It can be challenging navigating the world of wedding planning - to say the least. This is especially true when you are looking for specialists in fields that are a) very often foreign to your own and b) over-saturated. At Poppy & Sage Photography, we try to make life a little easier for everyone; we would like to share some thoughts and tips on how to go about narrowing down the right photographer for you individually (we find that often one partner takes greater responsibility for aspects of planning, such as choosing a photographer) and as a couple, too, of course.

Choosing a photographer is a huge commitment. So many styles to navigate. Do you want documentary? Fine art? Edgy, bold, colourful? A great photographer will make an "average" wedding look stunning. A bad photographer will make a stunning wedding look average... or worse. More than that, though, some (definitely not all!) of the most popular wedding photographers do not necessarily have strong, well-composed, thoughtfully executed portfolios but have wonderful, easy-going personalities that make everyone feel comfortable and relaxed - an essential ingredient for the recipe of wedding photography you want to look back on for a lifetime. What if you want it all, though? Photographers who mesh well with your personalities and create images that you will treasure?

Here is a deductive process we recommend helping you to hopefully hit the jackpot:

1) Is this a business or a hobby?

One key indicator is whether the business has an ABN or not. Sometimes you will find this information on the business website and sometimes you need to ask for it. Another indicator is whether they have liability or not. (You will find details for both our ABN and liability on our FAQ page.) Having associated paperwork (such as the above) tells you that the owner(s) is invested & takes their business more seriously than a hobby (just one piece of the puzzle but a very important one).

While on the topic of paperwork, do they offer you a written contract? Very often clients think of the contract as having a sole purpose: to protect the business. However, the contract is there to protect you, too. The business is legally bound to follow through on their end of the bargain. Do they clearly articulate the deliverables to you (minimum number of total images? Or how many images will be delivered per hour? Or turnaround for said images? Et cetera...).

2) Does this business genuinely care about our needs & wants?

How would you even know? It can be almost standard to feel like a number in business and you are as time-poor as everyone else so where do you even start? Unfortunately, a lot of it has to do with gut feelings. For example: if you feel as though you are being rushed to close the sale and things are not progressing at your own rate, this can be a key indicator that you are simply $$$ to the business. Another example: we all have insecurities we want to be able to work around and angles we prefer to be avoided. If you don't feel comfortable discussing these kinds of details with your photographer, they are probably not the best fit for you.

However, there are some tangible indicators, too. For example, how happy are they to catch up and have a chat with you? A wedding photographer should have excellent communication skills; good listening is non-negotiable. You will only be able to determine this by having a chat. If your location is outside a reasonable travel zone, are they happy to jump on skype? Make time for you over the phone? There is not much point falling in love with a photographer's work but then not really getting each other in person. We welcome whatever form of communication you prefer, and we are very happy to meet in person within a 10 km radius of Brisbane CBD. We especially appreciate the opportunity as it breaks the ice. Furthermore, if you do choose to book with us, the wedding day itself will be so much more relaxed. We are another familiar and friendly face on the day. :)

Another key area to focus on is how well they get to know you and your wants and needs. We recently read through a comment thread on Facebook. One bride mentioned that her photographer took ~50 detail shots of her dress and that she did not particularly care for that many. We love a good detail shot (could easily take 50 ourselves!) but we wouldn't if we knew that was low priority for the couple concerned. For example, we provide our couples with a detailed questionnaire upon initial contact. We do this to get a feel for your priorities and vision. Completing the questionnaire gives us an insight into your style and taste, too. Frequently, the questionnaire is handed back to us with unanswered questions. This is totally fine, too! If the question is asking for an answer that is not a big deal for you, that is still valid information for us. We try to tailor our product to suit both of you as closely as we possibly can.

Tips for planning a wedding

3) Does the business interact with other related businesses or attend industry events, such as wedding fairs?

In other words, you're looking for social accountability. Is this business known to other businesses and do they seem to have some sort of rapport? The more you find a vendor sitting on the fringes of their industry, the more likely they are to be either complacent or unreliable... and sometimes both. We work with other businesses regularly. Feel free to check out our vendor’s portfolio here.

4) Do I LOVE the photographer's portfolio or am I just okay with it?

Lighting is key

Only you can answer this question satisfactorily. We all have strengths and weaknesses. We all have signature shots that we gravitate toward. We all have our own unique "eye" or bias or perspective. We all have our own secret editing sauce. It is so important that you find the portfolio that resonates with you. While you are going through the process of narrowing down a photographer, pick their portfolio apart. For example, if your wedding is in the middle of the day, you want to look for images shot in full sun. Do their indoor and outdoor images differ greatly? Perhaps their outdoor images are not that great, but your wedding is indoors in a cathedral, and they rock those particular shots in their portfolio?! Better yet, ask to see a full wedding and decide for yourself if they capture all the moments that matter to you and your significant other. (Below you will find a backyard wedding, a barn wedding, a garden wedding, a homestead wedding, a church wedding and a manor wedding - we love to work with the spectrum!)

A & F

You will find 100+ images below of our work under a range of different lighting/weather conditions (stay till the end for our favourite example under rainy conditions):

Night-time photography is a unique challenge: how about we start there? (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

We love colour and, during colour correction, we do not desaturate any colours. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.) — We **love** colour and, during colour correction, we do not desaturate any colours. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

Indoor lighting is another unique challenge. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

A spectrum of colour at this beautiful Hamptons style wedding. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

More night-time. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

We love to chat all things lighting and timelines. Ultimately, we want to pick out the best times of the day for the parts that are important to you. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

This is our philosophy regarding wedding photography: we aim to capture an image in such a way that the subjects feel something for the rest of time. This is at the heart and soul of wedding photography. The image above was taken during speeches at … — This is our philosophy regarding wedding photography: we aim to capture an image in such a way that the subjects *feel* something for the rest of time. This is at the heart and soul of wedding photography. The image above was taken during speeches at Michael & Anne-Maree’s beautiful wedding. Whenever we look at it, it transports us to Anne-Maree’s daughter’s heartfelt speech welcoming Michael to the family. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

There are some moments that seem to sum up each wedding; Michael & Anne-Maree’s wedding embraced every member of their family - from the elderly to the babies - with the effortlessness that comes with years of selfless dedication and investment.… — There are some moments that seem to sum up each wedding; Michael & Anne-Maree’s wedding embraced every member of their family - from the elderly to the babies - with the effortlessness that comes with years of selfless dedication and investment. It was truly an honour to be on the sidelines of their wedding day. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

Anne-Maree & Michael’s wedding. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

There are so many in-between moments and we keep our eye on those. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.) — There are so many in-between moments, and we keep our eye on those. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

We take plenty of standard composition shots but we do not overlook these unique moments along the way! (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.) — We take plenty of standard composition shots, but we do not overlook these unique moments along the way! (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

Those moments after walking back down the aisle are chaotic - in the best kind of way and we live for them. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

Some moments you cannot relive: Michael with his mum. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

Anne-Maree with her dad. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

If you have chosen a lush green venue, we will not desaturate the greens; true-to-life is an important aspect of our brand. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

We enjoy doing our research on your venue and challenging ourselves to take some unique shots for you - ones that “work” but are different to the usual obvious angles. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

When the sun dips and we want some soft backlight, we can make it happen one way or another. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

We love an enchanting outdoor wedding. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

Golden hour. The end. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

We don’t want any of your photographs from your wedding day to be ‘boring’ - including the reception ones. We will work with whatever light is available and create some magic. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

Capturing the emotion at Greg & Claudine’s vow renewal. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

A cloudy afternoon across the road from the Brisbane Registry Office. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

**The Moment**. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

Another example of working with available light at a wedding reception. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

Another example of a non-boring reception shot. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

You do not have to have preparation/pre-ceremony shots if you do not want to - of course. However, if you do, we would be delighted to capture the pre-ceremony details - and emotions! (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

A cursory glance at our portfolio will let you know how much we love details. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

Never work with children or animals? We missed that memo. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

We love unique framing that contribute to the story of your day. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

Details, details, details. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

We will chase you (sometimes) to get the best angle! (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

Funny moments that you cannot stage. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

Out of the two of us, Pete takes the most beautiful non-facial emotive shots: one of his many fortes. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

If there is a bokeh opportunity, we’ll find (or make) it. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

Portraits during peak-hour at popular landmarks and there are people everywhere? First you see them. Now you don’t. Feel free to check out the SOOC (straight out of camera) version of this image in this blog post. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photogra… — Portraits during peak-hour at popular landmarks and there are people everywhere? First you see them. Now you don’t. Feel free to check out the SOOC (straight out of camera) version of this image in this blog post. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

Late-afternoon light. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

Mid-morning light. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

Reception lighting with fluorescent tubes. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

Using trees to frame the subjects; every single property has endless possibilities. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

From a shoot shot between 1:30 and 3 during Brisbane spring. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

Dramatic & stormy evening sky? No where else we would rather be. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

Afternoon lighting; this series of images was shot from 2:30-6 pm. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

We worked in the rain during this shoot; we actually love rainy days as the cloud cover usually results in gorgeous soft, diffuse light. This black & white version highlights the rain droplets on the lens. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

From the same shoot as the image directly above. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

Any chance to work with bokeh and we will take it. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

Ensuring that your loved ones are valued and not overlooked is important to us. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

Moments of pure unbridled joy? You can enjoy those for a lifetime. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

We enjoy working with you to maximise best lighting on the day. We had had some in-detail lighting discussions with this beautiful couple during the lead-up to their wedding and it all came together on their day. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photograp… — We enjoy working with you to maximise best lighting on the day. We had had some in-detail lighting discussions with this beautiful couple during the lead-up to their wedding and it all came together on their day. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

Same lighting as above but different perspective. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

If you have taken the time to choose the details for your day, we enjoy taking the time to make sure that they are captured beautifully. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

Ceremony Room 1, Brisbane Registry Office. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

Mid-afternoon spring wedding. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

This one was taken outdoors in a fern garden. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

Taken at dust… I mean, dusk! Well, a bit of both actually. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

Outdoor shoot. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

We love playing with light, of course! (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

This image was taken outdoors. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

Same object as shown above but photographed indoors with no natural light. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

In a temple (Kerala, India). (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

Late afternoon sunlight on a mostly overcast day. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

Having fun with chandelier lighting. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

We can honestly say that we have fun at work! (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

Outdoors in afternoon sun. We love embracing colour in our processing. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

Catching the last rays of sun for the day. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

Dark enough for the sparklers to pop. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

From the same shoot as above but outdoors between 10 & 12. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.) — We are all about a clean, crisp edit: one that is not too warm and not too cool but true-to-life. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

Reception shots can be a bit of a differentiator between photographers. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

Another example from working with animals. :) We love it when we see pets involved, too! (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

One question that has popped up in client consultations is, “Can you capture the greenery outside of our reception venue from the inside?” Yes, we can. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.) — One specific question that has popped up in client consultations is, “Can you capture the greenery outside of our reception venue from the inside?” Yes, we can. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

Yes, we mean it when we say that receptions do not have to be flat - or boring. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

That afternoon light. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

Making fairy lights dance. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

Working with the afternoon light. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

Also in hospital; not usually known for the best photography-friendly lighting. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

In hospital; not usually known for the best photography-friendly lighting. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

Understanding lighting is crucial. (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

Finally, beautiful Hannah embracing rainy weather. Honestly, any weather can look amazing when you have the right spirit about it! | — Finally, beautiful Hannah embracing rainy weather. Honestly, any weather can look amazing when you have the right spirit about it! (Image by Poppy & Sage Photography.)

5) Does this business support a cause bigger than themselves?

People seem to be much savvier these days when it comes to choosing a business to support. We all want to be part of something that makes a positive difference. Something that makes this world a better place to be in. The reality is this: the fact that we all need to put food on the table for our families and pay our bills is not necessarily reason enough to support a business. However, when you see a business doing their bit to not only support themselves but contribute to society as well, it is so much easier to get behind that. Find one that supports a cause you care about, too. That's our personal challenge for you! :)

When you are booking, feel free to check with us if we are supporting a local organisation at that time. We regularly run campaigns supporting local charity organisations. You will find information for them during that period. If we are supporting at the time you book, we will pass on their specific details and we will donate 10% of the total amount of money you spend on our service.

All the best for your search and may it be as smooth as possible!

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