How to choose your wedding photographer?

Wedding photos and wedding rings are the only tangible memories that last a lifetime. So the question is crucial: who should be entrusted with the mission of bearing witness to your day? Who's going to capture the most precious moments and deliver you the finest photos, either in a book or as a high-end print?

Choosing your photographer / Step 1: Define your budget and visit the websites

Budget, quality and style

First and foremost, of course, budget is often the first criterion. That said, the quality of your photographer, the uniqueness of his or her vision and style should be your main concerns at this stage. Thanks to the Internet, you can make your first selection: a professional photographer will always have a website, a showcase for his or her work.

Choosing your photographer / Step 2: Meet the photographer

Human qualities

But a wedding photographer 's job is more than just taking photos with the right equipment, the right angle or the best composition. It goes far beyond that! As early as the first pre-wedding interview (between 1 year and 6 months before the wedding), your photographer's human qualities need to be assessed. Is he smiling? Do you feel at ease with him/her? Does he listen to you? Would you like him to be by your side to bear witness to your special day? Will he be able to help you organize your wedding? And will he share his advice with you, so that you can benefit from his experience? Above all, do you want to trust him or her? The human and relational qualities of a professional photographer will enable you to prepare and experience your wedding in the most serene conditions.

D-Day services

On the big day, you may want a photo-call or photo-booth, or even a selfie box with accessories. Can the photographer arrange this for you? And if you want a cameraman or a second shooter, does he have the network of professionals to offer you one?

Finally, the most important service associated with a wedding is the publication of books and art prints to safeguard your most beautiful memories. The photographer's offer should also be compared from this point of view.

Its equipment

Professional equipment also guarantees the best shooting conditions. Professional photographers are equipped with a wide range of lenses, including fixed focal lengths, zooms, wide-angle and/or telephoto lenses. He carries reflex cameras (often two reflex cameras on the day) and flashes. On the day of your wedding, he knows exactly what to put in his bag, so as not to miss any important moment of your day. No matter what the shooting conditions, he'll make sure your photos are of the highest quality. For each moment, the professional photographer selects from his equipment the most appropriate material for the situation, to ensure optimum quality and the most beautiful photos.

Choosing your photographer / Step 3: Book your wedding photographer

In conclusion, if you like the photos presented on the website, if the feeling is there from your first meeting and if the photographer is within your budget, then don't hesitate! The sooner you contact him, the better his report will be, because you'll have taken the time to get to know each other better. You'll feel more at ease on the big day. The last thing you need to know is that photographers raise their prices (a little) every year. So don't delay getting in touch and signing the contract - you'll benefit from lower rates than those who wait until the last minute.