Let’s face it, organising your wedding is hard work. All of a sudden you are happily engaged and then you start to wonder how you are going to get everything organised for your special day, have all your family and guests happy and then find everything is so expensive. Then you suddenly feel consumed by what should be one of the happiest moments in your life, sound familiar?
Ok, lets take a deep breath and think about what will stay with you for your married life together and what truly matters.
Having gone through this process personally in recent years and from working in the industry I can confidently say that it is how you feel on the day, the loving support from your family and friends and your photos that remain with you for your life together.
In this post I would love to help you consider a few important details in choosing your wedding photographer or a photographer for a special occasion in the hope of making your decision an easier one.
Here are a few thoughts in no particular order to help you be more confident in your search for a photographer you can trust:
• Choose a photographer like you would a good mate, someone you can trust, relate to and give full control to over your day and how it flows
• Before talking to a photographer think about how you would like your day remembered and what sort of photos you want. This helps you have a plan of attack when meeting with them and you can then have them share their expertise in how they think your plan can be managed.
• Always meet with a photographer, after all they are going to be with you for most of your day and play a significant part in it.
• Attempt to go into a meeting with a plan of how you see your day and how you want it photographed, this not only helps you but the photographer to communicate clearly about your expectations but importantly helps you.
• Are you meeting with a photographer or a studio manager? This is significant as a studio manager can talk generally, write up a contract etc but you wont see the photographer until the day. Whilst this can work it is also filled with some doubt and can be unsettling. Why would you spend so much money and not meet the person who will do the work for you on your day or see their work?
• In meeting a photographer who does most of the talking. If the photographer is doing all the talking then how can they be tailoring their services to your day? Ask yourself if you feel they are in it for themselves or for you and your special day, after all you are spending thousands of dollars on their expertise which should be customised to your requirements, no two weddings, even at the same locations will ever be the same!
• When you meet with a photographer think about what their personality is like, are they too quiet or too dominant, do they ask good questions or simply want a booking, do they show that they care about you and you are important to them, are they making notes to record the significant aspects of your day, this will tell you so much about their approach to their work and if they are organised and genuinely want to be a part of your day.
• Some photographers will not give you the rights to their work and all your reprints will need to be done through them at very high commercial rates. Some also will charge for the rights to purchase their artwork. Ensure you check this prior to booking them so there are no nasty surprises. Whilst there is no problem with a photographer operating their business in this way just be aware of any ongoing costs after the wedding day.
• Ask them if they have a back up equipment in case their camera fails.
• Ask to see copies of their prints, albums, website etc, anything you can see so you can see their style
• Be as specific as you can with the details of your day but remember the weather and other factors should allow some spontaneity on the day itself. Also you need to be able to enjoy your day so try to avoid running it to the minute because you will be clock watching and not sharing your day with those closest to you. If you have a good plan for your day your photographer should assist with this and help keep you flowing through the plan.
• Some couples take the time to prepare a short list of family photos they would like after their wedding so they ensure they don’t miss an opportunity with family. Have one of your bridal party arrange everyone to be ready and this can help the photographer to ensure you get all the photos you are after. This is not essential but can help
• A good photographer should be able to customise your day to your specific requirements and write up a contract that shows you that they understand how you would like your day remembered
• If you are having a wedding in a regional area see if there is a photographer closer to the location as you may incur a travel charge
• A reputable photographer will provide you with a contract, which is an agreement between you and them for their services. Read the fine print clearly.
• As a strong suggestion attend any meeting with a photographer as a couple, after all you both need to be comfortable with them
• Many photographers have package deals, this can be a good thing if they meet your needs or can be limiting if you feel that they do not. If they truly want your business then there should be an ability to customise their products / services to your needs, within reason of course and as long as they have the capacity to do so.
• Some photographers may provide an e-shoot (engagement shoot) which gives couples the opportunity to work with the photographer and get used to them before the big day.
• Once you have found your photographer book them as soon as you can. Most reputable photographers will have bookings months and more often years in advance because they are so popular, this will usually mean paying a deposit and signing a contract. Aim to book a photographer as soon as you have a date and have confirmed your ceremony location and reception.
• In this day and age most photographers advertise online or digitally and can be easily sourced
• Do you know anyone who was recently married and you liked their shots? There is great power behind a positive referral and sometimes photographers will offer incentives for referrals and good will gestures because it is easier business for them.
AND MOST OF ALL FIND THE BEST WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER FOR YOU!!!!!
