Wedding Photography: What To Ask Your Photographer

Wedding photography is an important aspect of the big day, and choosing the right photographer is essential to ensure you capture the memories you want. It's not just about finding someone with the right style and approach, but also someone you get along with. There are several questions you can ask to help you decide if a wedding photographer is the right fit for you. These include practical questions about their availability, pricing, and packages, as well as more personal questions about their background, experience, and motivation. You can also ask about their typical process, their equipment, and their backup plan in case of emergencies. It's also a good idea to ask to see full galleries of their previous work, rather than just hand-picked highlights.

How do you prepare for a shoot, especially at a new location?

When preparing for a shoot at a new location, it's important to do your research. Visit the venue in person if possible, or preview it online if it's too far away. Check the lighting conditions and identify any challenges, such as a low-light or outdoor space. Research the photography policies of the venue, especially if it's a place of worship, and communicate any restrictions to your clients.

Arrive early on the day of the shoot to allow yourself time to set up and identify the best spots for photos. A good photographer will be able to adapt to unexpected challenges and plan for surprises. It's also a good idea to create a workflow and develop a shot list so you can stay organised and ensure you capture all the key moments.

How do you collaborate with other vendors?

Collaborating with other vendors is an important part of a wedding photographer's job. Here are some ways I work with other vendors to ensure a seamless experience for the happy couple:

Communication

Effective communication is key to successful collaboration. I ensure that I am easily reachable by other vendors via email, phone, or text. I also designate a point of contact from my team who can address any questions or concerns that may arise. Open lines of communication help us work together efficiently and solve problems quickly.

Timeline Coordination

I work closely with other vendors to create a detailed timeline for the wedding day. This includes coordinating with the wedding planner, DJ or band, caterers, and other key players. We collectively decide on the order of events, ensuring that there is ample time for photography during key moments such as the first dance, cake cutting, and bouquet toss.

Vendor Introductions

I introduce myself to the other vendors and take the time to get to know them. Building a friendly rapport helps foster a collaborative environment. I also ensure that I know the names and roles of the key vendors, so I can easily coordinate with them throughout the event.

Flexibility and Adaptability

I understand that weddings are fluid and dynamic events, and plans may change at a moment's notice. I remain flexible and adaptable, working closely with other vendors to adjust our strategies and ensure the couple's vision is still achieved. For example, if the caterers are running behind schedule, I coordinate with the DJ to adjust the timeline and ensure we stay on track.

Sharing of Resources

I am happy to share my equipment and resources with other vendors if needed. For example, I have lent my lighting equipment to the DJ or provided extra batteries to the wedding planner. I also ensure that I have backup equipment, such as extra memory cards and batteries, which can be shared in case of any emergencies.

Respect for Other Vendors

I respect the roles and expertise of other vendors and avoid overstepping boundaries. For example, I ensure that I do not interfere with the caterers' setup or the band's soundcheck. I also maintain a positive and professional attitude towards other vendors, understanding that we are all working towards the same goal of creating a memorable day for the couple.

By following these strategies, I can effectively collaborate with other vendors and ensure that the couple's wedding day runs smoothly and according to plan.

What happens if there is an emergency and either the wedding is cancelled or the photographer can't make it?

It can be stressful if an emergency occurs and your wedding is cancelled or your photographer can't make it. Here's what to do in this situation:

If your photographer cancels

Firstly, it's important to understand the reason for the cancellation. While it may be due to an emergency, it's not uncommon for photographers to cancel because of poor business practices or a flippant attitude toward work commitments. If the latter is the case, you may be able to take legal action or pursue a refund. However, if it is an emergency, your photographer should communicate this clearly and offer a replacement.

Finding a replacement photographer

If your photographer cancels, your first step should be to find a new photographer as soon as possible. This may be challenging, especially if your wedding date is approaching or during peak wedding season. Be prepared to be flexible with your budget and date, as last-minute bookings often come at a higher cost. It's also important to ask for a non-refundable deposit to secure the new photographer's commitment.

Requesting a refund

If you are not satisfied with the replacement photographer offered by your original photographer, you may want to request a (partial) refund, especially if the replacement does not offer the same level of service or skill as the original photographer. While some photographers may not typically offer refunds on retainers, it is worth discussing this option, especially if you feel the replacement does not offer the same level of service or skill as the original photographer.

Having a backup plan

To avoid last-minute stress, it is always a good idea to have a backup plan. When hiring a photographer, ask about their backup plan in case they are unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances. Most photographers will have a network of fellow professionals they can call upon, or they may include this scenario in their contract.

Wedding insurance

Finally, consider purchasing wedding insurance to protect yourself from any financial losses due to last-minute cancellations or other unforeseen circumstances.

What equipment do you bring to a shoot?

Wedding photographers need to bring a lot of equipment to a shoot to ensure they can capture the day's special moments. Here is a list of the essential items wedding photographers should bring to a shoot:

• Camera and backup camera: It is always good to have a backup in case something goes wrong with the primary camera. Some photographers bring three cameras: two to shoot with and one additional as a backup.
• Lenses: A medium zoom lens like a 24-70mm f/2.8 is great for wedding portraits and photojournalism, offering both wide and tight perspectives. A longer lens like a 70-200mm is useful for capturing events from a distance, especially the ceremony. Wide-angle lenses and prime lenses are also nice to have for architectural details and big group shots.
• External flash: This can be a lifesaver when shooting in low-light conditions or at nighttime weddings and dark churches.
• Memory cards and batteries: Always bring more than you think you need. For example, a wedding photographer might shoot 50-60 GB of images and go through two sets of batteries per camera.
• Tripod and light stands: A tripod can be helpful in low-light conditions or for stabilisation. Light stands are useful for placing external flashes on and adjusting the lighting.
• Studio strobes and umbrellas: While some may disagree, having powerful strobes can be useful for formal portraits, especially in dark or inclement weather.
• Lens cleaning kit and lens hoods: Lenses can get dirty or wet during a fast-paced event, so it's good to have a cleaning kit or lens wipes to keep smudges from ruining shots. Lens hoods help keep lenses clean and reduce sun flare.
• Camera bag: You'll need something to put all your gear in that's comfortable to carry around.

In addition to the essential items, there are some other helpful pieces of equipment that wedding photographers may want to bring:

• Grey card: To help with white balance, although this isn't necessary as you can shoot in Kelvin or use Auto White Balance and adjust in post-processing.
• Reflector: Can be useful for portrait work, but external flashes can also be used for this.
• Monopod: Easier to carry around than a tripod but still provides stability.

What is your approach to posing and capturing a wedding day?

My approach to posing and capturing a wedding day is to ensure the couple feels comfortable and relaxed in front of the camera. I like to spend time getting to know the couple and letting them explore their chemistry, so they feel at ease and the photos reflect their authentic selves. I usually start with some basic posing techniques, but I also allow the couple to improvise and be themselves. This often results in more natural and candid shots that truly capture the joy and emotion of the day.

I always make sure to give the couple clear posing cues and directions, especially if they feel shy or awkward in front of the camera. I might suggest classic poses such as a kissing shot or a forehead-to-forehead pose, but I also encourage movement and action to capture the couple in motion. This can include walking towards or away from the camera, jumping in the air, or even the groom picking up the bride. These types of shots not only create beautiful images but also help the couple to relax and have fun.

I also like to incorporate a mix of traditional and contemporary photography styles. I believe that a wedding album should tell a story, so I focus on capturing candid moments, as well as more formal, posed group photos. I often take a step back and blend into the background, allowing me to capture spontaneous moments as they unfold. However, I also provide guidance and direction when needed, especially during couple portraits.

In terms of lighting and location, I am experienced in working with different venues and lighting conditions. I always scout the venue beforehand to find the best spots for photos, taking into account the lighting and layout. I am confident in shooting in both natural and low-light settings, using off-camera lighting if needed.

Overall, my approach to wedding photography is to create a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere, while also providing clear direction and posing suggestions. I believe that a couple's personality and relationship should shine through in the photos, and I strive to capture the unique story of their wedding day.

Frequently asked questions