Things to consider when hiring your wedding photographer

In our opinion, one of the most important bookings you’ll make for your wedding day is the wedding photographer. There are plenty of services you’ll book that’ll make your wedding day extra special, but few services you’ll book that will make the rest of your life special. The reason being is that the wedding photographer’s work will more then likely be displayed on your shelf or wall for the rest of your days. You want to ensure the wedding photographer you hire is perfect for you.

Essex Wedding Services investigates what you need to consider when you’re hiring your wedding photographer, there are some brilliantly talented photographers available, but ensure you pick the right one for you, and don’t spend the rest of your married life wondering what if….

Professional Photography Experience

Have they photographed other weddings before ? Maybe the photographer just does it for a hobby, so it’s well worth asking how much time and experience they have when it comes to photographing bridal parties.

Photographic Styles

Ask to see plenty of photos from previous work. Ask yourself if these photographs are really what YOU want for your wedding day. There are actually plenty of different styles when it comes to wedding photography and different people want different things. There are words like formal, classic, candid, photo-journalism, natural, reportage, do you want black and white or colour. Have a good long think of what you want, and take your time when discussing this with the photographer well in advance of your wedding day.

Who is the photographer ?

Is the person you are talking to going to be the photographer on your wedding day ? Some larger groups may decide to send whoever is available. Be certain if you aren’t just dealing with a sole trader that you know exactly who will be turning up to photograph your wedding day. Normally this isn’t something to worry about, but worth checking. Also ask your photographer what would happen if he/she is taken ill on your wedding day, do they have a close contact who can stand in on the day – it wouldn’t be ideal, but better then no one.

The Photographer’s Personality

We think this one is all important. Is the photographer someone you can get along with, can you see them organising you and your family and friends on your wedding day to ensure you get the photographs you want. If the photographer seems too miserable or grumpy, do you want that on your special day ? Of course not. Even though these guys may do this every week, you want to feel like they are delighted to be sharing your big day, and eager to capture the best shots. An outgoing and professional manner makes a great wedding photographer.

Appearance

You don’t want to be in your wedding dress, and all your nearest and dearest suited and booted then see the wedding photographer strolling around in their shorts and trainers! Check with the photographer how he/she intends to dress on your wedding day. Smart is the only acceptable answer !

Cost of the Photographer

As mentioned earlier in this article, these photos are going to be on show in your house for the rest of your life, so the last thing we recommend is that you shop by price alone. You want the best available, but still stick to your budget. Ask yourself the question, do I think this wedding photographer is worth the price difference ? More importantly, ensure you are fully aware of what everything costs, nothing is ever free. A nice quote may be followed up with reprint fees & album costs. Ask what you actually get for their “package”. Decide how many photographs you want for your album, they may take a few hundred shots, but how many do you really want to see, perhaps just the best make the album, you need to discuss and decide.

Photo Delivery

How long will you have to wait after the wedding to get the proofs back from the photographer. Ideally you’ll be able to see them shortly after you’ve returned from your honeymoon. You know you’ll be desperate to see them, so check when they’ll be available.

Contract

Get it all in writing, you want a full quotation detailing exactly what you’ve agreed, when the wedding date is, what time the photographer starts and finishes. Only what is written down can be agreed, nothing verbal. We’re not saying that Essex Wedding Photographers will attempt to con you, far from it, but if you have any doubts about anything, get it in writing before signing to agree to it and paying any deposits. This means you shouldn’t be disappointed. What about deposits and payments? What does the contract say about a cancellation or the photographer not turning up? If the photographer protests, ask them why? This is one area NOT to take lightly. You could be disappointed for a long time if you’re let down.

References

There is nothing better then a trusted friend to give you word of mouth references about a wedding photographer, no better advertising. However, you may be getting married in an area where you don’t know anyone who has used a local wedding photographer, so ask them for written references, thank-you’s from previous bridal parties, and testimonials. Any wedding photographer with any credibility will have bucket loads of these.

Other things to consider when speaking to your potential wedding photographer :

* Have you worked at our wedding venue before ?
* Do you have use an assistant ?
* Do you have back up camera equipment in case of problems ?
* Do we get to keep the proofs ?
* Do you water-mark your proofs ?
* Do we get to keep the negatives or digital files ?
* If not, how long do you keep these for ?
* Do you use film or digital ?
* Do you have panoramic photography for large group shots?
* How do you work alongside our other services, ie videographer, toastmaster etc.
* Can you work from a photo checklist that we plan, so that we don’t miss any group shots ?

What should be addressed on the all important contract?

* The name of the actual photographer attending your wedding.
* The time that he/she starts and finishes
* The approx number of proofs you will view in order to pick your enlargements and/or keep
* The description of the package you ordered, ie what you actually get for the agreed original price
* A list of guaranteed prices for enlargements. If they have a brochure with prices then get the photographer to write down that the prices on the brochure they gave you are the prices that you will be charged.
* The cutoff date for these brochure prices.
* Any additional charges, for example services, VAT, travel costs, etc… Get the precise cost on the contract.
* An explanation of what will happen should your photographer not show up.
* The wedding date, deposit value, and how much is still owing.
* The name, address and phone number of the bride and groom.  The names and addresses of the wedding venue location and reception location if different.

Hope this little guide has been helpful to some of you, we’d love to hear your comments from brides and grooms, and of course professional wedding photographers…………

Happy Wedding Planning.

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