How to train your Wedding Photographer
Or rather, some standards I set myself as a Wedding Photographer and some tips to help you get the best from yours. I can’t speak for every Wedding Photographer out there, this is based on nothing more than my own opinion and experiences.
So let’s get into it!
Oh wait, by the way. There may seem like a lot to read here, but it flows so nicely, I swear. On the off chance you don’t have time to read it blow for blow, you’re going to see a series of header images followed by bullet points. You can read the header in the image and the bullet points that follow! I’d recommend giving it all a read for context and free entertainment though!
You’ve done the hard work. Facebook pages checked, websites reviewed and portfolios assessed. But what now?
Check for reviews on forums, recommendations in wedding group pages like HIGM or on Google itself.
Use sites like 500px.com, flickr and Instagram to view your Photographers work outside of their portfolio. See how their style matches up to what you want.
Go to YouTube, Google or Pinterest and search suggested questions to ask your Wedding Photographer. Try catch them out!
After that, you’ve found your Wedding Photographer and you’re ready to meet. First impressions are HUGELY important. In the grand scheme of things your relationship with your Wedding Photographer from booking to finish is quite short. I like to meet my couples as many times as I can before before the big day to build a rapport and make sure everyone is singing off the same sheet. If you don’t like your Photographers approach, their style or just don’t get on with them in general then it may be time to look elsewhere.
Whether you’re booking online, or going to their studio, here’s some things you should cover when meeting your Wedding Photographer:
Initial contact - Get to know each others personalities, assess what you’re looking for from your Photographer and if they can deliver what you want. Discuss things like shooting style, editing style, shoot lists, timings, go over the Photographers portfolio, contracts, bookings, deposits and much more. Don’t know anything about any of those things? That’s normal. For most couples this will be your first time booking a Wedding Photographer. At the end of the meeting you’ll be well equipped to go home and generate a list of questions important to you. I would normally pencil in your date at this point and if you’re happy enough, we can go onto bookings, styles and contracts at the next meeting.
Second meeting - More often than not the couple have a lot more questions here which is completely normal. Hash it all out again so you’re super sure your Photographer can deliver on what you want! For me, this is the point where I’d normally review the draft contract to make sure everything works for all parties. You can take two copies home to review together also. I’ll mention some things to look out for in the contract later in the blog.
Third meeting - Have one more run through of the contract and if you’re happy sign the dotted line. If you feel pressured into signing the contract or paying a deposit, don’t do it. Take your time and ask more questions. Normally once everyone is happy and the contract is a signed a deposit or booking fee will be taken. This varies by Photographer but should be covered in the contract itself. Personally, I take a 20% booking fee, which is non-refundable. I do stipulate that I may choose to refund all or part of the booking fee, depending on individual cases. Life happens sometimes, and that’s ok.
If you’re happy to book online or via email without meeting your photographer face to face, be sure to make time to do so before the big day. It’s absolutely vital that you ‘click’ with your photographer. They will be there all day on the biggest day of your life, if you don’t like them as a person that will put a downer on the day. If you’ve survived all of that, you can move on to the build-up with complete peace of mind!
Sharing your gameplan and keeping your photographer in the loop will improve your finished photographs drastically.
During the build-up to your big day you may find you’re planning other aspects of your Wedding, your Bridal party or Groomsmen have found a new viral trend on Twitter. Themes can change, certain colours can stick out and new ideas can pop into your head. Maybe you saw a post on Facebook or Instagram with a funny or cute idea for a photograph. Wouldn’t it be great if your Photographer knew about these things without the hassle of phone calls, emails and smoke signals?
Well, these days it’s entirely possible. Here’s a few ways you can:
Use Pinterest to your advantage: This website is brilliant for wedding planning. If you aren’t using it, use it. If you are using it, ask if your Photographer uses it too. You can add your Photographer to any shared boards you have so they can get a better idea of what you’re looking for.
Same goes for Facebook/Twitter/Instagram: See a post that intrigues you? A new idea, style or type of shot you’d love to see yourself in? Why not @ mention your Photographer so they can see it too? Or even share the link to their pages inbox. Some people may not like this direct approach, or may just want to keep themselves to themselves. That’s why I always recommend Pinterest first and foremost. I however love seeing how things are progressing and keeping in the loop!
I find these are great ways to keep in touch when you don’t have time to keep in touch, if you know what I mean. Each to their own though, obviously!
I bet you didn’t expect a kinda short section after that section above. I like to mix it up in my blog posts, keep it mysterious and exciting, you know yourself.
If you’re reading this and thinking “where is he going with that graphic” you better strap yourself in. It’s about to go down, big shtyle.
You’re in possession of one of the most elite special forces teams on the planet. Use it to your advantage. Pick one Bridesmaid and one Groomsmen to liase with your Photographer from build-up to big day. From experience, this is hugely beneficial to the flow of your day and the quality of your photographs. Tasks can include
Your team can update the Pinterest board and keep in contact with your Photographer along the way.
When it comes to group shots, finding the Father of the Bride or even finding the groom, your special forces team are invaluable to a Photographer. Having someone on hand who knows who is who speeds things up and ensures you get the photographs you want.
Hair out of place? Smudged makeup? Loose thread on your suit? These things can ruin photographs, but not when your special forces team is around. They’ll work faster than a formula 1 pit crew to ensure you look your best at all times!
See now the army men make perfect sense! But please, don’t put your Bridal party or Groomsmen in camo…unless you want to that is!
“Oh that graphic is much better”.
Thank you :)
So it’s the Big Day. This is the fun bit for everyone. You’ve nailed your planning, theme and the shoot list is ready to rock. You have your special forces prepped and ready. All that’s left is to let everything fall into place. Your Photographer will be more than prepared for this, but it’s more than likely your first time and there’s bound to be a lot going on. Here’s a few tips to get the most from your Photographer:
Ignore your Photographer. Yes, you heard me. The best photographs and memories are often those captured when nobody even knows a photograph is being taken. Your Photographer knows exactly what to look out for and how to capture these moments in time. Trust in them and the finished photographs will be worth their weight in gold.
Whenever possible stand near windows, single direction light sources or big soft light sources.
DO NOT change who you are or how you behave for your Photographer. You do you. It’s your day, your Photographer can adjust settings in their sleep to keep up with the fast paced action.
However, DO, take your time if you’re doing something or interacting with someone you see as important. This will give your Photographer the best possible chance of capturing a world class memory.
Don’t lose your cool with group shots, planned posed shots or any other unplanned shot that might pop up. Your Photographer will work much quicker when they can pose and control the shots they’re taking. Let your special forces round up the groups and just sit back and enjoy your day.
So the shoot is over. What’s next?
When I say “The Big Wait” it’s more so highlighting a known fact about Wedding Photography. This is where the hard work begins for a Photographer and realistically this is what you’re paying for.
It would be absolutely fantastic to have your photographs ready the next day, but that’s just not possible (well…it is possible…but they won’t be worth having). I’ve often had over 2,000 photographs to review and edit. This process takes time and that’s just how it is I’m afraid. However, you could ask your photographer to do one or all of the following:
Reduce the wait, get one photograph to share straight away. Ask the Photographer if they’re willing to pick the “best shot” from the day and put that to the top of the edit list.
Release the photographs as they’re completed. This is really unrealistic as sometimes we have to go back and forth between photographs to make tweaks, but some Photographers may agree. Never hurts to ask!
If you have an album included in your package, or you chose a documentary style for your day, it may be possible to get 5/10/15 shots within a couple of days. Provided your Photographer has chosen to give those photographs priority!
I think that’s all I have to offer now. Well, I’ve a lot more to offer obviously. But I think I’ve given enough now. There’s plenty of information you know. You don’t? You want one more? Em. k
These are a few points that I didn’t really know how to implement above, but they’re still quite important.
Check your contract for certain stipulations regarding image use after you’re done. Some contracts may state that the Photographer can use your photographs online and over social media to advertise. While that’s perfectly legit and true from a legal stand point, it is perfectly fine to ask the Photography to omit this from the contract. Personally, I give the option in my contract. Of the 11 Weddings I’ve shot to date only 2 couples have allowed me to use their images. While that massively reduces the portfolio of images I can use to advertise, I think it’s only fair that your privacy is respected. 99% of Wedding Photographers will agree to keeping your images private.
Working as a Wedding Photographer is hard work. Your Photographer has to carry 10-20+kg of gear around all day. They’re running around to try get the best angles, interacting with a lot of people and constantly watching everything that’s going on. They will be tired and appreciate any bit of a break they get. If you can offer them 5 minutes here or there where you know nothing is going to happen, they will be eternally grateful!
If you want prints of your photographs and it’s not included in your package make sure to ask if your Photographer provides this service. While you could go and get them printed yourself, your Photographer will more than likely have a very cheap rate with a very good printer. That can make a world of difference!
Enjoy yourself. It’s your day. Don’t worry about your Photographer. They know what they’re doing and will deliver.
A sincere and massive thank you for reading my blog. I hope it helps you prepare for the best day of your life.
Whether you book me or another Photographer to shoot your Wedding, I hope this blog helps you out!
Thanks for reading and enjoy your “Happily Ever After”
