Podcast Episode 2 : 9 Crucial Questions to ask your Photographer to achieve your Dream Wedding Day Images

So, you have created a Pinterest Board full of photography poses, scenes, backdrops and finishes that reflect your wedding album aspirations. You have then scoured through supplier directories, social media and websites to find a photographer that depicts the style of photography you love, and have booked an initial consultation with them. What next I hear you say!

Well, here at The Boho Bride Guide we have put together 9 crucial questions with the expert help from expert photographer Jamie Denny (www.jamiedennyphotography.com), to now ask your photographer to ensure you get the images you REALLY want from your big day! 

1. What previous experience do you have as a photographer, both in the wedding industry and other areas of photography? 
This will give you an idea of their professional background, their particular passions within the photography specialism and also breaks the ice when you ideally meet face to face. 

2. How do you intend to ‘tell the story’ of our wedding day through the photographs? As well as capturing family and friend’s imagery and details from the day.
The photography should depict a beginning, middle and end to your day and tell the story as the narrative unravels. 

3. What has been your favourite wedding to photograph and why? 
Get a vibe of what makes them tick, what inspires them and why they work in the wedding industry. Also, it might be useful to ask why they became a photographer, which will again build picture of their motivations and help you decide if they are the photographer for you.

4. Are there any aspects of wedding photography you do not provide, or prefer to steer clear of?
This is important to check, as some wedding photographers with a totally candid approach to their work do not for example, do ‘staged’ group shots or follow a structured shoot list. Or vice versa, only do stages shots and no natural or behind the scenes imagery. Therefore, if you are looking for specific groups of people or to details from your day to be captured, or whether you want a mixture of both staged and candid, I suggest you discuss this upfront at your consultation.

5. How do you enable couples to feel at ease during the day, especially for those people that don’t like being photographed and centre of attention? 
You need to click with your photographer and feel at ease in their company. If you can relate to this concern, then it may be the case that a photographer with a candid, reportage style would work well, with minimal styled shots. This means they would capture special moments without you having to take too much direction from your photographer and blend into the background whilst taking the shots. 
Another idea would be to opt for an engagement shoot with your chosen photographer to get used to one another, so when it comes to your big day, you have a great rapport and the awkwardness has gone. 

6. What pricing packages do you offer? 
Talk money…don’t be shy!! It is important ask what you get for your money; how many images, how long will the photographer stay, their arrival time, what time they will leave and any anomalies to that fact, when will your images be delivered to you, how will they be delivered – in what format, will you be able to send a link to friends to print etc. etc. 

When you receive them from your photographer… WAIT, ensure your first viewing is with your partner, using a BIG screen, ideally with your favourite beverage, to really absorb and enjoy your very first viewing, not on your phone during the daily commute home. 

7. Can you talk me through the contract? 
Extremely important! Read and digest your contract, and ideally run through it with your photographer when you meet. Clarify aspects such as; what insurance does the photographer have? If they don’t turn up for any unforeseen circumstance, what is the compensation? money back or deposit back? how much compensation? Etc. etc. Be thorough. 

8. How do they back up the photos throughout the wedding day to ensure no loss of material?
What is their technology backup to ensure the full day can be captured and no content is lost? Your photographer needs to evidence they have thought thoroughly about this, as there is no take 2!! For example, do they have; 2 cameras on the day in case one breaks, 2 memory sticks that automatically backs up, hard drive back up, server back up etc. What is their process to ensure your images are safe!   
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9. What do you need from us to ease your job as the photographer on the day? 
Ask your photographer this question to ensure they have all they need to do their job to the best of their ability. A popular request from photographers is to identify a responsible adult to assist them, so they don’t have to hassle you on your special day if they have any logistical queries. Another regular request is timings for the day so they can plan their work and ensure they capture all the essential part of your special day.

By the time you have gone through all these questions with your potential photographer you will have a good gauge and a gut instinct as to whether you want to work with them. First and foremost, you need to LIKE and TRUST them to create the images you require, in the style you love. And remember you are employing them to do a very important job for you on the biggest day of your life, so ensure everything is in place for this to happen!

I hope this is helpful, and good luck on your wedding planning journey!

Listen to the full interview below!

Jamie Denny Photography Website