5 Questions To Ask Your Wedding Photographer
Wedding planning can be very difficult, but it doesn’t have to be! Not if you’re asking the right questions. So, I compiled a list of 5 questions that I think every couple should be asking their wedding photographer in 2021 and 2022.
Do I really need to read the contract?
You should be thoroughly reading a photographers’ contract before finalizing the booking. This is VERY important. The contract is your agreement with the photographer and covers basic points like the turn around time on your images, what is included in the package and rainy weather/ covid plans to topics like theft, harassment, the limit of liability and how many re-edits you’re entitled to (if any).
Long story short, pour yourself a cup of tea and read the contract.
2. Should we book an engagement session?
This one is a bit harder. If you haven’t met your photographer yet and have no plans to catch up for a zoom meeting/ brunch / after work drinks before the wedding day then I would strongly recommend booking an engagement session but it isn’t necessary.
If your package doesn’t include an engagement session and your budget doesn’t stretch that far then I would recommend asking your photographer for an in-person meeting. The main reason to have the engagement session is to ensure that you’ve met the photographer before the day, and it helps if you can see how they operate and get you comfortable and confident in-front of the camera.
But ultimately, yes I think it is worth it. There are lots of studies out there that show that friendships are formed by being around the other person longer. Obviously there are exceptions to this, but I really recommend that clients consider booking an engagement session so that they have a chance to get to know me even better before the wedding; so that they don't feel like they're letting a complete stranger participate in their wedding day.
3. How many hours do we need?
Ask yourself; what are the top three moments you want captured? Is it getting ready with your friends, the ceremony and vows, the dancing, the speeches - or, if you can't narrow it down, thats also your answer!
Generally my policy is "What photos are you most likely to frame and put on your wall?" and get those hours covered by a photographer.
Please note that at Happy Snappy Laura, our base packages finish at 8hrs of cover. If you’re wanting something a little bit longer, then mention that when you’re inquiring as we have a different set up for 10hr weddings.
4. Is it really worth getting a videographer?
In the end, only you and your partner can decide on this. I think that it's very possible to have a beautiful day recorded via photos and have no regrets. I also think that, if you're asking that question it's very possible that you might have some regrets if you don't have a videographer.
If you're in the market for a videographer, let me know and I can make some recommendations. But just remember that videographers are just as in demand as photographers and they book out early.
5. Do you have any on or off camera flash set ups?
This is any important question if you’re having your ceremony and reception indoors. Any venue with gorgeous ambient or mood lights, fairy lights - it looks amazing, but using flash may be the difference between getting the shot and not. Whether or not a photographer uses flash in difficult lighting situations will drastically elevate the photos you receive.
Even the $10,000 cameras can benefit from having flash available, so don’t be afraid to ask your photographer if they have a lighting set up.
Boogie like you mean it! The dance floor is a perfect (and necessary) location for flash photography.
And those are 5 questions that everyone should be asking their photographer!
If you have a question that you think should be added to this list - send me a message! In the meantime - stay well!
