There are so many wedding photographers available throughout every province in South Africa, which means it can be a hard task to choose one that’s just right for you. We have asked Geoff Redman, an experienced KZN wedding photographer, to share a few useful tips with us – both when it comes to selecting your wedding photographer and what to discuss with him once hired. Keep the following practical wedding photography tips in mind when it’s your turn to plan and arrange every part of your upcoming wedding day.

1. Look for quality of work
   A great photographer stands out with the quality of his product, not necessarily by the price of his package. Take a good, careful look at your wedding photographer’s photos and a range or gallery of images from one wedding. Choose the one that speaks to you.
   
   
2. Choose somebody you feel comfortable with
   Essentially this is your day and the photographer is there to document and photograph it for you. Make sure you are happy with your wedding photographer’s manner and that you are both clear about the style of pictures you require.
   
   
3. Look for wedding photography experience
   Look for somebody who is passionate about wedding photography and is experienced enough to keep you at ease on a big day that can sometimes be very stressful.
   
   
4. Look for variety in a wedding photography portfolio
   The weather and location of your wedding play an integral role in the look of your pictures and the memory of your big day. When looking at a potential wedding photographer’s portfolio, check if he has shot and created memorable photographs in a variety of weather conditions and locations.
   
   
5. Check for photographic study and training
   In a day and age when most people have digital cameras, it is important for the person behind the lens to have some training in order to be able to deal with possible tricky lighting conditions and still manage to produce professional results.

TIPS ON WHAT TO DISCUSS WITH YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER

1. The style of your pictures
   There are two main styles when it comes to wedding photography. The first is a photo-journalistic type approach which documents the day as it progresses - catching the moments as they unfold. It’s an unobtrusive shoot and is classically not posed. In this case the photographer has to be really attentive to events and pre-empt them to capture them successfully and well composed. The other style is a constantly posed approach that is classical and accurate - documenting events step by step and making sure that each picture tells a story of that particular part of the day's events. The best approach is actually a good mix of both: telling the story of your wedding day, but also not leaving out anybody or part of the experience.
   
   
2. The location and time of day
   Make sure that you and the photographer are on the same page with locations/addresses and times. This is important for the location shoot and timing of light for your wedding day. Generally middle of the day sunlight here in sunny South Africa is harsh and will cast unflattering shadows on faces unless carefully photographed in shaded areas or with careful fill-in flash or reflectors controlling of the light available. Most of the time a location shoot in the last hour and a half before sunset gives a variety of changing light and very flattering conditions for wedding/people photography.
   
   
3. Have a schedule estimate of the day
   From makeup to garter throwing and dancing, make a schedule estimate of the day. Include in this a rough break down of shots you have in mind of relatives or special events happening – for your photographer to keep in mind and look out for.
   
   
4. The final product
   An album or a photobook; what is it that you are after? Choose something that will last and stand the test of time. Make sure your wedding photographer will be using a professional lab which has the latest and best materials available. Also makes sure your photographer will be using good equipment that can produce professional results.
   
   
5. The whole truth and nothing but the truth
   Make sure you are dealing with a reputable wedding photographer. Check referrals, the setup of his website and look out for indications that say he has your best interests at heart and is there to produce the best pictures he possibly can on your big day.

MORE POINTS TO PONDER

• Speak to Friends
  Speak to friends who have recently got married about their wedding photographer. Ask what they liked and didn’t like about the photos, the album or even just the way the photographer worked on the day. Ask friends how many pictures the photographer took and whether that was sufficient. You will then at least have an idea of the number of pictures you would like when you speak to your photographer. Also chat to him/her about the number of colour photos, black and white as well as sepia photos that you would like.
  
  
• Album Compilation
  Ask to see sample Albums that the photographer has compiled. The pictures might be good but make sure the compilation of the album is just as good.
  
  
• Photos any time of day
  Ask to see photos that were taken at a similar time of day to your own wedding. This will allow you to see whether the photographer is brilliant at any time of day or just okay at a certain time of day. Bear in mind that the best time for photos in terms of light, is during the early morning or late afternoon.
  
  
• Avoid over-editing
  Make sure that if your wedding photographer uses a digital camera that he/she doesn’t over-edit the photos afterwards to such an extent that the photos look unnatural and/or unrealistic
  
  
• Read the contract carefully
  Be careful that the photographer you book is the photographer you are sent. Some well-known photographers own big studios and have contracts that stipulate that they can send any photographer that is available to photograph your wedding. Make sure to ask about this before signing any contracts. Also, some photographers may stipulate that they have the exclusive right to photograph your wedding – this means that no one else can take any photos. Whilst this is not common, make sure to ask about it before signing anything.
  
  
• Keep the originals
  Ask the photographer whether the package price includes the negatives or the originals on disk (if digital) as well the prints. Some photographers only give you the printed photos, no negatives or originals on disk, and will make you pay every time you want a picture printed. If the package only includes printed photos and the album, make sure that the photographer keeps the originals on file and in a safe place.
  
  
• Share with friends
  Following the wedding, friends and family may want to purchase some pictures of the event. Ask your photographer if guests can order photos online and get the prints sent directly to them. This is much simpler and easier than organizing pictures for everyone. You can email guests a link to the photographers website.
  
  
• Take care of your album
  High-Quality albums can be expensive and your photographer should know the best album to get. If you are going to buy your own, which may work out slightly cheaper, make sure it says "acid-free" on the label. Cheap albums are not worth putting pictures into as they can destroy the pictures over time.
  
  
• Rainy Weather
  Don’t get disappointed if it rains on your wedding day - Rain can actually make for some beautiful wedding photos, just make sure that the photographer has some back-up props if this does happen. Huge black umbrellas or rain boots can look stunning, especially if shot in black and white.