What should i ask my photographer before booking?

1 – Can we see a full gallery

So important! i can’t stress this enough – view a full gallery before you book!

But what are you looking for when you view a Gallery, well firstly do you like it? , is there a large range of variety in the couple shots, does it look natural or stiff, how many images are there? is it full of duplicates? the last thing you want is 42 pictures of the dress being hung up. you just want 2 or 3 of the best! The same goes for everything else in the album.

2 – How many images do you expect we will get?

There is no right or wrong answer here – most photographers deliver anything from 400-1000 images but this is purely so you know what to expect. some deliver  2000 but lots of duplicates, some 400 focusing on the best of the best! 

3 – How many cameras do you have?
2 is an absolute minimum! and they need to have back up memory cards in them incase one memory card goes boom.

4 – What time do you arrive and leave?

Some photographers will go after the first dance, some will hang around for a bit, some will get to bridal prep at 5am some will get to bridal prep 2-3 hours before your ceremony.  What is the right answer? there isn’t one…it’s just what you expect at the end of the day.  what is most ideal? well in my view 2-3 hours before the ceremony is more than enough and staying an hour after first dance is handy! 

The biggest bug bearer of mine is photographer who jump ship as soon as the first dance is had! the best images come 30-60 minutes after the first dance when the dance floor is full. At bare minimum a photographer should be staying at least for some of that time, this is something that you can see for your self when you look at gallery.

Check for your self. Are the last images on the gallery the first dance…or some of the partying?

5 – Check group shots!

6 – Do you offer extra photographer/albums?

This is only valid if it applies to you, some photographers dont have that option at all, but most do. it’s just something to check if its potentially something that you may want. you don’t want to find later down the line your photographer can’t do you an album.

7 – How do you command the day?
Do you want a photographer who is fly on the wall or someone to take command of the day, what ever you want is your personal taste. my personal etiquette is taking charge when i need to, directing when i need to, but sitting back when i can to let things be at there most natural. But don’t book a laid back relaxed photographer if you want someone to step in and organise everything for you.

8 – Do you visit the venue before hand?

90% of the time a pre-visit is just not a thing, in the modern world there is enough information online to gather all the information you need . but if this is something important to you then ask in advance. don’t just assume the photographer will do this by default.

9 – How long will my images take

Find out in advance so your not taken by surprise if they take 12 months! it can be a deal breaker and often it’s to late to find out after your wedding. 

10 – We are awkward in front of the camera? how do you combat this?

99.99% of couples are not models, they dont know how to pose. They need help! and this is where a wedding photographer should be golden and an expert!

I’ve never had a couple turn around to me and say “oh that felt awkward” after a photoshoot – infact they all say that was a lot of fun!

But challenge your photographer with this question as its a tough one to answer but it will put them on the spot! any experienced photographer will have the right answer! and the not so good…well…they will just tell “i’ll tell you how to pose”which is far from the right answer.

11 – Do they sound like they are taking notes?

Every call i have with a couple, i am talking notes! it’s no use to me taking on board what you are asking for then hoping i remember it 2 years down the line.

The last thing i want to do is promise a couple something on my first chat with them and then completly forget about it come there wedding.

You need to distinguish between photographers who are telling you what you want to hear…vs photographers who are taking on board what you ask.