Insider Tips On Choosing Your Wedding Photographer
Ah, the wild adventure of Choosing Your Wedding Photographer – it’s a bit like online dating, isn’t it? Swiping through portfolios, wondering if they’re the one who’ll make your heart sing. Now, before you swipe right on your photog-match made in heaven, let’s chat about the 12 Questions To Ask Before Booking.
Will they ‘Get You?’ Will they cover everything that’s important to you on the day? The tears, the laughter, and that guest who thinks they are a dance legend? It’s all about peeling back the curtain to see if they’re the Robin to your Batman, the chips to your fish, the… well, you get the picture. So, grab a cuppa, get comfy, and let’s dive into making sure you are choosing your wedding photographer with a fully loaded set of questions in mind…
THE 12 QUESTIONS TO ASK A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
JOE | HELEN
Shoreditch Wedding
Every photographer has a unique style. Some excel at capturing candid moments, while others create beautifully posed images. Discuss their approach to find a balance that resonates with your thoughts on wedding photography.
I’m super fast at delivering as I know anticipation is high post-wedding, however others can be up to 12 weeks. Ask photographers about the turnaround time for your previews and full gallery so you know exactly what to expect.
In the digital age, safeguarding your files is crucial. Enquire about a photographer’s backup procedures to ensure your photos are protected from unexpected tech hiccups. This is vital to know before choosing your wedding photographer.
After your big day has come and gone, knowing your memories are kept safe is a huge relief. It’s essential to ask photographers about their image storage policies. How long do they keep backup copies of your photos? Should the unthinkable happen and you lose your copies, there’s a safety net waiting for you.
Let’s face it, life happens. Ask your photographer about their In Case Of Emergency Plan in case unforseen circumstances mean they can’t make it to your wedding day. Weddings are A LOT of logistics so understanding their backup plan gives you peace of mind that your day will be captured beautifully, no matter what.
Understanding the time required for essential shots like group photos and couple portraits helps in planning your day. When choosing your wedding photographer, find one that can make the best of your wedding timeline and how to fit the photography around your plans so that on the day, it all feels wonderfully relaxed and hassle-free.
While spontaneity captures raw emotion, certain key photos could be deal-breakers for you. Don’t assume that your photographer will pick up on your must-haves. Discussing the shot list ensures no significant photo gets missed missed. Plus, it helps manage time efficiently, especially for group photos and couple portraits. Images are easy to grab at the time but impossible to achieve later.
I wish couples asked me this more, instead they might ask their make-up artist who will probably suggest being ready for the time that you are due to leave for your ceremony. This leaves no time for last minute checks, composing yourself and just enjoying the anticipation -plus we can create some baller images at that time. I always suggest aiming to be ready 30 minutes before departure time.
Weddings often don’t run to the minute. Ask how your photographer deals with unexpected delays. A flexible photographer can adapt to changes without missing a beat (or a photo!). It’s very unlikely that the meal can be put back when things overrun so it’s more likely that the photos will be condensed. Will this stress them out or can they handle working under pressure?
Chances are that you either found a photographer on social media or you started to follow them on your favourite app after discovering them. So it’s not a big shock that they will probably like to share some of your images too. It’s important to discuss your preferences for privacy and exclusivity. Some couples love the idea of their wedding day being featured on a popular Instagram page, while others prefer to keep their celebrations private. Clarifying this upfront ensures that both your expectations and their social media strategy are in perfect harmony.
Portfolios and social media accounts only show the highlights, but a full wedding gallery unveils the story from start to finish. Requesting to see a complete album gives you insight into their consistency, storytelling ability, and how they capture the array of photographs throughout the day. It’s like watching an entire movie as opposed to just the trailer; you get to see their depth, their ability to build a narrative, and if their style is what you want to immortalise your wedding day. This is your sneak peek into your own potential wedding gallery – make it count.
I’ve saved the most important question to the end, haha – well it would be the most important when I’m hitting a wall at 9pm having not eaten since 7am. I don’t want to be thinking do I pack a lunch and take out a really useful lens? Kit bags are heavy enough, plus I do not want to get food poisoning halfway through your wedding. It might seem small, but knowing whether to include your on-the-day suppliers in the meal count is essential. A fed photographer is a happy photographer, ready to go above and beyond for you. Some prefer eating away from guests and having a break whilst others like to eat with your guests so that they can be in the heart of the action still.
Insider Tips For Choosing Your Wedding Photographer
Wrapping up, these questions are your toolkit for choosing your wedding photographer – someone who’s not just skilled with a camera but is the right fit for you and your kind of wedding. People will tell you this a lot – weddings are all a blur for you. You will be relying on your photographer to un-blur it all for you. It’s all about making sure you end up with someone who gets you, your style, and your priorities. They are one of the only wedding suppliers that you will be seeing over the entire day so make sure you gel with them. Try to meet in person or online to chat through your wedding plans and get an idea of their vibe.
Taking a peek at my portfolio might just be the next step in ticking off one more thing from your wedding to-do list. And if you think we might be a good match, I’d love to hear about your wedding plans. Let’s make sure your wedding photos are everything you are imagining and more. Drop me a line, and let’s get into a chat about your big day.
