They say a picture tells a thousand words and that’s never truer than when it comes to your wedding photography. So, it’s important to give due consideration to choosing your photographer, even if you are one of the many who dislike having their picture taken. You’ll want to look back on your wedding day with fondness, laughter and love.
Image: Nikki Kirk Photography
I sat down with a cuppa to chat to award-winning wedding photographer Nikki Kirk of Nikki Kirk Photography to get the low-down on why she loves weddings and what you should consider when choosing that someone to capture your all-important day.
Hello Nikki and welcome to the Eucalyptus Wedding Blog! Can you tell us how long have you been shooting weddings?
I’ve been photographing weddings for nearly a decade and I still get excited and emotional at every single one!
What do you love most about being a wedding photographer?
For me its working with and getting to know my couples. Even now I can remember everyone’s names going back nearly 10 years when I see a photograph. I really do have a photographic memory!
Image: Nikki Kirk Photography
What has been your wedding photography highlight and why?
Oh my goodness there are so many! One that sticks out though is the wedding of Laura and Karl a few years ago. Karl had been very poorly and so their original wedding date in the UK had to be moved. I then had a call asking me if I would go to Malta with them for their rescheduled wedding! It wasn’t the location that’s the highlight (although the walled city of Mdina was spectacular!). It was that they wanted me to go because they felt comfortable with me, trusted me 100% and didn’t want anyone else to take their wedding photographs even though it almost doubled the cost! What an honour and what a whirlwind of a weekend!
Image: Nikki Kirk Photography
When should couples look to book their photographer?
There’s no set time to booking your photographer but the earlier the better to ensure that you get the photographer you want. For example, May 30th this year (pre-lockdown!) I could have booked that date 10 times over!
In your view, what are the top things couples should consider when choosing their wedding photographer?
There are a couple of things to consider. Firstly, how much do you value photography?
I value photography and believe in the value of what I do and my couples believe in this too. I put 100% into my work.
Secondly, meet your photographer or at least have a conversation with them over the telephone. I never take a booking without at the very least a detailed conversation or a face to face meeting. I don’t just rock up with my cameras and snap away!
You will spend a lot of time with your photographer on your wedding day so it’s important that you get along with them. This works both ways! I get to know my couples well beforehand so that we have a great relationship built on mutual understanding and trust. Photography is about relationships and the more rounded the relationship between you and your photographer the better your photography will be.
“But I hate having my photo taken” – what advice do you have for couples like this?
Everyone does, this is something I hear from everyone I work with without exception. However, having your photograph taken by a professional photographer who understands lighting and posing is a very different experience. For example, with just a simple pose I can take 10lbs off a client if that’s what they want!
Image: Nikki Kirk Photography
The cost of wedding photography varies quite significantly, what should couples keep in mind when looking at the cost of a photographer?
Every couple is unique and so you need to work out what your priorities are when it comes to your wedding. For some people it’s the photography yet for others it’s the venue or the food.
If photography is a priority for you then I’m a good match! I truly believe in the value of the service I provide.
As with most things in life you definitely get what you pay for when it comes to photography. When you are paying for wedding photography as well as paying for the photographers time on the day you are also paying for the cost of their kit (mine runs into tens of thousands), insurance, editing time, the computer and software they edit on/with, training and the years and years of experience. The difference between a professional photographer and an amateur photographer is that a professional photographer will consistently deliver perfect images time after time after time, not just the odd lucky shot!
Image: Nikki Kirk Photography
And finally, what’s your biggest tip for couples on the day of their wedding?
Trust your hand-picked team. You picked us for a reason and we’re here to support and guide you through your wedding day, as well as doing our jobs!
So there you have it, some expert advice to help you when choosing your wedding photographer.
Happy planning!
Gem xx