Perhaps one of the biggest importances of your destination wedding in France is choosing the right Bordeaux wedding photographer. Your photographer will be with you the entire day, and at the end of the day, as cliché as it sounds, the photos and video are all that you’ll have to save (other than the wonderful memories, of course). Your wedding photos should capture the magic, emotion, and beauty of your celebration in a way that feels personal and timeless.
To help you make the right choice with this important vendor, here are ten essential tips for selecting the perfect wedding photographer in Bordeaux.
1. Choose a Photographer Who Speaks English (If You’re Not Fluent in French, that is)
If you and your partner aren’t fluent in French, it’s important to find a photographer who can communicate with you clearly in English. Wedding days move quickly, and you’ll want to ensure that nothing gets lost in translation—whether it’s posing directions, timeline coordination, or simply sharing a laugh. Many Bordeaux wedding photographers do speak English, but it’s always best to confirm in advance.
2. Understand That Price Negotiation or Discount Requests Aren’t the Norm
Unlike in some countries where haggling is common, it’s frowned upon to negotiate pricing with wedding photographers in France – and most other vendors for that matter. Wedding professionals take great pride in their work, and their pricing reflects their expertise, equipment, editing time, and experience. Respecting a photographer’s pricing is essential for creating a mutually respectful and beneficial relationship, ensuring that you receive the best possible service and stunning final images. One of the benefits of hiring a planner like us at Pétillante Weddings is that we can assist you with building your important vendor relationships, prioritizing your budget, but also helping you to find the best quality.
3. Define Your Preferred Photography Style
Photography styles vary widely, from light and airy to dark and moody, from editorial to documentary. Before booking a photographer, consider what type of images resonate with you the most. Do you want classic and timeless portraits? Candid, emotional storytelling? Or perhaps a mix of both? One of our past couples shared that their biggest wedding takeaway was that they wanted “bomb ass photos to hang on their wall.” Think about what you want to do with your images after the wedding—whether you dream of an heirloom album or framed prints throughout your home, choose a photographer whose style aligns with your vision.
4. Review Full Wedding Galleries
Instagram feeds and portfolios showcase the best-of-the-best shots, but to get a true sense of a photographer’s work, ask to see full wedding galleries. This will give you a more accurate idea of how they capture an entire wedding day, including key moments like getting ready, the ceremony, and the reception. It’s essential to ensure consistency in their work and to confirm that they can beautifully document all parts of your celebration. Pro tip: take a look at what the photographer’s work looks like after dark. If your reception will be outdoors, it’s important that they understand how to take great flash photography, and this can be a skill that not all photographers have acquired!
5. Consider Whether Videography Matters to You
While photography is a must-have, many couples also want to preserve their wedding day with video. Some photographers offer both photography and videography services, while others specialize in one or the other. If a wedding video is important to you, decide whether you’d like to hire a separate videographer or choose a photography team that provides both services.
6. Read Reviews and Testimonials
Past clients’ experiences can tell you a lot about what it’s like to work with a particular photographer. Read online reviews and testimonials to learn about their professionalism, communication, and how they made couples feel on their wedding day. A photographer’s ability to make you feel comfortable and at ease is just as important as their technical skills. (Pssst, we recommend this for your other vendors too! You can read our reviews for Pétillante Weddings here.)
7. Ask About Their Experience with Destination Weddings
If you’re planning a destination wedding in Bordeaux, it’s a plus to hire a photographer who has experience with international couples. They’ll understand the nuances of working with clients from abroad, from pre-wedding communication to travel logistics. Plus, they may have insights on the best locations for portraits and how to navigate French wedding traditions.
8. Meet (Virtually or In-Person) Before Booking To Ensure a Good Personality Match
Your photographer will be by your side throughout your wedding day, so it’s crucial to feel comfortable with them. Schedule a video call or in-person meeting to get a sense of their personality and approach. A good connection with your photographer will help you feel more relaxed in front of the camera, leading to more natural and authentic images.
9. Understand the Turnaround Time and Deliverables
Each photographer has a different workflow when it comes to editing and delivering your final photos. Ask about their estimated turnaround time and what’s included in their packages—how many images you’ll receive, whether they offer albums or prints, and if they provide sneak peeks shortly after the wedding. This ensures that expectations are aligned from the start.
10. Get Recommendations from Your Wedding Planner
At Pétillante Weddings, we’ve worked with some of the most talented wedding photographers in Bordeaux, and we’d love to help you find the perfect match! If you’re overwhelmed by choices or unsure where to start, we can recommend photographers who fit your style, budget, and vision.
Planning Your Bordeaux Wedding?If you’re still looking for a wedding planner for your Bordeaux wedding, reach out to us here! We’d love to bring your dream celebration to life.
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