When you're relying on one person to capture the romance and
excitement of your big day, you've got to make the right choice - check the questions below to see what you need to know!
1. What style of work does your photographer specialise in?
This is a crucial question. If you've got your heart set on
an informal, reportage-style of photography, don't choose someone who
specialises in traditional posed shots and family line-ups. Likewise, if you're
looking for a photgrapher who offers digital special effects such as retouching
or hand-colouring, make sure this is an option before you book.
2. What
qualifications do they have?
Qualifications aren't essential for taking great pictures,
but it's always reassuring to know your photographer has the necessary skills
needed to shoot really creative pictures and to handle tricky weather
conditions such as low light, harsh sunlight or dark skies.
3. Will the
person you meet at the initial consultation be the person taking your pictures
on the day?
It's important to form a rapport with your photographer if
you're going to feel relaxed in their company. Ask who will be taking your
photographs, and make sure you meet them before signing a contract.
4. Do they
shoot digitally or on film?
Some photographers swear by film, while others have
converted to digital, so ask your photographer why they prefer their chosen
format. Bear in mind that photographs shot on film will need to be individually
scanned if you want them to be uploaded to a website or saved onto a CD - and
this may add to your final bill.
5. Do they
offer a pre-wedding shoot?
Some photographers will offer you a photoshoot ahead of your
wedding. This will give you and your photographer the chance to develop a
rapport, will get you accustomed to being photographed and will help your
photographer discover under which circumstances you look your best.
6. Have
they taken photographs at your chosen wedding venue before?
Always choose a photographer who is familiar with your
venue, or who is willing to waste precious time on the day searching for the
perfect spot for that romantic pose.
7. Are they
available to show you any testimonials and photographs from other recent
weddings?
There's nothing like praise from other couples to make you
feel confident in your chosen photographer. Equally, it's important to take a
look at other people's photographs so you can check you're happy with the
photographer's style, and point out any shots you particularly like (or
dislike).
8. Do
they offer black and white as well as colour photography?
If your
photographer is shooting digitally, this won't be an issue, but if they're
using film, you might like them to have one camera for those atmospheric black
and white shots and another for colour shots of details such as the flowers and
cake.
9. Do they
offer different photography packages for you to choose from?
Most photographers will offer a number of packages. If none
of them suits what you want, ask whether they'll give you a bespoke quotation. For
example, if you're on a tight budget, you might choose to have a photographer
just for an hour or two.
10. How
long will they stay?
Ideally, you should look for a photographer who covers
individual elements of the day, rather than setting a time scale. Decide
whether you want them there to capture everything from you getting ready right
through to the first dance, or perhaps just from the ceremony to the
cake-cutting. Setting a time scale is risky if things run late and they start
billing by the hour.
11. Do they
charge for transport?
If your photographer is local, this is unlikely to be an
issue, but if they're travelling any great distance they may charge an amount
per mile. You might even need to provide overnight accommodation, so be sure to
confirm this before booking.
12. Will
they require refreshments?
If your
photographer is spending any length of time at your wedding, it's only fair to
assume he or she will need to be fed. While a sandwich might be
sufficient if they're only there for a few hours, consider offering a main
course from your wedding breakfast if you've booked them for the entire day.
13. Will
they offer a discount for a weekday wedding?
Wedding photographers are in greatest demand on Saturdays,
so some might be willing to lower their prices if you're getting married
mid-week, even if they don't advertise the fact. Don't be afraid to ask!
14. Are
they happy to work alongside a videographer?
While your photographs are an essential memento, a video will
enable you to listen to those vows and speeches for years to come. The only
problem can arise when a photographer and a videographer both want to stand in
the same spot to capture those magical moments. If you're planning on having
your day filmed, make sure you tell your photographer they will be working
alongside a videographer
15. How
many pictures will you receive?
The number of photographs you receive often depends on the
package you've chosen. Generally speaking, digital photographers will take more
shots than a photographer using film, so you'll have a wider selection to
choose from.
16. Who
will own the copyright?
Most photographers will retain the copyright to your images
so that any reprints not included in your package will need to be ordered
through them.
17. How
will the final set of photographs be presented?
Most packages will include some kind of album, so ask to see
an example of what your photographer offers. The easiest way for friends and
family to see and purchase your wedding photography is on the internet. Many
photographers offer this service as well as providing an album, but it's always
a good idea to check
18. Are
they insured against mishaps?
None of us likes to think of the worst-case scenario, but
there is always a chance something might go wrong with the camera or the film
gets damaged. It's important to find out whether your photographer has
professional indeminty insurance, and exactly what this covers.
19. When
will you need to pay?
Unfortunately, you will need to part with your money at some
point, and you need to know when. Expect to pay a deposit when you book and the
remaining balance just before the big day.
20. When
will you see your pictures?
The first thing you'll want to do when you return from your
honeymoon is look at your photos. Ask how long it will take to put the images
online and when you will receive the actual prints.
Source: Wedding and Wedding Flowers
