Modern couples typically hire a photographer for their wedding – somebody who will capture the perfect snaps and create memories of the special day. You need a professional who can create an album in your style that captures the elements of the day that are important to you.
But finding such an individual isn’t always straightforward. Thousands of people out there are more than willing to spend the day with you, taking snaps. But relatively few of them will be able to provide the precise service you’re looking for.
Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life. It is essential, therefore, that you get your choice of photographer right. You need to communicate with them in detail before you get hitched by asking them some important questions. If you don’t, you run the risk of getting a sub-par service.
Question #1: How Many Weddings Do You Shoot Every Year?
The first stage of hiring any photographer is to discuss the basics, such as whether they’re available on the day of your wedding and how long they’ve been in the industry.
The next step is to ask them how many wedding shoots they do in a year. This question is a great way to find out whether what they do is a weekend gig or something they offer full-time, without asking them outright.
Don’t be put off if they give you a low figure. Most wedding photographers are sensible people who understand their economic interests. Most weddings happen at the weekend, so they often need some other type of work to fill the rest of their week.
Question #2: Have You Photographed Weddings Of A Similar Size To Ours In The Past?
The size of your wedding has a massive impact on the type of photographer you choose. Some people in this profession are naturally reserved and quiet. They’re better at capturing those magical instances and little details that occur throughout the day. Others, however, have the ability to control a large crowd, which might be something you need.
Don’t underestimate the importance of matching the photographer’s personality to your wedding setup. Big personalities work best in large crowds, while reserved people are better at smaller gatherings. Ideally, the photographer should be able to show you a portfolio of weddings they’ve worked on in the past to give you a flavor for their style.
Question #3: Can I Have Testimonials From Past Clients?
Quality photographers usually get a good rap from past clients. You should, therefore, ask to see any testimonials or client feedback that they receive. You can also ask for references from former couples to find out more in-depth about their experience.
Question #4: Do You Provide Engagements Shoots As Part Of The Package?
Wedding shoots are important, but so too are engagement shoots. Many couples want a record of both.
Some photographers, therefore, offer packages that bundle both at a discount. And even if they don’t, you can sometimes use the promise of engagement shoot to negotiate down their price for the big day.
Question #5: What Editing Techniques Do You Use?
Taking photos of your wedding day is just one part of the process. The next part is editing them.
This question can sometimes catch inexperienced photographers off-guard. They may believe that taking pictures of your big day is simply a matter of making skillful use of their DSLR to capture all those special moments. But people who know their trade understand that after every shoot comes editing.
Greater Than Gatsby – experts in this field – talk about the need to edit in detail. They provide numerous examples of how you can improve raw film through preset techniques, and how you can transform what looks like a dull image into something more true to life. Remember, wedding photos aren’t all about gritty realism. Instead, they’re a chance for you to stylize your memory of events and see them through rose-tinted glasses.
Question #6: How Much Do You Charge For Travel Costs?
Photographers will usually break down their charges into two categories.
The first is the fee that they charge for their time on the day. Most have rates for a half-day and a full-day, with the latter working out as better value.
The second is a travel fee. If your wedding runs over two or more days, the photographer may ask you to provide accommodation. Destination photographers will usually expect that you will pay this too, and check that you provide it.
Question #7: Will You Stay Longer If The Day Runs Over?
Weddings have an annoying habit of running late, no matter how well you plan them. Something always goes wrong and mucks up your timetable. Ideally, therefore, you need a photographer who isn’t going to dart off the moment the clock strikes 10 pm.
Check with them about their extra-time fees. Typically, they will charge by the hour to continue shooting until you tell them that they can go home.
Question #8: How Much Does It Cost For A Second Photographer?
Having one photographer is great, but it comes with an opportunity cost – they can only ever capture events from a single angle at a time. Thus, when you’re standing at the altar, you only ever get one aspect of the moment.
A second photographer, however, allows you to get around this problem. Two shooters can capture the same moment in time from two different angles.
If having this ability is essential for you, then you may want to ask your photographer how much they charge for a second pair of hands. Having two people allows you to capture more of the precious moments that occur throughout the day.
Question #9: What’s Your Plan B?
All photographers should have a plan B on the day if things go wrong. If you planned for an outdoor wedding, but there’s rain, the photographer should have all the necessary equipment to accommodate that.
Similarly, they should have spare cameras and lighting equipment if their primary gear fails, just to be on the safe side.
