Yesterday I waxed lyrical about the importance of defining costs vs investments; with the emphasis being that photography and videography are never mere 'costs' - they're investments and a significant part of your day. Today I'm sharing an easy and effective method to define what your specific photography needs are so that you can approach photographers and make the most of your time and finances.
When you have a realistic schedule of what you actually want, you’re finally ready to start looking for a photographer. If you start approaching photographers with vague ideas you’ll be wasting your own time as well as theirs. And even more importantly for you - you won't have an accurate price quote to work with or compare others against... because you haven't specified what you want!
Having an itinerary means your photographer can see what you want and give you their opinion as to whether your timeline is reasonable and if they can deliver it.
Photographers are in the business of providing a professional service, they will assist you but unless you yourself know what you want you won’t be in a position to discuss costs or negotiate terms like additional photographers with any authority. Confusion leads to disappoint. Be flexible, but be clear on what you want and expect.
Find a photographer for your wedding day: Now you’re finally ready to find a photographer. I could talk about shooting styles, digital vs film and ‘artists’ vs teams all day long. But for now I’ll keep it short and suggest you look around and be led by visuals that appeal to you. Then, narrow down a shortlist of 2 or 3 and approach each to discuss your needs and ideas. Look at their work, get a feel for their attitude and arrange to meet each that made your shortlist.
Which neatly leads into the next point
Meet your potential photographer: I can’t believe how many couples are prepared to book someone online without meeting them. Especially given the expense and contractual obligations involved. Don’t underestimate how important rapport and personal connection is. I've been to weddings where the photographer was cold, abrupt and rude. It put everyone in a foul mood. Hardly the atmosphere you want on your wedding day. The worst part? She bride had no one to blame but herself - she booked the photographer (on recommendation from a friend) sight unseen and wouldn't be swayed from her decision. A bad decision as it turned out.
Read the contract!I get it, you're planning a wedding and you're in high spirits. But please remember that you're booking a business and entering into a contract. Before signing anything, take a few days to read and understand any terms you’re signing. Make sure that what you discussed in person is actually reflected in the document.
Schedule a pre-wedding photo shoot: Preferably as soon as possible. Why? So that you’ll have time to find someone else if you need to. Use this shoot to capture a pre-wedding dinner or engagement shot. And use it to really narrow down the style you want captured on the day. It's also the perfect opportunity to let the photographer shine and suggest ideas or styles you might not have initially considered. And don't sign your wedding day photo contract until you're satisfied with the service you've received on your 'trial run'. A reputable photographer will book your wedding without a contract if that contract is pending the outcome of a trial run.
It's your wedding and your investment; take the time to consider what you really want. Only then can you find a photographer to complete your vision.
Prioritise and set your photography budget: I covered this yesterday and really can't say enough about how important photography is in capturing the moments of your day - if you haven't really thought about it, do - countless brides have told me it was their most important purchase and one bride I know even wore a 'dummy' wedding ring on her wedding day (and replaced it with the real thing 3 years later) rather than cut her photography budget. Err what?! Yes, you just read that. She knew the importance and the irreplaceability of getting those shots.
Decide what you want photographed and be specific: Do you want pre-wedding shots? Or just the ceremony? Are you having a reception? Will you want that photographed, video-graphed or both? Do you want a set of formal photographs or journalistic style observer shots? Or a mix?
Do you know what you want- or are you just hoping for a nice surprise? Will you consider taking some free advice from me, right now? Here it is: when 'surprise' and 'wedding' get together, they make a rambling drunken couple that should be kept off the Wedding List.
Do you know what you want- or are you just hoping for a nice surprise? Will you consider taking some free advice from me, right now? Here it is: when 'surprise' and 'wedding' get together, they make a rambling drunken couple that should be kept off the Wedding List.
Make a list of the photos you know you want: Aim to list between 10 -25. Of course this isn't the final number, it’s just a starting list of essentials. This is a realistic number and will help helps you understand the practicalities and timelines of what you want to achieve. Make notes around each photo, like:
- Where am I at this point?
- What will I be doing?
- Where is everyone?
- What photos do I want from this location?
- What comes next?
If you don't know where you'll be, how will anyone else? When you list the photos you want, it gives you a realistic idea of what's actually possible. If you can only afford one photographer and you want photos taken on the morning of your wedding that capture you getting dressed and you want the same for your groom across town at the same time, you'll be able to start prioritising where the photographer will be and who will be capturing the amateur footage elsewhere.
When you have a realistic schedule of what you actually want, you’re finally ready to start looking for a photographer. If you start approaching photographers with vague ideas you’ll be wasting your own time as well as theirs. And even more importantly for you - you won't have an accurate price quote to work with or compare others against... because you haven't specified what you want!
Having an itinerary means your photographer can see what you want and give you their opinion as to whether your timeline is reasonable and if they can deliver it.
Photographers are in the business of providing a professional service, they will assist you but unless you yourself know what you want you won’t be in a position to discuss costs or negotiate terms like additional photographers with any authority. Confusion leads to disappoint. Be flexible, but be clear on what you want and expect.
Find a photographer for your wedding day: Now you’re finally ready to find a photographer. I could talk about shooting styles, digital vs film and ‘artists’ vs teams all day long. But for now I’ll keep it short and suggest you look around and be led by visuals that appeal to you. Then, narrow down a shortlist of 2 or 3 and approach each to discuss your needs and ideas. Look at their work, get a feel for their attitude and arrange to meet each that made your shortlist.
Which neatly leads into the next point
Meet your potential photographer: I can’t believe how many couples are prepared to book someone online without meeting them. Especially given the expense and contractual obligations involved. Don’t underestimate how important rapport and personal connection is. I've been to weddings where the photographer was cold, abrupt and rude. It put everyone in a foul mood. Hardly the atmosphere you want on your wedding day. The worst part? She bride had no one to blame but herself - she booked the photographer (on recommendation from a friend) sight unseen and wouldn't be swayed from her decision. A bad decision as it turned out.
Read the contract!I get it, you're planning a wedding and you're in high spirits. But please remember that you're booking a business and entering into a contract. Before signing anything, take a few days to read and understand any terms you’re signing. Make sure that what you discussed in person is actually reflected in the document.
I can still recall a bride calling to complain that another 'highly recommended' photographer had charged her for cabs for three photographers (and none of them in the same cab!) between venues – an extra £285 when she’d assumed they’d be driving their own cars at no extra expense. Details that were in the contract. And do you know what happens if the photographer falls ill? Or if some emergency causes you cancel your wedding? You should know. Read all the boring fine print. And take days, not hours, before signing anything.
And whilst we're discussing it - only accept 'recommendations' from people you actually and personally know.
Don't allow anyone to hold you hostage!If the photographer tries to rush you or secure a deposit before final details have been established, go somewhere else. If you don't like the 'package' they've offered, don't take it! A contract outlines your commitment to paying and their commitment to providing a service. Don’t sign it until you have agreed and clarified the details of what you want. Don’t leave the finalising of details until after the contract. And if you don’t like their attitude, don't use them.
And whilst we're discussing it - only accept 'recommendations' from people you actually and personally know.
Don't allow anyone to hold you hostage!If the photographer tries to rush you or secure a deposit before final details have been established, go somewhere else. If you don't like the 'package' they've offered, don't take it! A contract outlines your commitment to paying and their commitment to providing a service. Don’t sign it until you have agreed and clarified the details of what you want. Don’t leave the finalising of details until after the contract. And if you don’t like their attitude, don't use them.
Schedule a pre-wedding photo shoot: Preferably as soon as possible. Why? So that you’ll have time to find someone else if you need to. Use this shoot to capture a pre-wedding dinner or engagement shot. And use it to really narrow down the style you want captured on the day. It's also the perfect opportunity to let the photographer shine and suggest ideas or styles you might not have initially considered. And don't sign your wedding day photo contract until you're satisfied with the service you've received on your 'trial run'. A reputable photographer will book your wedding without a contract if that contract is pending the outcome of a trial run.
It's your wedding and your investment; take the time to consider what you really want. Only then can you find a photographer to complete your vision.
