We like to chat about topics we think are relevant for our couples.
One question that pops up from time to time in client consultations is this:
~ Have you shot at our venue previously? ~
It is a fair question and, as it has come up a few times now, we figured we would address it.
Does it matter (or not) if your photographer has shot at your preferred venue previously?
Here is our open response:
Very often, each photographer has their own algorithm/s to approach their photography.
The most important variable in any photography setting (beyond capturing emotion, storytelling, and so on; if we could only choose one variable, in other words) is the light and we have addressed this previously (here).
Some photographers prefer natural light.
Some prefer artificial.
Some prefer studio.
Some prefer outdoors.
Some prefer the beach.
Some prefer mountains.
It is quite a spectrum.
One hallmark of a professional photographer is that they should be able to shoot anywhere.
First, we should address some pros and cons.
Pros of having shot at a venue previously:
You are familiar with all of the spaces available
Cons to having shot at a venue previously:
The location may become tedious or boring over time
Pros of not having shot at a venue previously:
You have fresh eyes and can identify unique, creative perspectives
Cons of not having shot at a venue previously:
You might be unfamiliar with all of the spaces available
How do we circumnavigate scoping out a venue we have not seen in person previously?
Stripping it all back:
Quite simply, the best time to view any venue is in the hour to 30 minutes prior to the shoot.
Lighting can change at any moment.
The photographer’s individual style and quality most likely will not.
Even if you have shot at a venue before on one particular sunny day at 2 pm, it could be rainy on another and you are shooting there at 5 pm. Same venue. Very different circumstances that require adaptation that is intuitive to a professional.
Next, we have so many available resources just at our fingertips.
We look up the website and social media for the venue.
We specifically look at the images that they have been tagged in, too, to get a more holistic feel for the specific location.
We can generally get a very good feel for the venue and surrounds between Google maps and sites like realestate.com.au.
Finally, we look at how the venue is positioned (north-facing, and so on), the weather forecast, time of sunset, time of your ceremony (and location if outdoors, in particular), and other factors.
We are able to piece together a game plan for shooting at your venue that does not require showing up in person previously.
Sometimes we have visited new venues in the lead-up to the wedding but we personally have not found this to make a significant difference to our primary objective focus: chasing the right light.
We would recommend spending more time looking at the photographer’s portfolio and providing them with as much information as possible (such as a timeline) so that they can work with as much knowledge as possible.
Just because someone has shot at a venue previously does not necessarily make them a better photographer than someone who has not (specific experience does not equate to mastery).
Remember: a good photographer is a good photographer (no matter the location, light or weather). Good photographers can find/create beautiful light anywhere. Trust your connection and their portfolio (hopefully extensive!) and experience.
(Also, we recommend this article by Savanah Smith Photography.)