When that time approaches for new couples to start searching for their dream wedding suppliers to help bring their vision to life, the process in general can often be a little scary as there are so many options and choices available in the current market and so much to consider.
So to make things just a little easier for you, we’ve listed, the top 6 things you need to consider before deciding on who to enlist as your chosen wedding photographer and why asking these questions is so important.
- How long have they been a photographer for?
You would be surprised how often clients forget to ask such a crucial question and possibly it is due to them being so in love a photographers work that it doesn’t actually cross their minds until after they’ve booked however it is certainly a question that should be asked early on in the process. We suggest this simply to ensure you and your partner peace of mind, security and a sense of assurance that comes with knowing you are working with someone who is experienced in their craft and confident in their abilities to deliver the best possible service and product to you.
- Have they ever shot a wedding at your chosen venue?
Many find comfort in knowing that a photographer they are considering has already worked on a wedding in the past at the same wedding venue that they may also be hosting their big day at. It is a great way to preview how your images will potentially look (predominantly when drawing comparisons with the space, scenery, surroundings, décor and style)
It’s also not completely out of the question to suggest, if your photographer hasn’t yet worked at this venue to date, for them to book a time in their diary prior to your day, to familiarise themselves with the space and layout to ensure they are fully aware of all the possibilities to maximise on your wedding day.
- Are you able to easily view a number of recent, fully edited weddings they have shot, from start to finish (entire series, including albums, video’s & stills.)
Samples & highlights are great, but seeing an entire wedding from start to finish is paramount in making your final decision. By doing this, you are not only able to see how the entire day was covered, you can also connect with what it really IS about this photographer’s style that resonates with you and your partner.
Be sure to pay close attention to the things that matter most to you (for e.g.: emotional connections between the bride and groom & their guests, or major moments such as the bouquet toss or first dance) This will all play a vital factor in your decision making process as you need to be 100% confident that your values align with that of your photographer’s ability to capture them.
- Ask them what their point of difference is what sets them apart from their competitors
This is a biggie! What is it about them that sets them apart from their competitors? Don’t be afraid to ask them to tell you why they think you should choose them and what it is about their work that is unique.
Is it their attention to detail? Their amazing customer service or, the ability to capture highly emotional exchanges within their clients during their most precious day? If your photographer cannot answer these questions at the drop of a hat, authentically and full of passion and excitement then you may need to ask yourself why you are considering them.
It is really important to communicate with your photographer in the early stages to express what type of shots you like (for e.g.: candid captures, traditional posed / group portraits, photojournalist action shots of the day’s events or simply a blend of everything)
- What is their average turnaround time for edited images?
Managing expectations is a crucial element to any successful vendor partnership in your wedding planning process. You need to be aware that your photographer is going to need to take the time to edit your images and you should be very clear of what those time frames are from the inset. You don’t want to be wondering where your photos are or when they are expected to be finalised. A good photographer will outline all of these time frames up front during your initial meeting with them and everything will be solidified in a formal contract.
- Do they customise packages to suit your unique needs?
Lastly… this is something that not all couples deem as being a requirement however it is still a valid question to pose to any potential photographers as it shows that they can apply some form of flexibility and customisation in line with your specific needs, for e.g: if you are leaning towards a package that has a capped price for a certain amount of hourly coverage, is there any leverage to have flexibility with some of these arrangements? or are you able to add or adapt certain elements that may be inclusive in these set packages to work within your own personal desires & budgetary requirements?
Capturing someone’s wedding and being able to convey their love story through beautiful imagery is not only a talent but an honour and privilege that any gifted photographer; who is passionate about their clients and providing great customer service will agree is a responsibility they take enourmous pride and joy in delivering.
Don’t be afraid to ask those vital questions when on the search for the ‘right fit’ when it comes to the chosen photographer to document your the memories from your most precious day!
