How to Pick a Wedding Photographer

First off, CONGRATULATIONS on your engagement! It’s important to hire a photographer that understands your needs in order to capture all the gratifying moments from all the work that led up to the wedding date and moments that will be cherished forever. You’ll have to do your own due diligence to research your potential photographers before you sign a contract as each photographer has their own terms and conditions for their work. So earlier this week I came across this photographer Q&A article written by BRIDES Editorial and I’ve decided to answer the questions to give you a better understanding of who I am and what I provide for my clients!

Will you be the one shooting my wedding?

Yes, I will be! Unless I’m unavailable for your wedding date and you’re still interested in working with me, I will always be your primary photographer!

Will you have assistants with you during the wedding day?

I usually don’t have assistants with me during the wedding day, I manage everything myself unless there is a secondary photographer needed!

How long have you been shooting weddings?

I’ve been shooting weddings since 2016! I started out as a secondary photographer and worked my way up to the primary photographer! I will do secondary shooter positions as well (often just means I won’t be editing the photos) but am always the primary shooter under my own business!

Can we see a full gallery of a recent wedding that you shot?

Of course! I believe in full transparency between my clients and I don’t want to sell a facade, I want you to receive exactly what you expected or more! Just shoot me an email and I can send you a link to some of my full galleries!

Have you ever worked with a videographer, florist, DJ, planner, etc…?

Yes, I have! Not to worry, I usually attend weddings where I meet all the other staff the day of and have never had issues coordinating with them! If there are any special requests or expectations for the upcoming day, I’d love to discuss it with them!

How would you describe your wedding photography style?

I would describe my wedding photography style as light and airy, full of warm tones and slightly overexposed!

How do you describe your work style?

I love candid photography and capturing emotions in my work, you’ll see me darting around the venue and often blending into the background so that I can catch the purest moments. It’s always awkward when a guest catches me pointing my camera at them so I’m rarely in the same place for a long time.

What is included in your standard packages? What add-ons do the more expensive packages include?

My standard packages include hours of coverage and a minimum number of HD edited photos. The more expensive packages increase in hours of coverage, the minimum number of HD edited photos, and may also include a secondary photographer/videographer and engagement shoot. There are also additional add-ons that can be included in the packages.

Do you include engagement shoots in your packages? How about pre-wedding rehearsals?

I offer engagement shoots in my deluxe packages but not in my standard packages, nor do I offer pre-wedding rehearsal options (to be honest a client has never asked me for anything like that either). However, I offer customizable wedding packages therefore if you shoot me an email with all the requirements that you need for your upcoming wedding, I will respond in a few days with three options. It’s much cheaper than getting a standard package with add ons if you have many demands to be met, but otherwise, a standard package is the way to go!

How many hours are included in each package? How much does an extra hour cost?

It’s an additional 200$ per hour so I highly suggest that you book more than fewer hours! An additional 50$ per hour for the videographer/photographer of choice.

Do you offer a photo booth?

No, I don’t unfortunately :( But most clients that require one often give me a set budget and I’ll connect them with potential vendors. If you’re ever in need of a wedding planner, decor services, DJ, makeup artist, hairstylist, photo booth, prints, etc… I am available to help with any of these services free of charge after we’ve signed the contract! I want to reduce as much stress as possible for my clients, after all, organizing a wedding is busy enough!

Do you offer retouching, color adjustment, or other corrective services? Are those included in the package?

Yes, I do offer all of those! They're also all included in the package! I like to keep my work as natural as possible, aside from the engagement shoot (which most of the time clients will print on BIG posters and have them at the venue), I will do minimal retouching so that the subjects look natural. As for color correction, tone adjustments, and lighting, those are included in every package!

Do you have a travel fee? For what distance? What does that cover?

Yes, I do have a travel fee! It covers gas and any other possible additional amenities (flight, lodging, etc…). As for gas, it is 50 cents/KM! I won’t have any hidden fees, we will be discussing all these additional fees over a call in order to curate the personalized contract for you!

Can we order prints or albums directly from you?

Yes, you can! You can order from me or even directly from my website!

What type of album do you offer? Do you provide assistance in selecting images and designing the album?

It depends on what the clients are looking for but I offer a variety of sizes and pages, it’s really up to your needs and I am fulfilling them! I do help with selecting images!

Are albums or prints included in your packages? How many pages or prints are included, and what is the turnaround time?

Albums and prints are not included in my packages unless you select add-ons such as polaroids and film. Overall, most of my clients enjoy their digital album so unless requested, I don’t include them in the packages! As for turnaround time, it’s really hard to say but we would discuss all this in advance before coming to an agreement!

How long after the wedding will we receive the images? How will they be delivered?

Wedding galleries will be delivered after a month of the ceremony! Feel free to email me if you need them delivered sooner. Clients will receive their photos via a web link that will lead you to an online gallery of all the photos. You will be given a password to enter this gallery.

Will we have rights to the images?

Yes, you will! I know most photographers charge a licensing fee for their photos but this is YOUR wedding! I want you to enjoy them, download them, send them everywhere as much as you’d like!

Will we receive the negatives and/or high-resolution digital images? Is there a fee for that?

I, unfortunately, can not offer the RAW files to my clients but I will be sending all your photographs via digital mediums.

Will the images be accessible online? For how long?

Yes, they will be accessible online! They will be accessible indefinitely unless I stop my business (let’s hope it doesn’t come to that)!

When will I receive the contract?

You will receive the contract within 3 days of confirming a package.

How much of a deposit do you require? When is it due?

A 50% non-refundable deposit is required when we first sign the contract, and the other 50% on the day of.

Do you accept payments in installations?

I currently do not but am looking into implementing this option!

What is your refund or cancellation policy?

If for any reason, the client changes the event date, the deposit can be transferred to the new event date if the photographer has the date available; otherwise, there is no refund for the deposit paid.

Do you carry backup equipment?

I carry backup equipment for my flash, lens, camera battery but not a backup body!

What is the backup plan if you are unable to shoot my wedding for an unexpected reason?

In the event of unforeseen medical emergencies in which I cannot photograph the event, the photographer will make reasonable efforts to arrange for a substitute professional photographer to conduct photography. In the event of this, the client will also get 15% off their packaged photography price. If the photographer cannot perform this agreement in whole or in part due to a fire or other casualty, acts of God or nature or terror, or other cause beyond the control of the parties or due to the photographer's illness or injury, then the photographer will return all fees to the Client(s) (minus any costs already used i.e. plane tickets) but shall have no further liability with respect to this agreement.

How will you and your assistants be dressed?

Usually dressed in all black semi-formal clothing, I like to have a bit of comfort in the staff's clothing due to the amount of cardio that would be involved.

Can we request a list of specific shots we would like?

Yes, you may! I usually ask my clients to send me a shot list of individuals that they want photographs with as well as any additional materials in order to help me curate the perfect wedding style for them!

Will you be posting about our wedding on your website and social media? Will you be submitting our photos to magazines or blogs?

Yes, I do! I love to share your love and experiences with my audience, I occasionally will submit photos for magazines as well but if you’re uncomfortable with that, please let me know prior to signing the contract!

How to Pick a Wedding Photographer?