Hiring a Wedding Photographer in Brussels or Wallonia

 

When it comes to hiring a wedding photographer in Brussels or Wallonia, there are several key considerations to ensure you capture the magic of your special day. Your wedding photos will serve as lifelong memories, so making the right choice is crucial. However, many couples unknowingly make common mistakes during the hiring process, which can affect the final outcome.

In this article, we’ll discuss the most frequent mistakes to avoid when hiring a wedding photographer in Brussels or Wallonia, helping you make an informed decision. From overlooking a photographer’s portfolio to micromanaging the creative process, we cover the pitfalls that can lead to disappointment, and how to prevent them.

Choosing the right wedding photographer isn’t just about budget; it’s about understanding their style, trusting their expertise, and providing them with the necessary information to create beautiful, lasting memories.

When hiring a wedding photographer in Brussels or Wallonia, there are certain things to avoid that can help ensure your wedding day is captured in the best way possible. Below are a few common mistakes to watch out for:

Don’t Hide Important Information from Your Photographer

A wedding photographer is already under stress trying to capture all the important moments, follow the schedule, and adjust to delays and last-minute changes. If you intentionally withhold critical information, such as health issues that could affect the photoshoot or if you have specific priorities for your wedding day (like skipping the couple’s photoshoot to spend time with guests), this could impact the final result.

 

Don’t Demand the Photographer Follow a Shot List

If you hire a professional photographer, you must trust him / her. You’ve reviewed the portfolio, liked his / her style, and chosen him / her based on reviews. Let go of excessive control. Ask yourself: do you want the photographer to capture your wedding or a Pinterest version of someone else’s? A professional photographer knows how to capture every moment—without needing long instructions about obvious shots, like taking photos of the couple during the wedding ceremony (a real request I received from a client). It is somewhat discouraging when a client explains to a photographer with 12 years of experience and 500 filmed weddings that during the wedding ceremony, the photographer should not forget to photograph the newlyweds. Please, relax and enjoy your special day! Photographers capture things you don’t notice or might forget. Let your photographer have creative freedom, and you’ll receive candid shots that will truly touch your heart.

 

Don’t Pretend to Be Someone You’re Not

The most difficult wedding I’ve photographed was for a Canadian couple booked through an agency. The bride wanted photos with attempts at humour, many of which bordered on inappropriate and vulgar (she provided a shot list). However, she herself was sad, irritated about something, and wasn’t engaging, much like her bridesmaids. She wanted the bridal party to pose by pulling faces and drinking champagne straight from the bottle. Yet, the women (who were well over 45 years old) deliberately sabotaged the bride’s pseudo-creative ideas. Despite this, the bride seemed to get angry with me, the photographer, rather than encouraging her bridesmaids to cooperate or changing the concept of the photoshoot.

Don’t Expect Interesting Photos if Nothing is Happening

Photographers are not magicians. If your wedding consists only of a cocktail hour and dinner in a dimly lit, crowded room without even a photo backdrop, it will be nearly impossible to create memorable photos. Many people think this job is easy, but photographing a wedding where nothing is happening is one of the most challenging tasks. The photographer has to stand waiting for moments when someone stops chewing, talking, and smiles or laughs.

Don’t Manipulate Your Photographer’s Time

Most photographers charge an hourly rate for extra time beyond what’s in the contract, and it’s typically higher than the pre-booked rate. So, if you ask your photographer to stay late, you’ll pay more. Another common client request is to give the photographer an unpaid break during the wedding. This always ends badly: guests who don’t know about the break ask for urgent photos, and the photographer either refuses (creating tension) or ends up working for free. This is why most professionals now refuse unpaid breaks. Even worse, when the client forgets they requested the break, changes the wedding schedule without telling the photographer, and then gets upset that key moments weren’t captured. I’ve learned from experience and now only give breaks to weddings close to my home so I can leave during that time.

Don’t Expect Your Photographer to Act as a Wedding Planner

I often see photographers being used as wedding day coordinators, but this is not their role. In Belgium, it’s rare to hire a wedding planner, but that doesn’t mean the photographer should handle all the coordination. A clear timeline and schedule should be managed by a wedding coordinator or the best-man / maid of honour. If the photographer is spending time herding guests for group photos instead of taking candid shots, they can’t do their job properly. If, during the bridal preparations, the photographer has  to move furniture, clear chairs of lingerie, or tidy up after the makeup artist, they’re missing essential moments.

Don’t Ignore Your Photographer’s Advice About Your Appearance

If your photographer advises you that loose hair will limit the angles for photos or become a nuisance in windy weather, listen to him / her.

If he/ she recommend more intense makeup because sunlight and camera flashes can wash out 60% of the colour on your face (especially if you have fair skin), follow that advice. If the photographer requests 50 minutes for a couple’s photoshoot without other guests, take this into account. These recommendations aren’t about making your day harder—they come from years of experience.

Light is More Important than the Background

If your photographer suggests moving to a different location for better lighting, trust them. The best light is at sunrise, sunset, or when the sun is covered by light clouds. For example, I took a beautiful shot in a simple Brussels field. The soft backlighting made the photo light and airy.

The hardest lighting to work with is harsh sunlight between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on a cloudless summer day. So, please consider scheduling photos in the shade or indoors during this time.

Don’t Be Afraid to Be Vulnerable and Honest in Front of the Camera

Don’t ask your photographer to be someone they’re not.

You’ve seen their social media, reviewed how they photograph and post-processing, and signed a contract agreeing to their style. You’ve received photos that match the photographer’s usual work, yet you suddenly request to re-edit everything, changing the filter. Every professional photographer has a signature style. Some photographers prefer brighter or more muted tones, light or low-key pics, while others deliver 90% of their work in black and white, some prefer over contrasting or fading, some put cold or warm presets. This isn’t wrong; it just might not suit you. If so, you should have either chosen a different photographer or discussed your preferences beforehand and included specific requests in the contract. You wouldn’t ask your human hairdresser to groom your dog, so why expect your photographer to go against the signed contract and re-edit your entire wedding for free?

Don’t Be Indifferent to Your Photographer’s Well-Being

It’s not difficult to ask the waiter to bring your photographer a bottle of water, especially if they’ve been shooting your guests under the hot sun for 3 hours. I’ve often noticed that, especially in Flanders, restaurant staff can be dismissive towards wedding photographers, treating them like a nuisance. A little empathy from the couple can go a long way. Offering a chair for their equipment, a sandwich, or a bottle of water is greatly appreciated. I’ve had to drink tap water from the bathroom because no one thought to offer the photographer and their assistant a drink.

 

Wedding Timeline Tips

Getting ready photos. Why are they so important?

Best Timeline for Reception and Party

How To Get Best Wedding Party Photos

Wedding Catering (Belgium)