Expert Interview with Photographer Katie Goff
Choosing the right wedding photographer is such an important decision - after all these images will last a lifetime. With this in mind, we asked Katie Goff, a fabulous wedding photographer based in Cornwall, what her top tips are for choosing the right person to capture your special day. Thank you, Katie, and for the beautiful images from Marina and Lewis’s wedding at Camel Studio last summer.
What are your top 5 tips for selecting a Wedding Photographer?
First of all, choose your wedding photographic style. What is it that really draws you to look at certain wedding pictures that you really like and what style of photos do you feel would best suit your personality? Is it that the photography is creative/ fine art styled and you like the idea of venturing off for some creative couple portraits? Or perhaps, you are more drawn to documentary/reportage for a more fly-on-the-wall style. Photography like any art form is very subjective, so it’s really important you pick a style that you and your fiancé can picture being a part of. Some photographers, like myself, don’t necessarily stick to one particular category (fine art photography and also a mixture of documentary-style images) and can be flexible with how they shoot their couples.
Choose a photographer that you really connect with
I can’t express how important it is to choose a photographer with a personality that you feel comfortable with. If you’re camera shy, it’ll be so important for you to choose a photographer that you connect with so you can share your special day and intimate moments, allowing the photographer to capture relaxed and natural wedding photos.
Make sure you meet your photographer
It is so important to get to know a photographer before you consider booking and to allow time to ask them any questions you may have. I always advise my wedding couples to book a zoom call with me so we can get to know one another and discuss all the important things about their big day. This way I can also help my couples choose the right coverage package to suit their wedding day. And don’t forget that we are packed full of useful advice and information with experiencing so many weddings which is really helpful to make your wedding day run as smoothly as possible.
Read photographers reviews
Let’s face it, who doesn’t like choosing a product based on its reviews? I know I certainly do. It's one of the best ways to really know how connected they were with their couples and gives you trust in what your photographer will deliver.
Book your photographer as soon as possible
Don’t delay booking the photographer you’ve fallen in love with. Wedding photographers can get booked up to a year or more in advance and most photographers will book in on a first come first served basis.
What happens if it rains on my day?
Don’t let a rainy forecast put you off having the best day and getting out for your wedding photos. In fact, rainy and moody wedding photos can look even more romantic! If it’s forecasted to rain, I always advise my couples to bring a spare pair of shoes (or wellies) and a few clear umbrellas so we can comfortably go out in the rain without getting soaked for some lovely photos. A good photographer won’t be put off by shooting in the rain and will have lots of ideas on how to get some great shots. Plus whilst it’s raining, the light is soft on the skin and can create some beautiful lighting for photos.
It’s always important to have a plan B should there be a downpour. Perhaps you could move your group and couples photos to a different time for when the forecast is due to clear? Or is there a nice space inside the venue you could use if it’s too wet or cold to get everyone outdoors? I always bring a flash with me should it be dark inside a venue.
What would be your recommendation for group shots?
Create a group shot list to hand to your photographer.
When you’ve booked with your wedding photographer, they will likely ask you to create a group shot list for your wedding day. We ask for this to make your group photos run as smoothly and as quickly as possible so your guests aren’t waiting around for too long, plus it’s helpful for us as we won’t know who all of your guests are.
Don’t make your group list too long
Ideally choosing around 12 group shots at the most is best. Don’t forget that we’ll be taking candid shots of your guests throughout the day, and when I get the time I often ask guests if they would like a candid group shot together.
Plan time aside for your group shots
Your wedding day is only happening once, and it’s not often that you have all of your family and friends at one occasion so make sure that you don’t miss out on the group photos that you and your family/friends will cherish forever. I would recommend allocating around 30-45 minutes aside to comfortably get all your group shots done without having to be stressed and rushed.
Have fun!
Don’t be afraid to make sure you are having fun in the photos and not looking too stiff, your photographer will guide you with positioning and location for the best photo and will make it as fun as possible.
Would you recommend going off site for couple photos?
As a wedding photographer, I really pride myself with getting creative with my couples’ portraits. Whether that is something more styled or not at all posed. I highly recommend allocating around 30 minutes for your couple portraits and to consider where you would like your portraits to be. Camel Studio has a gorgeous small woodland and the Camel River is right on their doorstep and will give more variety to your wedding photos. Have a discussion with your photographer of where they recommend for locations off site that suits your style to wander off for some couple portraits. Don’t forget to factor in extra time for travel and how you will travel there. I often hear from my wedding couples that they really appreciate the quiet time with just themselves away from their wedding guests, plus it will likely help make you feel more comfortable not having other people watching.
How many hours should I book my photographer and what are the best things to consider?
Before speaking to your wedding photographer, it’s really important to have a chat with your fiancé about what you would both like to capture from your wedding day. And again, remember that your wedding pictures are ever-lasting memories. Would you really like to have the candid moments and emotions of the morning preparation and detailing? Or perhaps you are more interested in capturing the evening party in full flow, or both? Some couples might choose to only have a small part of their day captured and sometimes budget can factor into what package you choose. If you are having a smaller more intimate wedding, a shorter coverage booking might be more suitable for you. Have a chat with your photographer about your wedding plans and timeline and they will be able to guide you with how many hours coverage you will need to capture everything you want on your wedding day. My packages range from a 2 hour booking up to a full days coverage.
Photographer and words: Katie Goff Photography