Introduction
Wedding photographer, Clermont Ferrand, portfolio, prices, advice, choice, experience
Choosing the right photographer
Your wedding photos will become your most precious memories of the day.
As soon as you receive them, you'll want to share them with your friends and family.
Like your family photos and heirlooms passed down from generation to generation, they'll become part of your family's heritage, with immense sentimental value.
The wedding photographer will be one of the pillars of your wedding day.
That's why the decision you make when choosing your camera is crucial. It will need to capture the most important moments of the day, always being in the right place and anticipating the next ones.
You'll want someone you can trust and feel comfortable with. Because he'll be by your side all day long.
To help you find the right person for you, follow the guide.
What this article will do for you
It's important to know how to choose the right wedding photographer, so you don't make any faux-pas or feel stressed about the professional you're going to hire.
Why the choice of photographer is crucial
The importance of wedding memories
It's true that in France, the wedding photographer is "generally" not the priority job. But in the United States, where I've photographed weddings (in Washington, Philadelphia, Chicago, Hawaii...), the choice of wedding photographer is a priority. The choice you make will determine how your photographs turn out. And there are no second chances.
On a wedding day, everything is important. From the reception venue (a château, estate or other) to the wedding dress, the caterer, the flowers, the DJ... But what will make your memories sublime is the professional wedding photographer.
I had the opportunity for an English couple to be their wedding photographer with my wife Prisca. I think we were the most elevated position in their entire wedding, as they were married in their country home and in a village hall. There was no caterer. But for them, the most important thing was the memories, the wedding photo reportage. The nicest compliment came from the bride, who cried with joy when she saw her photos.
If you make the right choice, your album will take pride of place in your living room. On the other hand, if you make the wrong choice... you'll tell yourself every day that it was a big mistake. If you base your decision solely on the wedding photographer's price, the only thing you'll be happy about is the price you paid. And that's all there is to it.
Quality and peace of mind come at a price.
The photographer's role in making your big day a success
The Clermont Ferrand wedding photographer will be much more than just a photographer. He'll be able to advise and guide you as you prepare for your wedding. Thanks to his professional experience, he will be able to help you and avoid mistakes. Whether it's a question of decoration, organization, timing, colors to avoid for the evening, etc., he'll be there to help you.
If you've chosen a professional with experience, you'll have peace of mind on your day.
All his advice is just that - advice. You don't have to follow them. But chances are, your wedding photographer has done a lot more weddings than you have. Trust your photographer.
He'll showcase your decorations, your reception venue and your whole day with an artistic eye all his own. Because there are as many different styles as there are wedding photographers. Do you want your photos to be bright, pastel, dark, colorful and fun?
How to evaluate a photographer's portfolio
Clermont-Ferrand and Issoire are packed with photographers. From young professionals to highly experienced wedding photographers. You can also choose from a diverse range of styles and personalities.
To choose a photographer, start by defining the style you like. There may be several. But try to identify the portfolio that suits you best.
Wedding photography styles
Whether you're getting married in Clermont-Ferrand, Lyon, Issoire or elsewhere in France, you'll always find pretty much the same styles. There are several predominant styles, but each photographer has his or her own personal touch. When you hire your professional photographer, you'll be choosing his or her artistic touch.
For simplicity's sake, these are the main ones:
1 Fine Art
An elegant, light, bright style with pastel tones. A style that's very much in evidence on wedding blogs, with a well-organized editorial focus and lots of photos of decor and accessories.
Choose light colors for your wedding.
2 Moody
Very Anglo-Saxon, dark, often dominated by green/brown/brown colors, and sometimes by photo grain. Nature is a central element, with wood, forest, etc. This style is very present in France.
3 Traditional
Often very simple, straightforward shots with no particular artistic flair. Most photographers incorporate a few traditional shots into their reportage, which will appeal to the vast majority and easily stand the test of time. Without a strong artistic touch, they just do the job.
4 Photojournalist
The photographer never interferes with the various moments he photographs. His aim is to capture the moment as it happens. This is how almost all photographers shoot ceremonies.
Some use this style all day long, others at specific times on the big day.
5 Fearless
Its name comes from the famous International Professional Photo Competition. Where only a few photos are rewarded out of tens of thousands sent around the world.
It's a very modern, contrasting style, with strong colors and photos that are at once reportage, fun and artistic. A documentary format where the photographer is very close to the people, giving the photo report an immersive effect.
He also uses flashes with color effects, original and even extravagant points of view, and will attempt photos from space for breathtaking renderings.
In the Clermont-Ferrand and Lyon area, you'll find all these styles. And each wedding photographer exploits them according to his or her own sensibility.
It's important to remember that photo style can have an impact on rates, as the photographer works in a style that's more complicated to master. A photographer with a traditional style will generally be less expensive than a professional with a more complex, artistic style.
Key moments to look for in a portfolio
Now that you know a little more about styles, you can more easily browse portfolios by putting a name to the style of each photographer you find. You'll be able to select photographers according to the style or styles that most appeal to you.
It's all a matter of taste.
When you're on a photographer's website, you can already get an idea of the feel of his or her digital storefront. This is the first key element to check. In fact, a poorly organized site that doesn't appeal to you aesthetically could be a signal. Choose professionals who specialize in this field, and whose portfolio consists mainly of images of weddings and families. A real estate or wildlife photographer won't be familiar with the various key moments. In any case, he won't be as experienced as a specialist.
Browse the Clermont-Ferrand wedding photographer's portfolio, looking at the different moments of the day: the preparations, the ceremonies, the couple's photos, the cocktail party and the evening. Don't hesitate to ask for advice from friends and family, or even from the photographers you contact.
What moments of the day do you want to remember? The preparations? The evening?
If you want him to stay with the first dance, the cake, the dancefloor, then look at his photo rendering at parties. Does he master the light? The flash?
It depends on your tastes, but also on your budget, because the rate will not be the same according to the number of hours of reporting.
Ask to see full reports. Two or three is enough to give you an idea of the regularity and consistency of the quality you're looking for.
Questions to ask at your first appointment
Once you've found a photographer, it's time to meet up. Either in person (at his or her studio/home, at your place or even in a preferably quiet public place) or by Visio. If possible, avoid having children present during the meeting.
Before contacting him, you should be familiar with his portfolio. You should try to see if his style suits your tastes.
Finally, prepare a list of questions to ask him, for peace of mind on the big day. Among the questions you can ask him are: how does he work, how does he approach each wedding, what equipment does he use? Does he have a camera that records on two separate cards, to avoid a memory card bug?
What happens if he's ill?
And of course, what are its rates?
Questions about prices and services
It's the question on everyone's lips. How much does a Clermont Ferrand wedding photographer charge?
The average 8-hour service in France costs around €1,500 - €2,000. Think about the most important moments of the day. And which ones you want to immortalize forever in your album. Some wedding photographers work by the hour, while others work by the event (preparations, ceremony, group photos, couple shooting, cocktail party, evening).
You should also ask if you'd like to have the photos in digital format in High Definition. Some professionals add this as an option, in order to give preference to paper renderings like the album, for example.
What are the travel expenses?
Our services include "engagement" sessions for couples before the wedding, "day after" sessions for couples after the wedding, pre-wedding boudoir sessions, prints, albums, next-day brunch, photobooths and more.
Don't forget that there are often delays during the day. What happens if this happens to you?
Can it exceed the end time?
What are the overtime rates?
If you have a photographer whose photos you absolutely love, but he's too expensive, perhaps you should consider hiring him for just a few hours rather than for the whole day. It's better to have a photographer whose photos you love for a few hours, rather than a cheap photographer who's a photographer-DJ-accordion-caterer-videographer.
Take the restaurant analogy:
Whichever restaurant you choose, you'll eat. Now, between an ordinary restaurant and a Michelin-starred one, the price won't be the same, but above all the experience, taste, quality of fresh produce and know-how of the chef will have absolutely nothing to do with it. Know-how, the artist's touch, years of experience - these are the values you need to put on your side for a successful wedding.
In short, serenity comes at a price.
Choose carefully, because there are no second chances.
I'm surprised that every year I get a few couples who contact me because their wedding photographer has messed up the photos. And they ask me either to retouch the photos (which is impossible), or to do an after-wedding session.
Ask about experience and references
Ask to see complete wedding reports. That way, you'll get a better idea of her expertise over a full day.
How long has he specialized in wedding photography? This will give you an idea of their experience. The photographer may have already worked on the venue where you're getting married. Ask to see images. Ask questions about the different moments of the day, and what it's like there. What are the best locations for a couple's session?
His advice is invaluable.
Look at google reviews. Choose professionals with many positive reviews. Of course, if you have a limited budget, you may hire a young photographer who needs to gain experience and will therefore offer a lower rate.
An experienced photographer, published in magazines or awarded in competitions, is a sure bet. He's recognized by his peers in France, and even internationally. And that's very reassuring.
Mistakes to avoid
Focusing solely on price
Every couple has a different budget, which is not infinitely expandable. So you'll need to choose a photographer who fits your budget. But, because there is a but, don't hesitate to budget a little more than you'd like. It's probably one of the most important factors in the success of your wedding. And keeping precious memories.
Focusing on price is likely to leave you bitter after your wedding. Because by paying a low price, the only thing you'll be satisfied with afterwards will be the price you paid. After all, you paid the price you wanted. But did the result meet your expectations?
Make your list of photographers in order of preference. Keep the ones that roughly match your prices. Make an appointment with the first one, and if the feeling is right, that's it. Take a little less time or try to make a financial effort. Take it from me. Every day, you'll tell yourself that you made the right choice. And that you did the right thing by hiring him without the slightest regret.
The price fades with time. The photos remain.
Ignore reviews and testimonials
After style, price and feel, what really counts are the reviews and testimonials written by customers. There's no better way to consolidate your choice.
Read the testimonials of the bride and groom. Their experience will help you choose the perfect photographer.
Conclusion
Steps to follow
- First, reserve your reception venue.
- Then select one or more photographers to suit your tastes.
- Make sure the budget fits, more or less. Don't hesitate to treat yourself if you fall in love.
- Ask for an appointment in person or by videoconference to see if the feeling is right.
- And if all the boxes are ticked, then don't wait to book it. I have bookings up to two years in advance.
- Book a pre-wedding couple session to get to know each other and see the results! It's a great opportunity to get to know each other better. And you'll feel totally at ease and reassured at your wedding. What's more, during the evening, you can broadcast your couple's session on the big screen. Guaranteed to make an impression!
Invitation to make an appointment for a consultation
Do you like my work? Would you like to get to know me?
So don't wait any longer and send me a message with as many details as possible about you and your day. I love it! It gives me a better idea of who you are and what you're looking forward to.
You'll receive a reply within 48 hours, and a link to reserve a time slot according to your availability. This interview must be with the couple, not just one of them.
