Questions To Ask Your Photographer

Here are the questions you should be asking your photographer:


Number of weddings photographed?
Experience, portfolio, references...

How many weddings will you shoot on my day?
You'd be surprised by how busy they can get. If there are more than just yours then make sure there is plenty of time in between - and a backup plan never hurts...

Deposit?
Get your understanding of price and deadlines for payment...

Cancellation policy?
Who knows why, but you need to know...

Ever photographed at my venue?
If yes then they should have a good idea of some great spots, if not then ask if they could please check it out before the big day...

Preferred style of photography?
Traditional, artistic, natural light, scenery, photojournalism, quirky, props, posing...

Can I request images to be taken?
Make sure you detail what you want and if they are capable of meeting those desires...

Do you bring lighting?
They should say yes, but if not make sure they explain...

Do you have a list?
Check out my post on Tips for You and Your Photographer which should look similar to their list and if not then give mine to them...

Hours included in package?
Read the fine print and make sure you know how long they will be there, if they will tell you when time is up on the day, and how much extra it will be if time goes over...

Number of images?
Make sure you understand what you are getting including raw and edited and if you get a choice of which ones are edited...

Time period on photo proofs?
Find out when you get to see them...

CD/USB/Prints/Album?
Find out the cost if extra for prints and if an album is included...

Will my photos be used for advertising?
Most photographers will get you to sign a waiver which gives them the right to use your images however they want so make sure you read what you sign and make it known if you are ok with this or not...

What will you wear?
Sounds strange and odd but imagine you are from a conservative family, having a conservative or religious wedding, and the photographer turns up in a crop top, or singlet with tattoos of the devil staring into your poor old grandma's soul! ... or on the flip side you are totally casual and relaxed and the photographer turns up in a tux - awkward... 

What is your plan if you fall sick or there is an emergency where you cannot make it?
I repeat - a backup plan never hurts...



Hope these tips help you so there is no stress or confusion with possibly the most important person there to help you capture your special day, forever.

Tips for You and Your Photographer

Here are the absolute basics that your photographer should be doing with photos on your wedding day.


Make sure you read through this and even print it out with whatever additions or changes you may want or need so that the photographer knows. You want everyone on the same page. Remember this is all in one day so if you make a list now then you wont have to worry about it on the day.



*Quick tip - give your photographer or maid of honor (give someone this job) a list of the names of family etc you definitely want in photos. That will make it easier for them to scream out the names and gather whoever they need...


Photos you need:

Before the Ceremony...

- dress, veil, garter, bouquet, wedding rings
- getting ready photos 

*tip - get the photographer to do the groom first in a faux getting ready, then the boys can undress and relax while the photographer goes to you and follows you to the ceremony...

- groom with groomsmen
- solo of the bride
- bride with bridesmaids



At the Ceremony...

- outside shot
- guests arriving
- bridal party walking down the aisle
- groom waiting for his bride
- father giving away bride
- first kiss
- throwing confetti etc

*tip - if you are wanting a photo of that special moment when the groom first sees his bride, then ask your photographer to have the camera on him first to capture that split second moment... you will look stunning the whole walk down the aisle with plenty of time for photo ops...



At the Reception...

- newlyweds greeting guests
- toasts
- father and daughter dance
- first couples dance
- wedding cake
- table photos with newlyweds
- guests dancing
- getaway car
- send off



Formal Photos...

- full-length solo bride
- bride with parents
- bride with bridesmaids
- groom with best man and groomsmen
- groom with parents
- bride and groom together





Hope all these tips rested your mind. They seem so simple, yet so easy to forget about sometimes.

Good luck!

Pictures I Want On My Wedding Day

The pictures on your Wedding Day will be cherished forever and looked upon numerous times for many years to come. It is important to understand and know what you like and what you want. Be sure to scour through the internet (I recommend Pinterest) and start saving those pictures that you are drawn to. Most likely you will find a pattern of styles you like. There are some fabulous ideas out there for you to peruse thanks to many very clever and creative people. Here are some of my top favourites...



Now this is a different angle to your standard kissing photo. I love how it just looks like a piece of art. Well done to the photographer.

Julia Nikonchuk Photo

This makes my heart melt. What a perfect picture. An alluring photo that tells its own story and really shows off all your guests and their happiness (hopefully). 

Daniele Del Castillo

Because who doesn't want a dramatic dip! You can feel the air whisking you away in this absolutely romantic yet very sweet photo. Beautiful. I love it. I applaud you AJH Photography.

http://www.memorylaneweddings.com/ML/10.1.11.html

Now this may be a bit controversial for some but I am really intrigued and interested in getting some boudoir style photos. Not Playboy Bunny style... I don't think I'll ever be that comfortable. But something like this - A little bit sexy, but still classy, respectful, and lady like. Done in a very tasteful manner. Feminism art, if you will.

Jose Villa

Rain is no longer the bad guy on the wedding day (well it may be if it is an outdoor wedding) but look at this amazingly creative and adorable photo you can get! My personal favourite rainy day photo of them all from the amazing White Pearl Photography. 

http://www.whitepearlphotography.com.au/blog/wedding-photographer/our-wedding-portfolio/

What a lovely idea as a gift for the Father-of-the-Bride. I think I may just make my dad cry with this one. One to be cherished forever.

Found on blog.jenneferwilsonphotography.com

Hilarious. Just hilarious. If you want something fun and quirky then maybe this is more your style. Ever having a bad day?... just whip out this photo. You'll laugh and laugh and laugh and eat some cake or something.

Plum Tree Studios

And for the big finale. I'm not one who enjoys the arm tunnel send off by the guests (especially seeing as my fiance is over 6'2") I don't think I'd enjoy awkwardly crouching for that long...smelling dem pits. But a send off we must! And I just love sparklers. So I love this. And what a magical photo it makes.

itsabrideslife.com

There are my favourite arty farty photos that I will be recreating best to my ability on my special day.

*Quick Tip: create a Pinterest board for your Photographer to follow that is dedicated to photos you like so they have a clue.

Share yours below!