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Every couple wants to remember the day they said their “I do’s.”
From the bride’s grand entrance, the groom’s teary-eyed first look, the festive lights and atmosphere, the bursting laughter at the reception, down to the small heartfelt details of the day — these are the moments that you will always want to relive.
Working with an excellent wedding photographer and videographer is key to capturing all of these fleeting moments.
You might get overwhelmed by the myriad of options when choosing a wedding photographer and videographer, but don’t fret! In this post, we narrow down the top qualities of the ideal wedding photo and video team just for you:
What to look for in a wedding photographer and videographer
1. They make you feel comfortable
Choose a wedding photo and video team that will make you feel at ease at every click. This might be a no-brainer, but not all photographers or videographers have the kind of warmth (think of your graduation or passport photos) that lets you shake off those jumpy nerves in front of the lens.
The ideal photographer will make your shoot so fun and carefree, you’d forget you were there for the photos in the first place! When you feel natural and calm on your engagement and wedding shoots, your photo and video team will have a lot to do with it.
Pro tip: Get to know your team before getting them on board. A simple Zoom call is a great way to get in touch and check the vibe.
2. They’re professionals in their field
It’s not just about their equipment, training, and editing skills. Your photo and video team should be ultimate pros when it comes to weddings.
They will come in on time, dress well during the event, and respond promptly to your requests. They will make you feel at ease when giving instructions to get those perfect shots and angles.
When they encounter challenges on your big day — you probably won’t even know it because your team will have a Plan B, Plan C, and Plan D in their back pocket. Truly professional wedding photographers and videographers use their experience and skills to give you a fuss-free event that you and your loved ones will remember for years to come.
3. They’re great communicators
Choose a wedding photography and videography team that knows how to clearly communicate their ideas. Your team should be eager to help you achieve your vision, listening well to your input and asking you the right questions to get there.
When something might be out of scope, they’ll be honest with you and tell you what works best. They know how to gently push back and offer better solutions when needed.
Plus, they’re great at directing you in poses without making you feel self-conscious. They can command an audience with their presence while being polite and fun. In short, they’re your collaborators in making your dream wedding come true.
Learn more: What to expect when you work with Rainbowfish
4. They’ve got the experience
Trust that your team knows their way around these events and has developed skills that allow them to capture great photos. After all, that’s what they always do.
Among all your vendors, you’ll be spending the most time with your photo and video team. In a way, they should feel like your best friends during your big day. But even better, they’re best friends who:
- coordinates well with your wedding planner
- knows behind-the-scene stuff like wedding photography policies of churches or venues
- is familiar with the best spots in a certain place
- knows how to plan for the day (getting that majestic sunset backdrop didn’t happen by accident you know)
- blends into the crowd, producing candid moments and genuine emotions
5. They have a creative style that matches your vision
We’re sure you have a concept in mind about what your photos or videos would look like.
Most services provide couples with templates and themes to choose from. Movie-inspired? Beach-themed? Boho-style camping in the woods kind of aesthetic, yes? Take note that photographers have specialties. It would be easier for you to book one whose portfolio resonates well with what you’re going for.
For example, here at Rainbowfish, we love capturing natural and candid shots with a journalistic approach. While it’s always fun to experiment with your wedding photos and videos, we understand that our clients are not overnight supermodels—they’re real people. So if you’re not really into modeling, no worries—you do you!
If you love natural photos that capture moments and intimate details, we might be your best bet.
Check it out: Our clients at their happiest
6. They’re natural storytellers
Weddings happen in a blur. One moment you’re putting makeup on and the next thing you know, you’re unwrapping gifts and eating cake. The ideal team should be able to think on their feet and have that natural instinct to anticipate moments before they happen.
They know how to begin and end a story well. While they’re organized pros who plan out the day, they also know when to follow their gut to capture a moment for you to look fondly later on.
Lastly, they use a journalistic approach and know which moments to highlight while also giving attention to small details that others might miss.
7. They’re familiar with the locale
So you’re eyeing this particular service but aren’t quite sure if they’re up for a climb to the mountains or a long trip to the best white-sand beaches.
Choose the team that’s already familiar with the locale of your dream wedding destination. It’s easier to navigate a place when your photographers are experts with the location, the people, the best prices, and even the best food around.
With Rainbowfish’s knowledge and experience with many wedding destinations in Cebu, all around the Philippines, and New York, our team of talented Filipino photographers and videographers will make sure to make that dream wedding come true.
Check it out: An Asian Fusion New York Wedding
8. They’re transparent with the pricing
Investing in a good photography service for your wedding takes a part of the overall wedding budget—so do hair and makeup, transportation, and catering stuff. Don’t hesitate to ask and make sure that there are no hidden fees for the services you avail of.
Here are the things you should ask your team:
- What are their published rates?
- Do they have packages? What are the inclusions? (Think: prenuptial shoot, full wedding coverage, same-day edit, digital copies, album prints, and the like)
- How many photographers/videographers will work with you?
- Do you have to shoulder food and transportation?
- When will you receive the photos/videos?
When your team clearly outlines expectations and deliverables with you, you’re in good hands.
Interested in working with us? Here’s a quick look at our rates and FAQs.
9. They have great reviews
Always check customer reviews before buying a product or service. Most Filipino photographers and videographers have online platforms to show off their work and attract clientele.
So before you book your photo/video services, make sure to check out their portfolios, read other couples’ reviews, and maybe even ask some of your friends about their experiences working with them. Great reviews mean they offer high-quality services and have satisfied clients.
We don’t want to toot our own horn but here’s what our lovely couples have to say about us.
Tips for choosing the best photographer/videographer
Talk with them beforehand
It’s best to communicate with your prospective photographers/videographers before booking them. Tell them how you envision your wedding day—the color palette, scenery, lighting, music, desired shots and angles, transitions for video editing—just about everything that visually creates the story you want to tell.
Connect through their social media platforms, send them an inquiry on their websites, or better yet, hop on a quick video call to really get to know each other and share your ideas away.
When you communicate your expectations, your photo and video team will do their best to keep you all smiles on your wedding day.
Check out their photo albums, not just their highlight reels
Browse through their portfolios on their websites and check out their social media presence. Of course, photographers would put their best foot forward and showcase their greatest works. But you can take it up a notch by observing the following:
- How do they handle low-light scenes?
- Do they over-manipulate their images?
- Do they specialize in black and white images?
- Are they good at close-ups?
- Do the video transitions remind you of a class presentation? We’re kidding (but it’s possible if you hired your “camera-savvy” cousin who got his DSLR for Christmas).
You can also check their previous clients’ published photos, for example. If their creative style and specialty feels right up your alley, then you’ve found your ideal team.
Read the reviews
Read like you’re reading your online shopping reviews—yes, the ones that keep you up all night before Adding to Cart. If you can do that for your shopping list, you can do better reading for your wedding photos and videos.
Do your research and check what their previous clients have to say about them. Take advantage of your access to the internet by reading reviews from their website and from other trusted platforms, too.
Try booking an engagement or portrait shoot first
If you’re really particular about what your images will look like, try to book an engagement photoshoot with your photographer first.
That way, you’ll get to know them beyond their portfolios, work with them firsthand, and see for yourself if they’re worth a shot for your big day.
Your initial interaction will help you get rid of any awkward vibe between you and your photographer. If you feel comfortable (or uncomfortable) with them, it will surely show in your photos. You don’t want to see awkward smiles and poses on your photo album years from now, right?
Did you find what you were looking for?
Documenting your life’s milestones is truly an investment. It’s not every day you get to see all of your loved ones in one place enjoying everyone’s presence, celebrating a union that will last a lifetime. Preserve that moment, preserve that love—only with the best photos and reels.
If you found what you were looking for with us here at Rainbowfish, don’t hesitate to let us know how we can turn your vision into a reality.