Monday 23 August 2010
Thursday 19 August 2010
What Questions should I ask my Wedding Photographer?
Apart from choosing the venue and date, the next biggest choice to make for most couples is their Wedding Photographer. In doing so, they will almost certainly be asking a complete stranger to record the most special day of their lives. The person that they choose will be an integral part of their experience and will be the person closest to the happy couple for the entire day.
Q. So what should you do first when choosing a Wedding Photographer?
A. STOP... take a deep breath and write down exactly what you would like your photographer to do.
Q. What is the next step when choosing?
A. Ask around.
Simple, but true! Ask your friends, think of weddings you have been to in the past, ask your relatives, ask in the pub local to the venue, ask the Vicar or ask the Venue co-ordinator. A good wedding photographer will have made a great impression with their previous work. Ideally they will have intricate local knowledge and will know the most photogenic angles and spots already.
Q. I have found a wedding photographer that comes highly recommended, what should I do next?
A. Invite them to interview for the job.
When you are looking to employ a wedding photographer, you are not only going to spend a significant amount of money on their services, but are also going to choose the person that is going to effectively share one of the most intimate experiences of your life.
Unusually, when choosing a wedding photographer, spending more money does not necessarily guarantee a better result; So, if at all possible, arrange to meet with them in a neutral place (for instance the pub nearest the venue) and let your first impressions count. If within the first 5 minutes either of you don't get on, then make your excuses and leave. It may seem harsh, but on the big day you will spend 12-15 hours smiling at this person and if for any reason you don't like them, then the smile will not be real will show in the photos.
Q. We are getting on fine and they seem nice - what's next?
A. Ask to see samples of their work.
If they were the photographer at a wedding of a friend, then ask to see the photos from that wedding. Did they capture the mood of the day? Is there a complete photo record of the whole day or are there any noticable gaps? Did they get the type of shots that you are looking for? Is the album in a format acceptable to you? Are you wowed by the result? Do they have a passion and a desire to do YOUR wedding?
Hopefully the answer to all of the above will be in your favour, but do not hesitate to ask questions. A professional photographer will be more than happy to answer any and all questions asked and be happy to give additional information or examples from their portfolio.
Q. We quite like the photographers' work, when should we talk money?
A. Discuss it in general, but do not make a decision there and then.
A professional photographer may well have published prices displayed on their website, these may well be open to negotiation depending on the package that you require. If you are happy with a particular package then do not hesitate to ask for specific details of exactly what you will receive for your money. This situation may well be unfamiliar to you, but a photographer will have discussed it many times and will not be offended if you take notes - if they are offended, then ask yourself about their motivation - is it to give you value for money and do a teriffic job, or is it to make the most money possible?
Q. When should I make a decision?
A. Only when you are completely happy that this is the wedding photographer for you.
Ideally you should interview at least 2 photographers and make a joint decision after discussing the subject thoroughly. A deposit of between 10-20% will be required by the one that you choose and it is fairly standard practice that this is non-refundable. After making your choice, it is not a decision that is irreversable, but losing between £50 and £400 is obviously something that should be avoided if at all possible.
Q. When should I hand over the money?
A. The deposit at the next meeting, half of the remainder on the day and the rest upon delivery of the finished product.
Obviously this is just a guide, as circumstances are different for each wedding, but at every stage the process is about trust between both parties. For instance, if you were to take a 6 week honeymoon the night after the wedding, then it may be acceptable to settle the whole bill on the day. In general though, a professional would be happy with the above payment terms, as it will affirm that they will have their costs covered on the day and their remuneration will be upon successful delivery (in the same way as any other high value retail purchase would be).
Q. I have received the finished product and we are over the moon - what's next?
A. Spread the word. A photographer is only as good as their reputation, let others know that you have found a great photographer because they will thank you for it. Your hard work in choosing the right person has paid dividends so pay it forward and let everyone know how happy you are with the result!
I have become firm friends with EVERY couple that I have worked with on their special day. They have been kind enough to let me display some sample shots at http://www.flattshots.com/
I have been behind the lens for as long as I could hold a camera and will be happy to discuss your special day without any obligation whatsoever. I have a philosophy which I would be happy to share and uniquely offer a FULL money back guarantee on my work (yes I am that confident of my results!)
Q. So what should you do first when choosing a Wedding Photographer?
A. STOP... take a deep breath and write down exactly what you would like your photographer to do.
- Would you like someone who will direct you at all times, or take a more relaxed approach?
- Would you like the photographer to stand out from the crowd or be able to blend in and put people at ease?
- Would you like just strictly posed shots or an informal photo record of the day?
- Would you like the whole day recorded, or just the ceremony and wedding breakfast?
- Would you like to be photographed on film or by digital means?
Q. What is the next step when choosing?
A. Ask around.
Simple, but true! Ask your friends, think of weddings you have been to in the past, ask your relatives, ask in the pub local to the venue, ask the Vicar or ask the Venue co-ordinator. A good wedding photographer will have made a great impression with their previous work. Ideally they will have intricate local knowledge and will know the most photogenic angles and spots already.
Q. I have found a wedding photographer that comes highly recommended, what should I do next?
A. Invite them to interview for the job.
When you are looking to employ a wedding photographer, you are not only going to spend a significant amount of money on their services, but are also going to choose the person that is going to effectively share one of the most intimate experiences of your life.
Unusually, when choosing a wedding photographer, spending more money does not necessarily guarantee a better result; So, if at all possible, arrange to meet with them in a neutral place (for instance the pub nearest the venue) and let your first impressions count. If within the first 5 minutes either of you don't get on, then make your excuses and leave. It may seem harsh, but on the big day you will spend 12-15 hours smiling at this person and if for any reason you don't like them, then the smile will not be real will show in the photos.
Q. We are getting on fine and they seem nice - what's next?
A. Ask to see samples of their work.
If they were the photographer at a wedding of a friend, then ask to see the photos from that wedding. Did they capture the mood of the day? Is there a complete photo record of the whole day or are there any noticable gaps? Did they get the type of shots that you are looking for? Is the album in a format acceptable to you? Are you wowed by the result? Do they have a passion and a desire to do YOUR wedding?
Hopefully the answer to all of the above will be in your favour, but do not hesitate to ask questions. A professional photographer will be more than happy to answer any and all questions asked and be happy to give additional information or examples from their portfolio.
Q. We quite like the photographers' work, when should we talk money?
A. Discuss it in general, but do not make a decision there and then.
A professional photographer may well have published prices displayed on their website, these may well be open to negotiation depending on the package that you require. If you are happy with a particular package then do not hesitate to ask for specific details of exactly what you will receive for your money. This situation may well be unfamiliar to you, but a photographer will have discussed it many times and will not be offended if you take notes - if they are offended, then ask yourself about their motivation - is it to give you value for money and do a teriffic job, or is it to make the most money possible?
Q. When should I make a decision?
A. Only when you are completely happy that this is the wedding photographer for you.
Ideally you should interview at least 2 photographers and make a joint decision after discussing the subject thoroughly. A deposit of between 10-20% will be required by the one that you choose and it is fairly standard practice that this is non-refundable. After making your choice, it is not a decision that is irreversable, but losing between £50 and £400 is obviously something that should be avoided if at all possible.
Q. When should I hand over the money?
A. The deposit at the next meeting, half of the remainder on the day and the rest upon delivery of the finished product.
Obviously this is just a guide, as circumstances are different for each wedding, but at every stage the process is about trust between both parties. For instance, if you were to take a 6 week honeymoon the night after the wedding, then it may be acceptable to settle the whole bill on the day. In general though, a professional would be happy with the above payment terms, as it will affirm that they will have their costs covered on the day and their remuneration will be upon successful delivery (in the same way as any other high value retail purchase would be).
Q. I have received the finished product and we are over the moon - what's next?
A. Spread the word. A photographer is only as good as their reputation, let others know that you have found a great photographer because they will thank you for it. Your hard work in choosing the right person has paid dividends so pay it forward and let everyone know how happy you are with the result!
I have become firm friends with EVERY couple that I have worked with on their special day. They have been kind enough to let me display some sample shots at http://www.flattshots.com/
I have been behind the lens for as long as I could hold a camera and will be happy to discuss your special day without any obligation whatsoever. I have a philosophy which I would be happy to share and uniquely offer a FULL money back guarantee on my work (yes I am that confident of my results!)
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