Top Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer Before Saying “I Do”
Decoding the Photographer’s Brief: Making an Informed Decision
Hey there, soon-to-be-weds! So, you’re on the hunt for a wedding photographer to capture your special day? Great, make sure you read all my articles on my resources page to help you make an informed choice. Before you sign on that dotted line, there are crucial questions you need to ask. Remember, this person will be documenting one of the most important days of your life – you want to make sure you’re in safe, experienced hands.
The Essentials: The Who, What, Where and When
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s cover the basics. You’ll want to confirm the availability of your photographer on your wedding day. Do they cover more than one wedding per day? As in, will they be the one shooting, or will it be another photographer from their team? Make sure it’s actually them and it’s actually their work you’re looking at in the portfolio, not work from the Studio as a whole or a mixture of people. Bug studios are much more common the The States, but still, safe than sorry and all that. How many hours are included in the package, and what happens if you need them to stay a little longer? If you’re thinking you want the entire day covered, from getting ready through to dancing, then you need at least ten hours, don’t overthink it, I’m telling you you need ten hours. Eight just isn’t’ enough, you end up scrimping somewhere. Fewer than ten is if you really don’t want certain aspects of the day photographed – which is fine – I’m just recommending you don’t try and squeeze an entire days worth of activity into eight hours, it rarely works. Ensuring you’re clear on these fundamental details can save you from last-minute stress. It’s also worth asking if your photographer plans to attend the rehearsal or visit the venue before the day, you should assume the answer to this is no, so if they haven’t been to the venue before it’s worth asking them how they might some of the problems you believe they may face on the day. Also, check if your photographer charges extra taxes!
Can you see multiple full galleries?
Don’t be seduced by the pictures in the portfolio, anyone can shoot 100 weddings and have a good portfolio. You need to know exactly what to expect in the final product, and the only way to know this is by looking at full weddings the photographer has shot before. Pay great attention here. Weddings are 95% unscripted, only the group pictures and the couple portraits are completely staged, everything else has a random element to it. So if those pictures are the only images in their galleries that are any good, you have to make a judgement call on what’s most important to you, candid/documentary style pictures, of posed photographs. Having an experienced photographer on your team is going to pay dividends. Their experience and calm under pressure means you know that whatever happens, the photographs are one thing you don’t have to worry about. I’ve written more on the cost of wedding photography, and why people think it’s so expensive here.
Experience and Style
This is your chance to delve a little deeper. Ask about their photography style and how they approach a wedding day. Do they have experience photographing in a similar venue or in the same sort of light conditions as your wedding? Can they handle the specific demands of your day, such as a large wedding party or multi-location event?
Post-production Details
The work of a wedding photographer isn’t over when the day ends. In fact, that’s when a big chunk of the work begins. Ask about the post-production process. How many images will they deliver, and will they be edited? What’s the turnaround time for getting your photos after the wedding? These details are crucial to ensure you’re on the same page about what to expect after the wedding.
The Back-Up Plan
Nobody likes to think about what could go wrong, but it’s essential to discuss the ‘what ifs’. What’s their backup plan in case of equipment failure or illness? Do they carry insurance? These may seem like pessimistic points to consider, but you’ll be glad you did. Trust me, you want a professional who has a well-prepared plan B.
Rights and Usage
Ask about the rights to your photos. Can you share them on social media? Will the photographer use them on their website or for promotional purposes? Does your photographer own your photographs? This is important to discuss so there are no surprises down the line.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice
Asking these questions won’t just give you the information you need, but it will also give you an idea of how the photographer communicates and whether you feel comfortable with them. Remember, this person will be capturing your love story – you want to feel a connection with them. So, go on, don’t be shy – ask away, and ensure you make an informed, confident decision for your special day. After all, these photos will serve as precious mementos of your love story, reminders of joy and celebration that will stand the test of time.