Page 160 - Layout 1

HOW TO CHOOSE THE PERFECTWEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERDarren Forde is a professional wedding photographer based in Cork who captures weddings in a natural and creative style. You can see his work at www.darrenforde.ie.Here he offers his top three tips to help you choose the perfect wedding photographer.The decision has been made, your family and friends are delighted, so on to the all important task of planning your big day. A day to remember forever. Choosingthe perfect dress, venue, date and theme, how many bridesmaids, who will give you away, the honeymoon and all the other exciting things: these all have tobe planned and decided upon. It is vital thereforeto have the perfect photographer to record all those moments for you to gaze at and remember throughout your future years. The best professional wedding photographers book their schedules a year or more in advance, so finding the right photographer is one of the first things you should do after you’ve set the date.Decide on a Style andStart Searching ImmediatelyGet online and start searching for wedding photographers who match your style. A good tip isto search for your preferred style of photography e.g. “natural and creative wedding photography” or “(Your venue) wedding photography” to see images from weddings that match your style or location. Create a shortlist of photographers who you know or have been recommended, search online for a few more and callor email them to determine their availability. Two or three will probably emerge as your favourites, so set up appointments to meet them and discuss your options. Style is one of the few areas where photographers can differentiate themselves these days. You may prefer traditional set pieces more focussed on portraits and groups (think of your parents’ wedding album) or you may prefer a more natural, creative, documentary-style coverage, or perhaps a combination of both. As your photographer my job is to reflect your unique style and preferences for your special day.Pick a PersonalityYour photographer is the one person who is with you throughout the day. It goes without saying then that you should choose someone who you can relate to and get on with. The photographer has a very important role on your wedding day and will oftenbe found choreographing various aspects of the ceremony or preparations, so it is essential that they are experienced and are on top of their game. They should be confident and relaxed, help you enjoy the day and, most importantly, they should be friendly towards your guests and family yet bold enough to seek out beautiful pictures. The important thing on the day is that you, your family and guests are there to enjoy this wonderful occasion. Being able to place your trust in your chosen photographer is but one very important way of planning for a happy day.Value vs PriceIt is important to differentiate between value and price. Some packages may seem far cheaper than othersbut there is more than just price to consider. Are the albums made to a high-quality that will last a lifetime? Does the photographer use reliable gear that won’tlet you down on the day? How will your pictures be delivered? Do you get high-resolution images andwhat usage rights do you have? How long does it take to get the pictures and is the pricing structure clearand transparent? Are they a master of their art and, equally importantly, enthusiastic about their work?Will they plan every aspect of the shoot and not just turn up and hope to get lucky? Will they capture that unexpected moment of laughter or tears? These are important considerations, as once the day is done and the excitement fades, your pictures will live on and form the memories you have of your wedding day. If none of these things matter to you, then price is probably your first consideration. However, the best photographers are rarely the cheapest. They are in demand because people seek them out. Equally, they are the ones who work the hardest and produce the best images.To sum up, choosing the right wedding photographer is like choosing the right dress. There are simply hundreds to choose from but you know it when you see it.Your photographs are the most enduring part of your wedding so go with your heart and invest in quality. Do your research, book early and, most importantly, when it comes to the big day, relax and enjoy the moment.The wedding journey160 Cork 2016