16/07/2026
Let's talk: Choosing your photographer (Part 1 of 3)
There's something that's been needing discussion long time ago. So, let's talk about it (and this super creamy dreamy image!)
It seems that anyone and everyone who owns a camera is becoming a photographer nowadays and for those having to choose the right photographer, it can become quite a daunting task with so many to choose from and the pricing ranging from below R10k to over R40k for a wedding. What is really the difference and how do you know whom to entrust this incredibly special task of capturing your most special day?
Well, let's start asking the right questions.
1. What camera are you using and which lenses do you pair it with?
- Here's the deal, a camera can have great functions (hoping that it is full-frame), but a kit lens won't get you these soft backgrounds.
Why? It's all about depth of field, i.e. how deep is the camera is focussing. More expensive lenses have the ability to create a shallow a depth of field, having your couple in focus and everything else fading in the background (or foreground), creating the effect that it's just them, their moment, perfect. If your photographer is using a F1.4 lens, especially around 75-85mm, you can know that you will probably achieve these creamy images (this particular image was taken with an 85mm F1.4 lens). F1.8 lenses can create some nice blur too, although not as creamy, at around 20% of the cost. Photographers also need zoom lenses to get those close ups of exchanging rings and wider-angle lenses for showing the entire setup, then a few prime lenses are essential for proper portraits. We see hundreds of wedding images that are taken with cheap lenses, focussing to infinity and beyond and really, everything is shouting for your attention. It cannot be considered professional.
Part 2 of 3 coming tomorrow!
