How To Spot A Professional Wedding Photographer in Brisbane
Whenever I meet couples, one of the things they always ask me how to spot a professional wedding photographer in Brisbane. As not many people know how to spot a professional wedding photographer, I thought I’d put together a list of some things I believe are “must haves” when booking a wedding photographer.
Accreditation Means Professional
In an unregulated industry, it’s hard for people to decipher who’s a professional wedding photographer and who’s an amateur with a fancy camera. Look for this logo
This logo means your photographer’s work is awesome! Their work has been assessed by a panel of experts and they have been deemed of professional standard. Sure, there are fabulous photographers who are not members of the AIPP but looking for this logo is the quickest way to know your photographer is a professional who will give you professional service and quality photographs.
Professional Photographers Have Insurances
ALL professional photographers will have appropriate insurances. Do not be afraid to ask this question. If the photographer seems slightly confused by this question, you should be concerned. All professionals who run a legitimate business would have their insurances up-to-date to cover themselves and their clients. THIS is important!
Professional Equipment
How much equipment do they have? Again, ask this question. I personally have a suitcase of equipment that comes to EVERY SINGLE wedding I shoot. I have multiple cameras, multiple lenses and flashes, bags of batteries and loads of memory cards. Because what happens if one fails? There are NO second chances with wedding photography & at some point, something will break. It was just a few months ago my favourite lens stopped working. Did I panic? No. I just grabbed another lens & kept on going.
If your wedding photographer doesn’t have back-up gear, forget it. This is a non-negotiable issue for me.
Pay For A Professional Wedding Photographer – Brisbane
As with all things in life, we all have budgets. And I get it, I really do, but please don’t let money be the only factor when choosing your photographer. Most professionals are highly skilled in the wedding industry, run a legitimate business and have all the expenses that go with it. Wedding photography is an investment. You will have these photos forever. If you can book a cheap photographer, what are you really getting? It’s likely you’re getting a hobbyist who knows little about photographing weddings. They’re unlikely to have back-up equipment for emergencies. There are no ‘do-overs’ for your wedding so book a professional wedding photographer to capture the most important day of your life.
LOVE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER!
Well, at least like them a whole lot! We get to spend the whole day with you so you need to make sure you’re going to have fun! And not every photographer/client relationship is the right fit. So sit down, pick up the phone, have a chat and get to know each other before the day. Connection is important so find a photographer who feels like a friend. Find out more about your wedding experience with me, here.
Ask Questions
There are no stupid questions. It’s your wedding day and you need to know how it’s going to run on the day. A professional wedding photographer will help make your day run smoothly. We are there to work for you so your day is amazing. Don’t be afraid ask.
What’s Included?
Always ask what’s included. Many photographers have different ways of designing their wedding packages and collections. There are many alternatives so please make sure you know what you’re getting. Check out some of my amazing products here.
Alison Cooke Photography
Alison Cooke Photography is an award-winning Professional Wedding photographer in Brisbane. So if you’re looking for a wedding photographer I’d love to hear from you! I have photographed over 600 weddings during my 20 years in the wedding industry. I love weddings! My approach to your wedding day will be fun, creative and of course, professional.
I am an award-winning member of the AIPP. So if you’re looking for an awesome photographer please give me a call on 0418 882 778 or get in touch here.
Check out more fabulous wedding photographs here
