Scheduled a consultation with a possible wedding photographer? Here are a few tips and guidelines as to what you might want to ask them! Make sure there are no regrets with your decision. After all, you want and deserve great service on a wonderful day such as a wedding.
Make sure to ask them about…
Having two photographers at your event is a must. Don’t miss a single moment! It’s such an important day. With two photographers, close up moments and large scale conceptual shots are both caught within the same moment. Here at Bello Romance Photography, two photographers are included in every package. Above that, Marty and I will always be those two. It helps to have a male/female duo so one can stay with the girls and the other with the boys. The flow of the day will thrive with two photographers.
…their dress code.
How will your photographer dress? Unless it’s a beach wedding, closed toe shoes are a must. Unless you specifically say so, jeans and anything other than dress pants are unacceptable. A wedding is a formal event, and the photographer, as well as everyone in attendance should be showing their respect. Marty always dresses in a tuxedo (unless the groom wears a suit, then he wears a suit, and so on), and I always wear a black pant suit. We blend in and still respect your affair.
…receiving a copyright release.
If you send a photo order to your local photo lab (whether it is a Walgreens or a Wal-Mart), they will always determine whether or not the image is the work of a professional. If they conclude it is, you must either (1) prove that you are that professional photographer, or (2) provide a copyright release for the images signed by said artist. That is the importance of a copyright release. If you want to print them and show them off as yours, the copyright release is important!
…their contingency plans.
What is the protocol if your photographer gets too sick to work the wedding? “Oh don’t worry about that, I never get sick!” is not a great Plan B. What if you get hit by a bus in transit the morning of? What happens when your camera bag falls into a river? What would you do? Your photographer should be able to give you suitable and comforting answers to these horrible scenarios. In our case, it not only helps to have a two photographer team, but great connections with other professional wedding photographers throughout the Indianapolis area.
…the post production period.
Make sure you know the amount of time your photographer will release the link for online viewing or send you a CD of the images, etc. If he/she says a month, write it on your calendar. At Bello Romance Photography, we promise 30 – 40 days. Granted, wedding photographers generally have a lot of post production work to complete all the time! When that one month mark comes, don’t be afraid to ask your photographer where things are and how things have been going. Especially if it is in the middle of the wedding season, they might be running a bit behind. No one minds a little gentle nudging.
Ask you photographer for a list of contact information from past brides and clients. If he/she is unwilling to provide, consider this a huge red flag! They should not be intimidated or scared of you wanting to find out what other have experienced with the company. See some of our brides’ testimonials HERE.
…online viewing options.
This is great for sharing the images with friends and family! Such fun. Contract information Even if you haven’t already signed with said vendor, it isn’t a bad idea to ask for the contract to read in advance. Carefully sift through and know what you’re signing up for!
…their working style.
Simply ask, “How do you work a wedding?” You can learn a lot about the photographer by listening to how to describe their work and methods. Make sure they keep a low profile and will blend in, rather than be a distraction to you and your moment.
After creating a good relationship with the photographer, second most important aspect about choosing a photographer is their art, of course! Make sure you like what they capture. Everyone has different styles and ways of branding. Make sure it is a style that will make you happy in the end. Imagine yourself in the images! At Bello Romance Photography, we capture the romance.
…the possibility of a shot list.
If you are paranoid about getting every detail and family member in a photograph, don’t be afraid to make a shot list for your photographer to ease your nerves. A good photographer will not mind one, but rather serve you and meet your wishes for your day. Also remember that if your photographer is seasoned in weddings, he/she will probably not need most of the guidance outlined in these shot lists.
I hope this was helpful to you and that you gained a bit more insight! Feel free to contact us with any questions you have.