Organising a wedding is exciting and fun, but it can also be stressful. There are so many things to think about and so it is easy to forget some of the less essential things that need thinking about. One of these is the relationship between yourselves and the photographer. So, here are some tips for when you are thinking of booking a photographer, and for what needs to be done to make sure that you will get the very best out of him or her on the wedding day.
1.
The photographer should always meet up with you at the beginning of your relationship, to find out the sorts of shots that you like or don't like. When you have that first meeting it is important that you can talk openly and honestly and share your thoughts and views. If you do not feel relaxed and comfortable with them, do not book.
2.
Always remember that the photographer is working for you - and not the other way round. It is your special day and you will need to share with them exactly what your expectations are, both on the day and beforehand.
3.
You should never feel under pressure to make a booking whilst the photographer is with you. We always leave our customers to think things over before booking. If you do make a booking whilst they are with you you will have seven days to change your mind and they should inform you of this.
4.
At this first meeting, you will be asking about the cost of the services they are offering. So often packages are offered online, but when you come to the point of signing up, or even worse, after the wedding, you find that there are many additional costs that were not initially apparent. So, ask exactly what cost is incurred. Is the storybook extra? Do you have copyright of the DVD of images? Will prints have to be bought from the photographer? Is there a DVD slideshow included?
5.
Some photographers charge high prices. Whilst many of these are excellent photographers and worth every penny, just make sure that if you are paying mega money that the photographer's skills are worth it. Take a look at their portfolios and see if their work is exciting enough to warrant the high cost. I heard a horror story last week of a Mum who paid in excess of £2,000 for the photographer. He was there for the day and for that she received a DVD of the images. That would have been OK if the images had been really excellent, but they were little more than 'happy snaps' that an amateur could have taken with a point and press camera. Always remember though, that the day spent at the wedding is only a fraction of the time it will take for the photographer to process all the images, upload them, create a DVD and possibly a slideshow, and to create a storybook. It is at least a week's work and so prices do reflect this.
6.
Always ask how long it will take for you to be able to view the photos after the wedding, and will the photos be available online to view? We have heard tales where photos have not been available to the bride and groom many until weeks after the wedding day. In one case, the bride had not seen her photos three months later.
7.
Always ask what backup equipment the photographer will have on the day. Equipment can go wrong and it is vital that backup cameras and other equipment are available. Always ask if they hold professional indemnity insurance. You need to be able to feel absolute trust in your photographer on the day.
Anna
If you have any interesting photographer stories - do let us know.
Part Two will cover what the photographer will ask of you.
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