A wedding photographer is one of the most important professionals at your wedding. They have to make your memories alive. Whether a photographer is recommended to you or you’ve picked them online because you like their portfolio, there are some things you need to consider when choosing the right person. So what are the 7 essential things they have to offer before you sign the contract?
We’ve divided them into two groups: intangibles and tangibles. Because some things like chemistry and understanding are really important, but you cannot put a finger on them.
Interview
Before sealing the deal, you need to get to know each other in person. Emails and texts are fine, but they don’t show the energy between people. You may get lost in niceties on the device, and you need a vis-à-vis encounter for these subtleties. Let’s assume that you already like the cinematographer’s style. Now’s the time for them to see if they like your (life) style.
The Chemistry
This one is similar to the previous one, but it’s not the same. In the first step, both of you check if the professional style of your photographer matches your own and vice versa, whereas here, you check if you “click” as humans. The line is thin, but both things are essential. The photographer must be open and skilled at communication. I know it sounds like you are hunting for another soulmate.
Ideas
If 1&2 is positive- you understand, and like each other, this one should be easy. This is the ground on which trust is built. Even if the bride and groom don’t have any particular idea or location or a dream scenario, trust, the strongest link, will put everyone at ease. And what’s more important than two people just enjoying their fabulous day and someone behind the camera who isn’t afraid?
Nevertheless, location and wedding ideas should be discussed beforehand because the photographer needs some preparation. It’s not the same if they shoot in the middle of the summer day when the shadows are strong or before sunset.
Exceptional Gear
Be it a camera, lighting, drones, or any other gadget they know they’ll need with regard to the location. The couple shouldn’t worry about memory cards or excessive or poor light. Wedding photographers should know the location and its capacities and potentials, together with the couple’s idea of lighting. And let’s be honest- when it comes to any photography, good light is everything.
Post-editing
You can’t just hand over #nofilter photos. Again, if the light were right, this job wouldn’t take years. And, of course, it depends on your style, whether it’s strict and posey or more candid and spur-of-the-moment. Also, it depends on the photos- whether it’s a pre-wedding photoshoot or the preparation, the ceremony, and the reception. And the style you agreed on.
Assistants
Depending on the scale of the wedding, it might be necessary to have extra help. It is up to you, as a wedding photographer, to size the venue and guests and take into consideration the effect your clients want to achieve. If they want all the movement and emotions and moments, and it’s a big ceremony, you can’t do it alone. But if it’s a smaller wedding, or you need to do one type of photography, then it’s doable.
Digital Download
You have to offer digital photos for your clients’ unlimited use. Sometimes, it’s a USB stick, but most likely, it’s a downloadable link. If they’d like a photo album, that’s extra engagement, and you’ll need to work around that, too. Sometimes, it’s part of a deal, and sometimes, they pay extra; it depends on your offer and pricing.
Conclusion
When organizing a wedding, there’s a lot to think about a venue, and there’s a lot to choose from, be it the exclusive wedding venue, a romantic coastal resort, or a mountain lodge, you name it. Then there’s the dress, jewellery, flowers, band, catering, party props, and favour. Don’t forget the colour scheme! The list goes on…
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