Skip to main content

Important questions to ask your Wedding Photographer

Hiring a wedding photographer that is right for you is such an important task for engaged couples. Not only is this person responsible for capturing one of the most important milestones of your life, the highlight events, the romantic moments, behind the sense and all the emotions. But this person is also going to spend more time with you during this day then most of your guests! "Do you have my date free?" "Can I see your gallery?" There are some questions that are pretty obvious to ask your photographer; pricing, cancelation policies, what is included in packages. What other things should you be asking your photographer?
Here is a nice list of other important matters you may want to discuss with a photographer before you hire them.
 

1) How would you describe your wedding style?
This answer will vary from photographer to photographer as each has created styles and techniques that best suits their business and their clients needs.
As for myself, I would say my style is multifaceted. While I love soft, romantic and intimate photos I also believe it is important to implement photojournalism into my wedding work, especially for pre-wedding preparations or the reception, as I feel it helps to tell the story of your day.

2) Who is shooting my wedding and what happens if you fall ill?
No one can predict when or where they fall ill or injured so it always important to have someone on stand by that can cover a session. Some photography companies have a fleet of photographers to cover several weddings on the same day.
I have three photographers that I trust to be professional and that have similar styles to my own, who would be able to cover a wedding if the unfortunate happens and I am too ill to shoot. I also dedicate myself to one wedding per-day so that my couples have my full attention.

3) Can I request certain images?
Good chance the answer is yes. This is your day! Of course you have ideas of what you want for your memories. Personally I love when clients get creative with me. Although sometimes it is not always possible to get certain photos due to things such as weather, I do my absolute best to get you any of the images you want.

4) How many weddings do you shoot per year?
Again this will vary for every photographer. Some photographers only photograph weddings, others only take a certain amount per year.
I average about 20 per year.

5) Have you worked at 'said' venue before?
 Weddings run on a tight schedule, so it is important to have an idea of where to shoot the day of. The Niagara Region attracts lots of couples from out of town. So if you are not local you are depending on the photographer to know of great local spots for images. If I haven't been to a venue before, say for a wedding I've been hired for out of town, I will go to the venue and take a peak around. I will also research the area for great shot-spots.


6) Do you have back up equipment?
This is a big one. What happens if - heaven forbid- the photographer's camera gets wet? Or dropped? A professional is prepared for these situations to best avoid loss of coverage. While I have my primary camera, I always have a back up on hand. I also carry with me four different lens, two flashes, four back up batteries for my camera, several sets of rechargeable batteries for my flashes, and several memory cards. I also carry with me a tripod and a lens cleaning kit.

7) Will you edit all of my images?
If your photographer is handing you images straight out of the camera, you are not receiving a professional product. A lot of my photographic style is added in after the session! I can hide blemishes or scars, add in pops of colour or sunbursts.

8) What will my photographer wear to my wedding?
If you are fine with your photographer showing up in kaki shorts and plain tee than great! But if not, your photographer will stand out and be a distraction. Does your ceremony have religious rules that would require the photographer to dress outside their norm? Are certain colours unwanted? When I'm photographing a wedding, I try to capture unique perspectives which means I may lay on the ground or climb up on a rock. I don't want to be flashing any newlyweds or guests, so I always were dress pants and a dress shirt.

9) What if I want or need more time?
This can happen. Sometimes dinner or important guests run late, weather can put you back. Or Grandma is on the table dancing or Uncle Bill has created a limbo pole! Sometimes you just need more time then you thought. Is your photographer able to stay later and is there an extra charge for more time? I'll stay to capture you moments. I have put that day aside for you. There is an additional charge of $100 per hour that covers the additional time both shooting and editing as well as the extra images/product that will added to your final set of images.

10) Do I get a print release?
Most people don't know this, but the copyright of any image taken goes to the person who took the image. This means that the photos are the intellectual property of the photographer. Some photographers will give you a release to print the images as you please, others require you print through them alone. While professional photographers have access to better quality printing services then your typical shopping centre, it can get pricey. I do hand out a release and also offer many printed and photo products.

I hope these questions aid you in your selection of a wedding photographer. There are lots of choices out there! Happy wedding planning!

Be sure to check out my website at http://www.icingsugarphotography.com
For more recent updates give me a like on facebook, http://www.facebook.com/icingsugarphotography
or follow me on twitter @icingsugarphoto

Thanks for reading!


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Frequently Asked Questions about Boudoir.

Boudoir.  It's exciting It's inciting And it's confusing and intimating all at the same time!  If you are thinking about a boudoir I'm sure you have some pretty big questions on the top of your head. That's fine. I mean it's not everyday you are standing half naked in front of a perfect stranger.  So you have questions... I've got answers. Q: Boudoir. Pornography. What’s the difference? A: Well for starters Boudoir is suggestive, while porn is... well you know. And you don’t have to be complete nude or revel anything at all when it comes to boudoir photographs. One of the most important things about being sexy is being confident. If you feel that way wearing jeans, by all means, wear jeans! Or a button down men’s dress shirt. Sure why not? Classy, suggestive, and flirty. Q: Can you Photoshop my images? A: If you would like to have say, stretch marks, a scar, that unwanted, embarrassing tattoo from when you were 16

Choosing Your Location, Fall Addition

It's that time of year again where the weather changes and vibrant hues surround us. So looking for a place to take photos may be different than a place in the summer or winter that you enjoyed. Choosing a location that best suits you and your comfort level is important. It is good to pick somewhere that will make your session memorable and pleasing for you. Find a place that fits well with your personality and gets you to enjoy your experience. Some of my favorite places in the Fall time are Morningstar Mill, Malcolmson Eco Park both in St Catharines. As well as Firemans Park in Niagara Falls, McFarland House in Niagara on the Lake, and Balls Falls in Vineland.  Morningstar Mills is a heritage site located at Decew Falls. This site features a beautiful working mill rebuilt in 1872 and is surrounded with trees and water. It is a good naturalistic place to go, especially in the fall time when there are numerous colors all around you and a beautifully built mill overlooking some wate

Paint War Engagement Session

My best friend Ashlee is getting married in October. She and her girlfriend wanted some engagement photos done for their wedding website. Being my best friend I wanted to do something very special and unique for her photos. I have seen some very cute engagement sessions done with chalk fights. I decide to kick it up a notch. Why not switch out chalk for paint! Brighter colors, high energy and loads of fun, just like my friend and her girlfriend. We picked up some paint and water guns from the dollar store and found an awesome location for our shoot. The result was awesome! Pops of bright color, boisterous zeal and above all, highly entertaining! Made me kind of wish I had partaken in the fun myself, beyond the camera.   I love experimenting with different concepts and different ideas when it comes to my photography. I am so thankful to have such great friends who are willing be victims for my wild photographic endeavors. I am also so happy to have to gotten s