Best Wedding Photographers - Cities around the World - ISPWP

What is ISPWP?

The International Society of Professional Wedding Photographers is the organization of the best wedding photographers in the world. It was created by professional photographers to raise the standards of the wedding photography industry.

We are a resource for wedding clients who know they want to hire the best and brightest for their wedding. When you hire an ISPWP member, you hire one of the most respected, professional, and talented wedding photographers in the industry.

There are many online directories of wedding photographers. Some of them have hundreds or even thousands of photographers. It sounds great because there are so many to choose from! But most of these directories have little or no membership criteria, they are just paid advertising links and may include photographers with zero experience and unknown backgrounds who simply paid to advertise the directory.

Every ISPWP member has passed a rigorous application process and is recognized by their peers as being at the top of their field.

Why should you hire an ISPWP member photographer?

There are a lot of new wedding photographers entering the market and the number is growing steadily. However, wedding photography is a demanding profession that can be challenging even for experienced photographers. Wedding photography requires quick adaptation to uncontrolled lighting situations and dealing with unexpected equipment failures without second chances.

You have to get it right the first time, every time. You have to be a master of the craft and know your gear so well that you can make adjustments on the fly without thinking or hesitation. You have to work 8, 10, or 12 hours with clients who trust you to get it right. In this kind of work environment, experience is essential to consistently deliver beautiful images week after week.

So how do you know your photographer has enough experience? How do you know they run their business according to professional business practices?

That's where ISPWP comes in. We screen and vet each member before accepting their application. When you hire an ISPWP photographer, you can be confident that they have years of experience, that they have shot many weddings in a variety of situations, and that they adhere to a professional code of conduct. They are truly the best in the world, and each of them has dedicated their careers to their craft. In short, we've done the searching and screening for you.

Membership Requirements

Professional photographers of all styles are welcome to apply for membership: photojournalists, traditionalists, neo-romantics, fashion-inspired, art-film-style, or whatever label you give yourself. However, no matter your photography style, ISPWP maintains high standards for membership based on experience, talent, integrity, professionalism, and references:

Talent: Members must submit a website/blog/portfolio to be reviewed by a panel of ISPWP members. Online portfolio galleries must demonstrate artistic and technical ability. The portfolio must show at least three full wedding galleries. Galleries showing only a "curated collection" of multiple weddings will be rejected.

Professionalism: Members must act in accordance with the ISPWP Code of Conduct. This protects both the photographer and the client, and assures the client that they are dealing with a professional who takes their business seriously.

Referrals: Members must submit two referrals or be referred by an existing ISPWP member.

How is ISPWP different from other wedding photographer directories?

We are picky. Most online wedding photography directories are just glorified Yellow Pages and anyone can join if they just pay a fee. With many online directories, experienced professionals can be listed alongside those who just bought their first camera, took a few photos at their cousin's wedding, and built a website. ISPWP is an organization of real experienced professionals dedicated to discerning clients. Our requirements for experience, talent, integrity, and professionalism set us apart. We will never lower our standards to attract more members. If that means we stay small and exclusive, so be it.

How does a photographer apply for membership?

The link to the ISPWP application form is on the ISPWP home page (scroll down).