A wedding is an important event in life, the memories of which remain for many years. And therefore, it is not surprising that every couple, planning their celebration, worries about photography. If you have already looked through an endless number of photos of different wedding photographers and finally decided, then it's time for a personal meeting.
A preliminary meeting is needed so that you can verify the professionalism of the photographer and get answers to all your questions. And what aspects of wedding photography should be discussed with the photographer without fail, we will now consider.
1) Since the wedding photographer creates a photo story of your celebration, it is very important to discuss all the details with him. To some extent, his answers and clarifying questions will help you recognize in him such qualities as responsibility, punctuality, and a creative approach to business. Remember that a too shy and suspicious person may not keep up with the rhythm of the wedding and miss a certain initiative.
2) Now questions begin that directly relate to the work of the photographer on this day, namely:
- find out the number of hours of work in the proposed package of services, that is, you should discuss what time his working day starts and when it ends. It may be necessary to agree on an earlier arrival or to offer to stay and how much it will result in. The standard package is shooting, starting from the registry office and ending with the wedding dance. But in this case, all the sweet moments of your ransom and bride's fees will not remain in memory. Are you ready to make such sacrifices? If not, invite the photographer home in the morning.
- ask a question about the equipment, make sure that it does not work with the cheapest digital soap dish. Just make sure the camera is not amateur grade and the photographer has spare equipment. No one is safe from a broken or discharged battery.
- ask if the photographer will be alone or with an assistant. “Why is it needed?”, you think. Most professional photographers don't work on their own, they need someone to hand over the equipment, the right filter, or hold the glare damper. Yes, there is such a thing.
Discuss the number of shots you will be given. On average, photographers offer 300-500 shots. Also, immediately specify in what form they will be transferred to you. They will be all on disk or some of them will be printed out. Ask a question about the wedding book and other options that interest you.
- specify whether the photographer will be engaged in retouching and photo processing. Some prefer the most natural photos without the slightest processing, while others do not imagine their photos without retouching down to the smallest detail. It is also important for many that there are black and white photographs and photographs with highlighted color elements. But in any case, the photographer will not be able to process all 500 frames, usually 50-100 shots are retouched.
3) Tell the photographer about your plans for the day. Maybe he will recommend a few passing places or adjust the walking route for a successful photo shoot.
In parallel, ask a question about how the photographer prefers to move around in the motorcade. Ideally, if he rides in the same car with the young ones and does not miss the moment to capture an amazing shot. But where are the witnesses? Therefore, most often a separate car is allocated to a photographer, videographer and their assistants. Usually photographers ask for an additional fee for using their car or charge for taxis. The issue of the photographer's movement is important, because often in big cities the car with the photographer is pushed aside by the flow of city transport and other cars.
Also, check whether you need to deliver the photographer to the holiday and take it away at the end, this issue is especially important for outdoor weddings.
4) Since we are talking about the photographer himself, then the question of the dress code arises. Of course, no one requires him to wear a tailcoat, but shorts and beach slippers are not an option for such a celebration. Be that as it may, he is a professional guest at your wedding, he should be everywhere, but at the same time always go unnoticed.
Food needs to be discussed as well. His main task is photography , he has no time for a solemn feast. However, do not forget that the wedding photographer also wants to eat. Therefore, it is worth considering 10-15 minutes for a snack, especially if it continues to work until late in the evening. To alcohol, of course, say a resolute NO!
5) Express your wishes and preferences, but be sure to listen to your photographer. Decide together the nature of the shooting: will there be a staged photo shoot and how it will look, or is it a report from the event, which shows the main guests and the overall picture of what is happening.
Discuss with the photographer and the list of necessary accessories for the entourage. Maybe it will be an openwork umbrella or a fashionable hat. Or maybe your favorite kitten will be the highlight of your wedding album?
Discussing the essential points will help to reach an understanding between you. If plots are important to you, details of the wedding that you certainly want to capture, then say it out loud so that you don’t regret it later.
Be sure to show the photographer and those wedding photos that you "dug up" on the Internet and that you liked. Did you like a couple that jumps over puddles or wanders along the parapet? Show me by all means. A real professional will catch those notes that you wanted to see in your photos.
If you are satisfied with the answers of your candidate for wedding photographers, he has a wonderful portfolio and he is a cheerful person, one might say, the soul of the company, then proceed to the next stage of your relationship - to the contract. Record all important points in the contract to avoid misunderstandings. It will make your holiday serene.
The article was prepared specifically for shop-ultra.ru.
