Congratulations, you are getting married! And yes, there are plenty of things to take care of. So many details to pay attention to and all of them seem important and a little overwhelming. To help you, we have made the Ultimate Guide of Questions to ask to your Wedding Photographer so that you find it easier to go through the process. Of course your case will be unique, but we know how valuable some guidance can be.
The photos your Wedding Photographer will take will be lifelong memories and you want to know in advance what to expect. Also, you guys will spend the most important day of your lives together, and so you want to make sure you get along well and that your goals are aligned.
Here are the most important questions you should ask to your Wedding Photographer during your first meeting:
1. What does your package include and what other services can we add?
Usually, photographers use a package system that include an increasing number of services with an increasing price range. Make sure you understand what is included in each one and discuss with your photographer your wants and needs. Your photographer will guide you through them and help you decide which one adapts best to your requirements. Flexibility is important too: make sure you can easily customize your package by adding services you are interested in.
2. Do you include post-editing services like color correction and retouching in your fees or you charge them apart?
Most photographers will include color correction and retouching on a stablished number of photos but don’t take it for granted! Make sure you know what you are paying for to avoid unpleasant surprises. In The Ritzy Pixie we color correct all the photos and retouch a fixed number of selected ones, the number differing from one package to another, so you know exactly what you will get. Also, if you want extra number of photos to retouch, they can be easily added to your package. Just let us know what do you need and we will make it for you!
3. Which percentage of the full amount do you take to book the date?
To confirm your date with your photographer you will have to pay a percentage of the full amount. Make sure you know exactly which amount is it and with how much time in advance you need to book it. Details like refund policy and payment methods are also worth discussing. Again, we encourage you to be thorough to avoid any surprises.
4. What is your dress code?
There is not actually a stablished dress code for Wedding Photographers. And while some couples don’t care much about it, some others are very particular about how everyone should be looking. Your day, your rules! So ask to your Wedding Photographer what is his or her usual outfit and don’t be afraid to suggest something different if the theme of your wedding requires it. At The Ritzy Pixie we believe that look matters a lot, that is why we always dress very formal and with exquisite manners.
5. Can we give a list of the important shots we want to have?
Your photographer will know how to take your shots and which ones are the non-negotiable. However, if you have special requirements regarding some shots, like those with a special family member or friend, do let your photographer know. In The Ritzy Pixie we always ask to our clients for a list of important shots for them. But if your photographer doesn’t ask, don’t hesitate to offer him or her your special list to make sure you don’t miss a single moment. On the spot there is generally no time to discuss about shots and special requirements, so the more you can stablish before hand, the smoother will go for both sides.
6. Can we meet the photographer in person?
When you contact a photography agency you are usually contacting a team of photographers. It is a good idea to ask to meet your particular photographer in person before the wedding to make sure you all gel well. We believe connection is very important for both parts and make the best out of your photos. Let your photographer guide you and open up to them: let them know who you are and your personality and love story will be reflected in your final photos.
7. How long do you take to deliver the final photos?
Make sure you know when to expect your final photos. During wedding season photographers can easily get carried away for the number of shootings and the delivery of your pictures can get postponed. Discuss with your Wedding Photographer the time they need to deliver your photos to avoid undesirable delays. Generally they will take a certain amount of time to give you the photos color corrected for you to select which ones you want to be retouched. Once those are stablished, a similar amount of time will be needed for the retouching process.
8. What extra information do you need?
Every Photography Agency has its own way of functioning. Wedding Photographers stablish certain work flow and require certain information from you to make your wedding day go as smooth as possible. This can be done by filling up a questionnaire or in person meetings. Whatever it is, don’t hesitate to share details with your Wedding Photographer: you work in the same team and you share the same goal: to make your Wedding Day the most beautiful and unforgettable of your lives.
9. What kind of equipment do you use?
Ask to your photographer what kind of camera, lights and other gear they use to cover your wedding. You will feel more confident knowing that your photographer is fully ready to deliver the best photos possible.
10. What does make your photos unique?
Unfortunately, it is so easy to see Wedding Photography only as a business instead of the magic moment generator that it is. Some photographers will cover your Wedding Day in a way that it is conventional and dull. Make sure you check properly your photographer’s gallery and understand his or her photography style and how they approach a wedding event. If you are lucky, your photographer will be able to provide you with shoot ideas that will enhance the beauty of your special day.
