The Essential Guide to Choosing a Wedding Photographer in the UAE

No matter how big or small, planning a wedding is no easy feat, given that there are so many choices to make. One of the most important decisions is to determine who will be behind the camera during your celebrations. To help you make the best selection possible, keep reading for the essential guide to choosing a wedding photographer in the UAE.

1. Brainstorm your ideal style.

As with all types of photography, there is a broad range of styles on offer when it comes to wedding photography. Therefore, before you start researching potential wedding photographers to hire, you want to spend some time brainstorming your ideal style. Treat this as a fun activity and enjoy browsing the Internet, magazines, and other resources for inspiration.

For example, you may want traditional wedding photography, which usually includes classic and posed photographs and requires the photographer to organize and direct many shots. Alternatively, you may prefer a more photojournalistic approach. This style is more informal and has elements of documentary shooting to tell the story of your big day.

Additionally, you may want to include elements of fine art wedding photography that utilizes artistic framing, lighting, composition, and post-production techniques. In order to produce this style of wedding photography, it is recommended that you look for a photographer who is also a fine art photographer in Dubai.

Some couples prefer the look of black and white photos or ones that are shot in natural light without artificial light sources. If you are having a rustic-style wedding, you may prefer vintage wedding photography that evokes feelings of nostalgia. Explore some amazing wedding videography package here. There is no right or wrong choice when it comes to the style of wedding photography you want, so make sure you choose one that works for you on your special day.

2. Conduct your research.

Now that you have settled on the style of photography you desire, it is time to start researching potential wedding photographers. As there are a number of wedding photographers in the UAE, you are guaranteed to find one that works for you.

The best place to start is to ask around your network to see if anyone has any recommendations. If you have recently attended a wedding, or know someone who has used a wedding photographer recently, reach out to them to ask about their experience and what they wish they had considered before they made their decision. You can look Wedding Videographer Miami for better ideas.

In addition to asking people you know, you can also utilize the Internet to be introduced to a broader range of photographers. By looking at local listings and social media sites, you can read previous clients’ reviews and see examples of the photographer’s work. This is the best way to get a sense of the sort of images they produce and their ability to capture the important moments.

Moreover, the design of their website and social media platforms will give you a greater insight into the aesthetics of the photographer, as well as their personality and sensibility. Pay attention to the comments that people leave and how they interact with their followers. All of these aspects will help to paint a detailed picture of their character and professionalism.

3. Schedule interviews.

Once you have created a list of several potential options and checked that they are available for your wedding date, you then want to schedule interviews with each of them. This will give you the opportunity to get to know them better and ask more specific questions about their work and vision for your wedding.

Generally, it is recommended that you schedule interviews with up to five potential photographers to ensure that you find one that matches your personality. Before your meeting, send them over some details about yourself and your partner, as well as your vision for your day. It is often helpful to point out what you like about their photographs and any that have stood out to you while looking through their portfolio.

During the interview, you want to ask the photographer about their style and how they work, as well as their experience shooting weddings similar to yours. By getting some more details regarding their background, you will have a greater understanding of their capabilities and will be more trusting of them on the day.

Don’t forget to ask them practical questions such as their plan if they fall sick that weekend, whether or not they have insurance, how they back-up their photographs, and whether you have any role in the post-production. You may also want to discuss the possibility of an engagement shoot or other events taking place around your wedding.

4. Weigh the pros and cons.

After conducting all your meetings, it is time to make your selection. In many cases, you and your partner will have a gut decision about which photographer is right for your big day. Usually, this stems from a combination of their talent, prior experience, and personality. In fact, it is just as crucial that you like the photographer as a person as it is that you like their work.

If you are having a hard time narrowing down your choices, sit down to make a pros and cons list. On this list, you can write what you like and don’t like about specific candidates, as well as how they fit into your budget.

When it comes to the financial part of your decision, it is crucial that you stay within your price range while also not compromising on quality. The last thing you want is to have sub-par images from one of the most exciting days of your life. After all, your wedding photographer plays a significant role in your big day, so it is not a decision you want to take lightly.

Are you in the process of looking for your wedding photographer? What do you think are the most important aspects to take into consideration? If you have recently used one, what do you wish you had known before deciding? Let us know your thoughts and any relevant insights in the comments below!

AUTHOR BIO

American artist Shea Winter Roggio is a documentary and fine art photographer living in Dubai, UAE. Shea Winter Photography LLC provides documentary, editorial and commercial photography services, along with video, television and film production services, and retails photographic souvenirs such as fine art prints, canvas and frames.