Wedding and Civil Partnership service, based on building a relationship with the client. By meeting with the client twice before the event and also, where possible, covering the ceremony rehearsal, we aim to build a relationship so as to ensure the clients receive the service and images they require."