Picking A Photographer: The Importance Of Eternalizing Memories

Before photography came into existence, people had their portraits painted. Now, we remember moments in our lives through photographs. Do people really go through their wedding photos years later? Or do those chunky photo albums get shelved or packed into old boxes and kept in storage?

Eventually, my wedding photographs might be neglected or even forgotten. But even so, I know that I want to have that day captured and remembered forever. So that whenever I do want to take a walk down memory lane, I have a visual reference to help me remember.

Wedding photography is a massive industry because many couples feel that having a good photographer is very important. So couples spend a lot of time looking at portfolios and meeting wedding photographers. Great care is taken when picking a photographer. Because the photographer you hire has only one chance to capture special moments on your big day.

Pre-wedding or engagement photography is also very popular, and for me, finding a pre-wedding photographer that I can connect with is the most important thing. Of course I must also like the person’s body of work and someone I can afford.

So I started looking out for photographers whose work I liked.

After going through the works of over 30 wedding photographers, maybe more, I realised that I liked photos which showcase wedding details, tender moments, interesting compositions, high concept dramatic or comedic pieces, and storytelling style.

After carefully and painstakingly going through so many photographers’ portfolios, here is my short-list of photographers and my favourite works from their portfolio.

(PS: These photos belong to the respective photographers, not me)

In alphabetical order we have…

Androids In Boots

Pre-Wedding

Actual Day

The pre-wedding photos are of real-life couple, Christabel and Joal. It was a styled shoot done at USS for Androids in Boots. You can see more of the photos taken and read more about it here.

In general, I really like their attention to details and their ability to capture fun and tender moments at a wedding and during the pre-wedding shoot.

Email: enquiry@androidsinboots.com
Website: http://www.androidsinboots.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/androidsinboots
Instagram: https://instagram.com/androidsinboots/

Bloc Memoire Photography

Pre-Wedding

Actual Day

Bloc Memoire was already on my radar, but when I found out Pitchin Bitches’ Pamy’s pre-wedding photos was taken by them and they would be taking their actual day wedding photos as well, my interest was further piqued.

Also, while I was going through photographers’ portfolios, I didn’t see as many church weddings being featured. However, Bloc Memoire caught my attention because they didn’t just take photos of the couple, they also featured the facade of the church. And not just any church. One of the photographs I came across featured multiple shots of the church I was going to get married in. The fact that they’ve already shot a wedding at my church before was a major plus for me.

Email: bloc.memoire@gmail.com
Website: http://www.blocmemoire.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlocMemoire
Instagram: https://instagram.com/blocmemoirephotography

Bobby Kiran

Pre-Wedding

Actual Day

I first noticed Bobby Kiran way back when he shot Kelly Latimer’s wedding. I know Kelly from when I did the Youth Olympic Games and when I help out at the S League matches. I love the angles he uses and how he captures sweet and comedic moments at the wedding itself. And I also really like his pre-wedding photos especially the ones with the coloured powder.

Email: info@bobbykiranyeo.com
Website: http://bobbykiranyeo.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BobbyKiranPhotography
Instagram: https://instagram.com/bobbykiranyeo/

Colossal Weddings

Pre-Wedding

Actual Day

Colossal Photos was recommended by a cameraman I worked with when I was at MediaCorp. I really like the photos taken at Adam and Rae’s wedding and the fact that a professional cameraman praises the professionalism and work of the photographers at Colossal Photos really puts me at ease.

Email: info@colossalphotos.com
Website: http://www.colossalweddings.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/colossalweddings
Instagram: https://instagram.com/colossalweddings/

Ksana

Pre-Wedding

Actual Day

I can’t remember how I chanced upon Ksana’s works. But I was quite deep into my research when I discovered her. I love her attention to detail and find that her shots really evoke a lot of emotion. Unfortunately, as she is also getting hitched in the same month as I will be, she’s told me that she cannot be my actual day photographer.

Email: hi@ksana.co
Website: http://ksana.co/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ksanaco

Feldberyl Images

Pre-Wedding

Pre-Wedding of Shere and Chen Yi

Actual Day

Wedding of Jason and Cara

Wedding of Jason and Cara

Wedding of Marius and Wanwen

Wedding of Simon and Mary

Wedding of Wai Quen and Poh Ling

After seeing so many talented photographers’ works, it becomes harder and harder to impress me. I noticed Feldberyl much later in my research and Wan Sheng comes highly recommended by a friend who mingles with many professional photographers. Love the composition of his photographs and the way it clearly draws your attention to the subject matter that’s most important. His images take you on guided tour just as he designed it.

Email: wansheng@feldberyl.com
Website: http://www.feldberyl.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/feldberylimages

Raymond Phang

Pre-Wedding

Actual Day

Raymond Phang’s pre-wedding photos are so much fun! I love the concept photos, however it is not for the faint hearted. You have to be ‘gung ho’ and totally let loose. The couple has to be daring enough to act the part.

With the actual day photographs, I love that Raymond is able to find cool and unique ways to capture details. He also manages to capture wonderful moments that truly showcases every aspect of a wedding.

Email: contactme@raymondphang.com / raymondphotography@gmail.com
Website: http://raymondphang.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RaymondPhangPhotography
Instagram: https://instagram.com/raymondphangphotography/

Said & Meant

Pre-Wedding

Actual Day

Simple and classic. I love the interesting angles Kenneth takes and how his photos doesn’t distract from the focus – the couple.

Email: hello@saidandmeant.co
Website: http://www.saidandmeant.co/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saidandmeant
Instagram: https://instagram.com/saidandmeant/

Styled, With Love

Pre-Wedding

Styled, With Love is a new kid on the block and focuses only on styled pre-wedding shoots. I like that they provide a proper theme and set it all up for you. My favourite is the one of the couple who both wore animal onesies for their shoot. It’s so simple yet fun and unique to the couple.

Email: styledwithlove.photography@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/styledwithlove
Instagram: https://instagram.com/styled.withlove/

Super Panda Presents

Pre-Wedding

Actual Day

I love the composition of the photos featured in their portfolio. No gimmicks. Simple yet very eye catching.

Email: info@superpandapresents.com
Website: http://superpandapresents.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/superpandapresents
Instagram: https://instagram.com/superpandaj5/

Synchronal Photography

Pre-Wedding

Actual Day

I like the way Synchronal Photography is able to capture moments between the couple that speak volumes without being too posed or forced. It feels like the photographers sat back camera-ready and just waited for moments between the couple. Be it during the actual day wedding or pre-wedding shoot.

Email: hello@synchronalphotography.com
Website: http://synchronalphotography.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesynchronal
Instagram: https://instagram.com/synchronalphotography/

50nFifty Productions

Pre-Wedding

Actual Day

50nFifty Productions’ works are varied and range from classic to wacky. Their photos also undergo quite a bit of enhancement and editing which is a matter of preference. I like it.

Email: info@50nfifty.com
Website: http://www.50nfifty.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/50nfifty
Instagram: https://instagram.com/50nfifty/

I know, it’s a really long list. But truth be told, there are hundreds of wedding photographers out there in the market, so this is a considerably shortened list.

Now all I have to do is choose from this list. Dang! 12 to just 1.

With so many good wedding photographers out there. I suppose it’s a matter of finding someone who fulfils the trifecta – budget, availability, connection. I’m in the midst of meeting some of these photographers. I’ll reveal who I pick eventually so stay tuned.

What do you think?
Is it very wedding photography very important to you? What do you look out for when picking a wedding photographer? Which one of these photographers’ works do you like the most? Who should I pick as my wedding photographer? What should I look out for when choosing a wedding photographer?