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ask your photographer

Potential brides who would like help in choosing a photographer for their wedding day frequently raise this topic.

 

  Together with Peter Williams of Turning Heads Photography, we have compiled a list of questions you should be asking your photographer.

1. How many photographers are there in the studio?
Be aware that some photography studios hire outside photographers (called shooters) so, when there is more than one photographer, to have the principal photographer he will usually charge an extra booking fee. Usually the principal photographer is also the owner of the business. If you love the work of a particular studio, do not be deterred from booking them even if they hire shooters. If the principal photographer is not available, ask to see samples of the photographer’s work that is shooting your wedding to ensure that photographer exhibits in his/her work the style and look that you are after.

2. Are we guaranteed that you would
be the photographer on the day?
If the studio you choose does have several photographers, don't just assume that the owner of the business will be photographing your wedding. This is a common mistake amongst brides booking studios. This misunderstanding, can often lead to disappointment. You may have never met this photographer, they do not know what you want and you may not even feel comfortable with them. When you get to see your photos, they may not be what you wanted at all. Consequently, it is vitally important to arrange a meeting with the actual photographer who will be photographing your wedding prior to the wedding. Often this can take the form of an engagement shoot where you will immediately see how well you can work together.

3. How many weddings have you photographed
and/or how many years have you been
photographing weddings?
 It is very important to ask any potential wedding photographer this question. Don't rely on only seeing the photographer’s sample work because many will show you only the best they have done. Ask to see a whole wedding that this photographer has done, either from proofs or on the computer. Remember, experience does count for a lot and shouldn't be underestimated especially if you are after a certain look to your photos. Photographers spend many years gaining their skills. They also attend seminars and workshops to improve their skills and invest in the latest computer software to ensure they provide you with the latest trends in wedding photography. Photographers who have had only a few years in the industry don't always know the "secrets" more seasoned professionals know. You may also find that a photographer who has not long been shooting weddings will, more often than not, be still experimenting with new things.

  Experienced photographers who has been in the industry for well over 10 years will know the basics and can concentrate on the latest styles and trends in wedding photography. To feel comfortable, visit the various photographers’ websites. Be aware that lack of experience is usually the most common reason why some photographers have cheaper prices than others. Peter recalls how a girl once told him how, "I searched the web for the cheapest possible photographer I could lay my hands on, because I couldn't for the life of me, think why anyone would want to spend thousands of dollars on a whole bunch of photos..." She then went onto say, " ...I have never regretted anything more in my entire life."

4. Is the work I'm seeing all yours or a combination
of work from more than one photographer?
This will only apply to studios that hire shooters. Photographers who work from home generally are the only photographer that business has, but Peter personally knows of a few home studios that hire shooters to photograph weddings (most of who are perfectly fine). So ensure you see the work only from the photographer who will be photographing your wedding.
5. Are you able to customise a package for us?
Don't assume that you have to take the standard packages. If you have special photographic requirements, then ask your photographer if you can vary the package and what is the variation cost. Most are happy to oblige, but if your photographer is not flexible, ask for other alternatives. For example, it may not be policy for them to include negatives but they may be happy to release them after 12 months. If you prefer two 20” x 60” wall prints rather than 200 6"x4" prints, just ask your photographer if it’s possible. Don’t lose your preferred photographer because you are too scared to ask questions!

 

 
6. What happens if you fall sick on the
day and are unable to photograph?
While most photographers DO have a back-up plan if they are sick, don't just assume your photographer has one. Discuss a contingency plan prior to the wedding. It’s too late if your find out the night before that your photographer is in hospital and can’t shoot your wedding. If you know a contingency plan is in place beforehand, it would not be so stressful and remember, the likelihood of it happening is really quite rare.

7. How long will you be there?
Is it unlimited coverage in your fee
or is it extra for all day coverage?
Some photographer’s charge you by the hour, some photographers have packages based on hourly blocks such as one, four or six hours, while some will stay until the end of the reception. Ensure you are aware of the time frame your package includes as extra hourly costs can come as a surprise on the day.

8. Do you require a list of the photos that I require?
Most photographers don't require a wedding photo list. They will automatically take standard photographs and if you are having a photo-journo style wedding photography, they are taken as "it happens". It is very important however to advise your photographer of any special requests, such as visiting friends or relatives from overseas. Don’t assume he/she will capture everyone. A good idea is to have a family friend or relative that knows your family and friends (from both sides) to organise the guest photos for you. Give them the list and you will know everyone will be included.

9. How long before I receive my disc of photos?
Time frames vary greatly from photographer to photographer. You may return from your two-week honeymoon eager to see your photographs only to be disappointed when told they will be another four weeks. Some photographers have staff employed at their studio and so have a fairly quick turnaround while other photographers are working alone and have a more lengthy time frame due to demands on computer time, numbers of weddings they have recently photographed and so on. Peter suggests to always have dates in writing so clients know up front when to expect their photos.

10. What are your cancellation policies?
 Don't assume you automatically get your money back if you cancel your booking with your photographer, no matter what the reason. Many photographers do not refund a booking fee once paid. Often they have refused other potential clients because of your booking and it can often be hard to re-book that date again. Other photographers will refund your booking fee only if they get another booking on that date. Make sure you know your photographer’s refund policy as they are quite within their rights to refuse a refund. Deposits on packages are quite different as you are entitled to a refund for these. Consequently, ensure you seek advice before paying your photographer as to what their monetary and refund policies are.

11. Do you require a meal?
Photographers who stay for the entire reception quite often require a meal. If this is the case, ask your photographer if he/she would prefer to sit with guests or simply have a meal out back somewhere. Quite often a photographer likes to be a part of the proceedings as they happen so they don’t miss out on the action.

Peter concludes that, “I find that those who ask the most questions are the more informed and better educated. I have had great pleasure in photographing them as clients and they, in turn, are always the happiest. Their expectations of what I can do for them are easily met when they have asked questions similar to the ones discussed. If you had expected more from your photographer, more often than not the reason you don't get what you want (in the style and look of your photos) is because you didn't ask or know the right questions of your photographer. Hopefully this information on "what to ask your photographer" ensures you end up getting all that you wish for from your wedding album.”

 
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