1. How long have been photographing weddings?
Ideally your photographer will have at least 5 years experience in wedding photography. This gives you some idea of of consistency and quality of their work. Most highly regarded photographers take over ten years in the industry to start gaining a good reputation.
You can’t repeat your wedding day so it’s important to get the right photographer to capture the moments.
2. Who will be our photographer on the day?
Some studios have salespeople doing the selling and booking of photographer and some studios use the services of many different photographers. If you aren’t talking with the photographer who will be shooting your wedding it is important to meet up with them and view their portfolio.
3. Why do you like photographing weddings?
You want to know your photographer is still excited by weddings and still passionate about the service and work they provide to couples.
How they feel about wedding photography will affect how they perform on the day and how comfortable you are around them..
4. What is your main style of photography?
Many wedding photographers today have a more photojournalistic style. That is great for capturing real life moments as they unfold. It is important to know how they approach the more classic wedding moments, such as family and friend photos and whether they pose couples when needed.
Seeing is believing, so back up the information they’ve provided with a viewing of their portfolio.
5. Can you provide a list of references with contact details?
Wedding photography can be a big decision. It is an investment and sometimes it can boost confidence to seek referrals. Why not ask? This way you’ll know how customers have felt about their experiences with the studio’s photography and treatment. It won’t be a decision made solely on photos.
6. How quickly will our photos be ready and how do we view them?
Your images should be ready to view a week after the wedding although this may depend on the package you have chosen. Your photos should already be edited and retouched with good colour and density adjustments made and burnt to DVD. It’s a good idea to ask if your photographs are high resolution or not. Also if you like natural shots you may wish to clarify with your photographer how much retouching they do -although their portfolio will give you an idea whether you like their finished product.
Printing and proof albums take a further few weeks. In many cases online galleries will be available for you to view even whilst you are still on your honeymoon.
7. How long do you take to produce the album?
2 to 3 months after album design has been approved is considered reasonable – although it may depend on the binders and services used by the photographer.
8. Are there any additional costs we should be expecting?
This is usually limited to wanting extra photos as prints, in the album, for walls and the like. If your balance of the agreed coverage has been paid the only additional cost will occur is if you exceed what was on your contract. The most common items couples pay extra for are requesting more time on the wedding day, additional sides in the wedding album, wall prints, framing, parent albums and thank you photos.
9. What kind of equipment do you use?
You want the peace of mind that your photographer uses professional equipment with a good selection of lenses. At least two cameras bodies with a range of lenses covering wide angle and telephoto. Additional features that are important are low light capability and macro for close ups of details.
10. Are you a member of any associations and/or do you have qualifications?
In Australia the AIPP (Australian Institute of Professional Photography) is the largest and most important association for professional photographers. It is recommended you select a photographer who is an AIPP member, abides by the AIPP code of conduct and is a full time working professional photographer.
Photography qualifications give added peace of mind regarding the technical aspects of the photography for your wedding day.
If you have any wedding photography questions you’d like to ask feel free to call PM Photo on 9181 3070.
