10 questions for your wedding photographer
I KNOW ... I have been so bad with blogging since … like.. always. I promise that I will start uploading galleries as soon as I catch on with the editing a bit. Please don't give up on me :)
But in the meantime, I wanted to recycle this little piece I have written a while ago.
Hope you guys find this helpful!
Almost every day I come across posts from brides asking about what are the right question for their wedding photographer.
Mostly the replies are from photographers who pitch questions, where the answers will make them look good i.e: ' Definitely ask if he has an insurance, I for example am insured for £5.000.000' or ' Don't forget to ask what camera they have, if it's less than this and this, it will probably take rubbish photos, unlike my super expensive camera! ' and then there will be couple brides who suggest the very important ' Have a look at the whole album ' and that's the end of the story.
But the thing is... most photographers by now will have the right answer to every one of these questions on the list.
That's where this post came to my mind, I have tried to put together a list of questions, that is little bit different. I want you to get to know what kind of person your photographer is and how he/she runs the business? I also tried to make these questions in a way that they have no right or wrong answer - other than what you want as a client. So, let's dive right into it, shall we?
1.What does your photographer like about photographing weddings the most and what does he/she hate the most?
Reason for this: for example if they reply they love the portrait posed photos the most, but you don't want them and you're only looking for unposed candid shots, you will know that you're not the right match.
2. How much editing goes into every wedding and do the pictures in his/her portfolio match exactly the photos the client get?
Reason for this: Most photographers nowadays edit their photos, some change the brightness, contrast, little bit of the colours and might crop the photos and that's about it. Some photographers will retouch your face if you get a pimple on the day. Some photographers can make you look skinnier/or fuller, can change your hair colour, or change the bridesmaid's dress colour if you wish. Some photographers will add sparklers or effects, or dinosaurs or princess Leia, if that's what you're after. It's important to establish what your photographer can do - also ask to see before and after on couple photos! As for the matching portfolio - some photographer will to basic edit for the clients, but then spend hours on editing the photo for their portfolio to make it stand and look like their work is top notch! It's good to know what you're dealing with here!
3. What is your photographer plan if they can't attend on the day?
Reason for this: Trust me all of us think it will never happen to us, but... a meteor might fall on our house, the stairs in front of the door might disappear, alien might attack the Earth and make all the cars stop working... or simply you might trip and break your leg! Do they have photographers who could take the booking, if the photographer who takes their place charges more, do they pay the balance? Do they just get the photographer to attend and then edit the photos themselves, or do they just leave it to the photographer?
4. How long does it take to get your photos fully edited back?
Reason for this: Fairly obvious, you don't want to be freaking out two weeks after your wedding that your photographer done a runner with your photos and then find out that their turn around is a year :)
5. If you're getting a photobook/prints etc, are you choosing your photos that go in the book, or does the photographer do it for you?
Reason for this: Some clients like to be there every step of the way, some clients don't. Some photographer are happy for you to choose your prints, some photographers are not. If you're someone who wants to choose everything yourself and your photographer is one of those who is not happy with that, I'm afraid, that you're not match made in heaven.
6. Is there any extra cost?
Reason for this: Some photographers have their packages designed differently than others. Most of us include the digital files in high resolution in our package price, however some photographers choose to have smaller fee for covering your wedding and then make more money on the actual photos ( This is the case with most deals that seems 'too good to be true' especially on sites such as groupon and wowcher etc) Make sure you know what you are getting with your package!
7. Is your photographer using natural light only or adding artificial lights as well?
Reason for this: You know these pretty old camera like photos that are very in right now? Mostly natural light! You know these beautiful night photos with raindrops standing still with light coming from behind? Not a natural light! Know what your photographer can and can't do, before you book.
8. What is the plan if it rains?
Reason for this: Are they having umbrellas and props to keep you and themselves dry while taking photos outside? Or will you have to take all photos inside?
9. Is he or she the photographer who will shoot your wedding?
Reason for this: Some photographers employ a team of photographers under their business name, obviously this means not everyone has exactly the same style, personality etc!
10. In which way do you photograph all your weddings?
Reason for this: Here, I am not talking about if your photographer is a documentary, or fine art one- you should be able to tell that from the photos!
I am more trying to get into how he/she handles himself/herself during the day? Are they a strict professional who wouldn't sit with you and your guests even if you invited them? Is he the ( other than you obviously ) heart of the party and jokes with everyone? Is he pushy and tells you to what to do and when, so the photos would be perfect? Is he laid back? Does he become part of your friends and family on the day, or the relationship is strictly client and photographer?
Bonus questions you should ask yourself:
Is this someone I want to spend one of the biggest days of my life with? Do I trust this person? Has this person listened well and addressed my concerns properly?
I really hope that this little list I have put together helps you to choose the best possible photographer and your day turns out to be exactly what you have wished for! <3
So please share this wide and far, tag your friends, post comments!
I will speak with you all soon!:)
Nat xox
