Aside from the favours, the only things you can really take home from a wedding are the memories and photos. Choosing the right photographer is crucial so that your special day is remembered the way you want it to. As an expert himself, Leo Farrell of Leo Farrell Photography knows that a photographer’s skills, style, and personality can make or break a couple’s photos.

Leo is a wedding photojournalist based in Melbourne. When he was just starting out, his documentary-style photography stood out from the mainstream approach of posed photography. Until now, he has a penchant for capturing candid interactions between couples and their guests.

In this chat we discuss:

• How to choose a photographer
• The photographer's role on the wedding day
• Different photography styles and treatment
• Lighting in different times and seasons
• How important is your wedding timeline
• Wedding photographer’s packages and hours
• Is a shot list necessary?
• Making portrait sessions stress free
• A photographer’s pre- and post-wedding preparations

Couples can look for photographers on Google and Instagram. Referrals from friends, vendors, and celebrants can also give you good leads.

A preliminary meeting with a photographer will give you insight on their personality and shooting style. Do you prefer candid or posed photos? Do you prefer romantic lighting or a moodier aesthetic? Do you get along well with him or her? These are all important factors to consider.

On the wedding day itself, a professional photographer should ideally provide reminders to the couple and keep track of the timeline. Couples don’t have to provide a shot list, but it would be helpful to communicate if they want to document specific guests and moments.

A photographer’s work doesn’t end after the wedding and reception. They have to back up their files and then send highlights that the couple can share. Bear in mind that post-processing images may take up to a few weeks to finish.

Links & Vendors Mentioned:

Leo Farrell Photography

Find Leo Farrell: 

On Polka Dot Wedding: Leo Farrell Photography

www.leofarrell.com

On Instagram: @leofarrellphoto

Find Dorothy & the Polka Dot Wedding team:

On Instagram: @polkadotwedding

On the website: polkadotwedding.com

For full transcript and show notes visit: polkadotwedding.com/podcast

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This podcast was produced by Polka Dot Wedding.

The Polka Dot Wedding team is honoured to conduct our work on the land of the BoonWurrung, WoiWorung, Eora and Kuring-gai people. We honour the traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders custodians of the land and pay our respects to Elders past & present.