How To Choose Your Wedding Photographer – Part 2
What to ask your photographer?
There are a load of blogs out there with advice on what to ask your wedding photographer, some of them more useful than others.
I expect most of these would come out in general conversation, but it’s worth having a read through just in case.
Can I see a couple of full galleries, please?
Absolutely. I send links to a couple of galleries as standard. I think it’s really important that 1) you know what to expect and 2) you can see what a full gallery looks like, as this is how you’ll receive your images. I ask every couple at the booking stage if they’re happy for me to share their images online, share their full gallery, and share their images with suppliers from their wedding. And they can change their mind at any point. So you can rest assured that the couple has given me permission to share their gallery with you.
What if you’re ill on the day?
For me not to be there it would have to be a real emergency. I take away as many of the risks as possible. I always allow between 1.5 and 2x the travel time to ensure I’m early, even if there are delays. I stay overnight if it’s not practical for me to travel in the morning. However, it’s still essential to have a back-up plan. So worst-case scenario, if I cannot make your wedding at all – then I have a network of photographers that I can call on for support. I’ll be in touch to let you know the plan and what to expect. I’ll still edit and deliver your photos to ensure they’re as close to what you wanted as possible. There will not be any additional cost to you, even if your replacement photographer is more expensive than me. Actually, I suppose that’s not the worst-case scenario. If I don’t arrive at your wedding, then you’ll have to call my wife, but spare a thought for her, because there’s a good chance she’s now a widow with two kids! 😳
Do you have insurance?
It’s a boring question, but one worth asking if the information isn’t volunteered. I’m fully insured. I have public liability insurance & full equipment insurance.
Do you have back-up equipment?
Every photographer should have enough back up equipment to be able to photograph your wedding, if something terrible should happen to their main equipment. I use 2 camera’s as standard with 2 as a back-up. 6 lenses and enough batteries & memory cards to shoot about full day 6 weddings!
What if we change our mind and want a different package? Or want you to stay longer?
This is a good question! All my packages are bespoke. The balance is due 8 weeks before your wedding, so I tend to ask around that time if you’d like any optional extras or adjust the length of coverage. I’m pretty flexible, I only photograph one wedding a day and rarely 2 on the same weekend. So I’m normally happy to accept any last-minute requests.
How long until we get to see our photos?
I like to get a small selection of images to you ASAP as possible (any US Office fans here?). For a Saturday wedding, that normally means I have a selection of images ready for Monday. I generally deliver your full gallery in 8 weeks or less.
How many should we expect to receive?
How many photos I deliver really depends – there is no limit. I never say, “ooh I’ve done my 500 images” and stop. You’ll receive every photo that meets my high standards. For a full-on morning – midnight wedding, I’d say you should be expecting around 800+ photos.
Do you supply high-resolution files and will they have a watermark on them?
Yes & no. You’ll receive full-resolution files and have the option to download smaller files too. I don’t put watermarks or logos on any of my images. As far as I’m concerned they’re your wedding photos – not an advertising opportunity for me.
How do we pay? Can we spread payments?
There’s a £300 booking fee, the remaining balance is due 8 weeks before your wedding. If you’d like to pay early or spread the balance out that’s absolutely fine. All payments are made by BACS.
Are you able to hold my date?
Unfortunately, I can’t hold dates without the booking fee and signed contract. That being said, if you’ve told me that you want to book but you’re waiting for confirmation from the venue (for example), then I will do my best to make sure I tell you if someone else comes sniffing around your date – so you have chance to seal the deal before they do.
What will you wear to my wedding?
As my aim is to blend in and be part of the day, the look I go for is a smart guest. I’ll wear smart shoes, chinos, white shirt & waistcoat.
Are there any additional costs or hidden extras?
Nope, travel & accommodation is included within all quoted prices.
Do we need to feed you?
You don’t need to, but it would be nice 😉 especially if I’m with you all day. I eat while you’re having your wedding breakfast, so as long as I can get a hot meal from somewhere, I’ll be happy.
Have you photographed at our venue before? Will you visit before our day?
I photograph weddings all over the country, so considering there are over 11,000 venues licensed for civil ceremonies and another 29,000 religious buildings licensed for marriages there’s a really good chance that I have not photographed at your venue before. I’m always more than happy to meet you at your venue whether I’ve been there before or not – it’s another great opportunity to get to know you and hear more about your plans.
So, you’ve found someone who produces great work, you trust them, they answered all your questions and they’re free on your date… The next step is to decide what package you’d like!