Straight Shot: Choosing a Wedding Photographer Brisbane

This is not a close your eyes and point situation; choosing a wedding photographer is serious business. Know what to ask beforehand so there are no surprises.

Image by Harry Potts via Flickr

Don’t let anyone convince you otherwise. Finding the right wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in this exhilarating, enchanting, and exciting time in your life. More than one bride has lamented, “I was so busy I didn’t have time to eat!” and “I didn’t even see the pre-dinner hors d’oeuvre trays!” and “I didn’t even see [insert guest name]!” And what “saves” that for her? The wedding and reception photos! The photographers will (hopefully) capture what the bride and groom may have missed… not just the iconic moments (the bouquet and garter tosses, cake cutting, first dance), but moments of joy between the wedded couple, and their friends and family as well.

Hiring a Wedding Photographer: The Musts

Ask friends and family for suggestions and do research for a wedding photographer Brisbane. Find out how long they’ve been in business, if weddings are their primary business, what their style is, and review their portfolio (most are now available online).

References

Ask for at least five references, because you have a chance of getting the truth about the photographer. Some questions to ask the references:

1. Was the photographer on time?
2. How was the photographer (and any assistants) with you, your family, and the guests?
3. Were they as accommodating as you hoped they’d be?
4. Did you give the photographer a list of shots you wanted, and did the photographer follow your requests?
5. When you saw the photos were you pleased with the quality?
6. Were they flexible with you regarding your order or were they impatient?
7. Did they offer you choices of albums?
8. How happy were you with the packages they offered?
9. Did you find their prices reasonable, or more importantly, equal to the photos they took for you?

Now, the questions for the potential photographer(s):

1. Do you have the date available?
2. When may I have the written contract (you must have one; don’t book a photographer without one)?
3. Do you require a deposit, and, if so, when is it due?
4. Do you have at least five references to share with me?
5. Will you be the actual photographer (some agencies parse out assignments)?
6. Do you have an assistant?
7. How do you describe your shooting style?
8. Will I be able to provide you with a list of the specific shots we want?
9. What kind of packages do you provide?
10. (If interested) Do you do engagement packages?
11. What format do you shoot in (digital or film)?
12. Can I get black & white photos?
13. Do you shoot video, too, and if not, do you have a recommendation for one?
14. What kind of film equipment do you use, and do you have backup?
15. Have you shot a wedding at my wedding site [or ceremony or reception venue]?
16. Have you worked with my [florist], [DJ], [wedding planner], [videographer], etc.?
17. Is my wedding site within the area, and if not, do you charge a travel fee?
18. What time will you arrive (will you shoot our “getting ready”)?
19. Do you offer a photo booth?
20. If the wedding or reception goes on longer than anticipated, will you stay? How much would you charge additionally?
21. Do you have a refund/cancellation policy?
22. Do you have liability insurance?
23. Do you provide retouching or other corrections, and if so, do you have a price list?
24. Will you give me the negatives or the digital images?
25. Is there any chance you will need to cancel on us?

Take your time in choosing a photographer. Don’t let anyone pressure you into making a decision. If a photographer offers you a special deal, in order to get you to sign a contract before you are truly ready to make a choice between the photographers you’re considering, think twice. You probably shouldn’t take the photographer up on their offer.  Make a check list, a “pros and cons” to help you decide.