Photographer's qualifications & associations

gadgeteer_2

A question for the brides if I may?

When searching for a photographer for your wedding, how important was it that they were a member of a professional body or had some sort of photography qualification?

The wedding photography market seems to be getting more and more saturated each day and I'm just curious as to if this was something brides considered at all when booking their photographer?

I'm not saying that any qualification or group membership is more important than looking at their portfolio and previous weddings. But just wondering if it was even a factor in consideration?

themull1

I look at reviews, their gallery and take out wedding insurance, i don't look at qualifications etc - has worked ok for me twice before!!

pledgeX

Didn't even consider it. I went through a hundred or so photographers when narrowing mine down. To start with I just looked at price and their portfolio. Once I had a shortlist I started looking up reviews, having a read through their website etc. Once I had a small shortlist I got in contact with them to see which ones I found to be most professional/useful/friendly.

floss2

We went on whether we liked them, felt comfortable with them, liked their work, happy with the price & quality of photography, references from other couples.

cazziebo

Good website which displays their portfolio is more important than qualifications. I wanted someone who would do minimal formal shots, and do more natural photographs.

northern_munky

I'm a wedding photographer as well, done 22 weddings up to now this year and must book 9 out of 10 couples I see. Not one has asked me for quals, good job really, I don't have any but I honestly believe that experience, a strong portfolio and people skills are much more important.

Bella73

We didn't bother looking at qualifications but the first port of call for us was their website if that was rubbish we didn't bother to look any further.

Once we found a decent website we checked their portfolio, then price.

Had a meeting them where they showed us their actual portfolio. Looked beautiful and we like them as people. Booked and had some fantastic photos.

One thing that we appreciated as being on the plumper/older side the photographer showed us pics of couples of all shapes/sizes/ages which was refreshing from the standard you have to be a size 6 brigade/aged around 23. They made all the couples look fantastic