- You’ll want to make sure that you
feel completely comfortable with the photographer. If you’re
uncomfortable with the photographer, it will show in the pictures.
So how can you be sure whom you will be comfortable with? There is
no better way than to meet your potential photographer in person,
and see how you both relate. One of the “comfort level” indicators
may be if the photographer has a sense of humour. This sense of
humour will help you through all the variations of posing required,
and those before wedding time jitters.
- You should also have full trust
in that your photographer will not only show up on your wedding day,
but also deliver what you wanted. Take a look at previous pictures
they’ve taken. Good photographers will be happy to show you part of
their portfolio.
- Make sure you are up front and
open with your photographer about what you are looking for. Let them
know what you want including the number of before wedding time
pictures, to pictures including your relatives, friends, or your
favourite indoor or outdoor setting.
- Not only should you be happy with
their portfolio, but with their wedding packages and pricing.
- Understanding the contract is also
very important. Make sure you sit down with your prospective
photographer so they can explain the contract in detail. You don't
want any surprises or disappointments on your wedding day because
something was not explained properly to you.
- Different photographers have
different ways of receiving their payments. Usually, they’ll require
a retainer fee on the signing of the contract. This retainer will
then be subtracted from the total cost of your wedding photography.
The remainder of the wedding photography fee is usually required the
day of the wedding. Make sure you clarify payment requirements with
your photographer.
- Depending on the amount of
traveling that may be required of the photographer on that special
day, you should find out if there is an additional cost. For
example, if your contract states that your photographer will be
hired for 6 hours of picture taking and you require them to do a lot
of traveling, their traveling time may reduce those 6 hours to
something a lot less. If you require the wedding photographer to
travel, this is the time to negotiate travel costs. Additional
travel costs, for example, would need to negotiated if you book your
photographer for an out of town wedding.
- Your photographer should be fully
informed of the events on your special day. The wedding photographer
will need to know: where you and your groom will be for before
wedding time photos, where the reception will be held and the start
and end time, and where the wedding ceremony and formal pictures
will be taken.
- To avoid any disappointment, or
false expectations, make sure you ask your photographer, prior to
booking, when your wedding proofs will be ready. You should be given
an estimated time of arrival. And finally,