𝒫𝒾𝒸𝓈 𝑜𝓇 𝒾𝓉 𝒹𝒾𝒹𝓃’𝓉 𝒽𝒶𝓅𝓅𝑒𝓃!

Back in April, I did a poll and asked brides where they spent most of their wedding budget.  Unsurprisingly, a staggering 40% said ‘Photography and Videography’.  Another 27% said just photography.

So, I can not stress enough how important it is to carefully chose your photographers/videographers.  Because honestly, what’s worse than money wasted are memories captured in blurry images!

So before you say YES to your Wedding Photographers do ask:

Availability

• Are you available on my wedding date?
• Are you the photographer who will shoot my wedding?
• Do you have any assistant/second shooter with you on the day?
• How many other weddings will you photograph that day/weekend?
• How far in advance do I have to book?

Style/Portfolio

• Do you often shoot weddings that have similar size and style to the ones we are planning?
• If your style is mostly candid, will I still get formal, posed portraits (or vice versa)?
• Can I give you a list of specific shots that we like?
• Will the photos be retouched or color balanced?
• Can we see the full galleries of a few of your recent weddings?

Vetting

• May I have a list of references or links to reviews?
• MUST: Do your own research about reviews from recent customers!
• Have you worked with any of our vendors/suppliers or coordinator?

Pricing & Packages

• What is the total fee (including gst)?
• How much deposit is required and when is it due?
• What packages do you offer and can it be customized?
• How much do you charge for overtime?
• What is your refund/cancellation policy?

Logistics

• What time will you arrive at the site?
• How will you (and your assistants) be dressed?
• Can you recommend a timeline for posed portraits (wedding preparation/sunset shots)?
• Do you have backup photographers who will shoot the wedding if you are sick?
• Do you have a backup equipment?

Product:  Digital & Prints

• How many final images should I expect to receive?
• How long after the wedding will the digital and printed images be available?
• For digital images, will it be available online or delivered to us (via usb)?
• Can we order prints/albums from you?
• Do you help with styling and creating albums?

Final Thoughts

Most photographers will have a FAQ page or will refer you to their package lists.  But do keep extra attention to the questions I highlighted above.

Remember, before you sign the contract… ASK! ASK! ASK!

 

 

From personal experience, it is truly worth investing on wedding photographers/videographers (sigh) -now I’ll save that story for another post!