What to expect from your Wedding Photographer

By Richard Holgate

If you are not either a professional photographer or an enthusiast, you would certainly be forgiven for asking what may seem like silly questions, but in order to give you peace of mind and confidence in your chosen wedding photographer, you should definitely ask the ‘silly’ questions.

Most wedding photographers will have experienced this, and will be more than happy to provide you with as much detail as you need, however if you still have questions or concerns, you should continue to ask and ask until you are satisfied.

Here are 5 of the questions you may want to ask your chosen wedding photographer, along with an anticipated answer;

Question 1:

Have you been to the venue before?

Answer to expect:

Either ‘Yes I have, and here is a sample of my work from that venue’ or a ‘No, but I will be visiting prior to your wedding so I can familiarise myself with the venue and its surroundings’ 

 

It’s vitally important that your wedding photographer knows your wedding venue.  Knowing where the picturesque areas and vantage points are will ensure that your photographer will make the very best of the venue, as well as being able to swiftly move from one arrangement to another.

Question 2:

What happens if it’s raining?

Answer to expect:

‘If it is raining, then obviously the photographer will have to be taken indoors, however, should the rain stop at all, we will go outside quickly to make the most of the outdoors’ 

 

After a bit of rain, the greenery really does look great so it really is advisable to get outside for some photographs.  Of course the ground will be wet which may wet and soil the underside of your wedding dress.  Remember though, your dress can be professionally cleaned, whereas your wedding photographs must be taken on that day alone.

Question 3:

I have a list of key people I want photographs of.  Can you ensure that you capture these?

Answer to expect:

‘Yes, absolutely’ 

 

This is your wedding day, and you will be paying the wedding photographer a large fee to be there.  It is expected and appreciated by the photographer to have a list of key people to photograph, and most will make it their personal challenge to fulfil this request.  Obviously nothing can be guaranteed, and a long list of people to photograph would almost certainly become tiring for your guests, but a shortened list of perhaps 10 key shots is a good idea.

Question 4:

Can we have the photographs on disk so we can print off our own photographs after the wedding?

Answer to expect:

Typically, the answer to this would be ‘No’ but some will offer them on disk for either a small fee or after a period of time after the wedding. 

 

A wedding photographer has a business to run, and a key element to the business is the income generated from re-prints.  Now assuming that the photographer has received an order for re-prints, the images on disk may be made available.  If re-prints are unlikely, then for a small fee, the photographer my supply the images on disk for the Bride and Groom to print from.

Question 5:

Can I we have both Colour and Black & White photographs?

Answer to expect:

‘Yes you can, and in fact, from your proof album, you can choose to convert a Black & White image to Colour or vice versa’ 

 

In this Digital age, the ability to edit and manipulate images ensures that the images supplied will be exactly as requested.  When a photographer supplies a Proof Album, there will be a mixture of Black & White and Colour photographs.  This gives you an idea of what images look best in Colour and Black & White but the final choice is entirely up to the Bride & Groom.  If you are unsure, then the photographer would be more than happy to advise.

There are lots more questions you should ask, such as;

·         Can I see a portfolio or a couple of examples of complete albums to make sure I’m happy with the style?

·         Is the album is included in the price?

·         What is provided as part of the service and how many pictures will be taken and how many will we get to choose for our album?

·         Do you charge a flat fee or work by the hour?

·         Are we expected to provide any food, transport or accommodation for you?

·         Will you be photographing the wedding yourself or sending an assistant?

·         If you bring an assistant with you, will they be included in the quote?

·         How soon after the wedding will proofs be available?

·         What is the cancellation/postponement policy?

·         How much is the deposit and when is it due? When is the balance due?

·         Is VAT included?

·         What happens if you are unwell and unable to make it on the day -- do you know a photographer with the same style who could step in if necessary?

·         What spare kit do you take?

·         Can you provide references?

Of course, I’m sure you will have many more questions to ask your chosen photographer.  Hopefully this article has provided an insight into wedding photography, and has motivated you to ask your wedding photographer all of those unanswered questions.

Good luck with your wedding preparations, your forthcoming wedding, and your married life together.

Rich

Richard Holgate Photography