It’s important that a professional photographer is as good in person as they are on paper. When it comes to communicating with your wedding photographer, to find out if they are right for you, you will probably have what will seem like millions of questions.
A good photographer will, and in fact should, also have some questions for you. The answers to his or her questions will ensure that they are on time at the venue, respectful of the rules and expected timeline, and able to give you the kinds of photos that you would most like to see.
The following is a list of questions you should expect your photographer to ask you. This list is the property of Lisa Robinson Photography, and is used here with express permission.
1. Venue requirements- Some churches or venues have shooting guidelines or insurance requirements for their photographers. If you are unsure of the requirements, you can put your photographer in touch with the coordinator or official to ensure guidelines are properly followed.
2. Size of your wedding party or expected guest list- This helps photographers properly prepare for the event.
3. Direction- If you feel awkward in front of the camera and would like strong direction, make sure you voice it to your photographer. Likewise, if you feel more comfortable with candid shots and just being yourself. A good photographer will be able to provide strong direction to large groups while knowing when to back off and just take candids and let the moment unfold.
4. Family matters- Does Uncle Bob not get along well with Cousin Billy? Best not to stick them next to each other in the family photo! It’s good to let your photographer know the family dynamics so we can discreetly pose them on opposite sides of the family photos.
5. Must have shots!- If you have been spending a lot of time on Pinterest than you probably have some specific shots you want taken. Keep in mind to use it just for general idea gathering and work with your photographer to get a shot list together, or perhaps just a few must have photos that you have been thinking of hanging on your wall.
6. Have Nots- Hate selective colors? Cheesy poses? Only like a few subtle black and whites? Just like a DJ’s “Do not play list”, It’s also a good idea to let your photographer know what you don’t like in your photos.
7. Timeline- Usually a week or two before the ceremony you give a timeline to some of your vendors to ensure the event runs along smoothly and on time.
8. Ceremony details – I find it helpful to know ahead of time if there will be any special ceremony touches that you’ve added in to make it your own. Sand ceremony, unity candles, hand fasting, and readings are common examples. It helps your photographer be in the right place at the right time of the ceremony.
9. Traditions- Will you be having a first look or staying traditional and not seeing each other until you walk down the aisle? Also be sure to note any traditional dances, bouquet tossing, or grand exits you may have planned throughout your day.
10. Details, Details, Details- Are you wearing your great grandmother’s necklace as your something old? Did you spend every night the last two weeks handcrafting those wedding favors? Tell your photographer, because we want to capture all those details you’ll want to remember.
Getting all the information straight, and all the details right, is as important for the photographer as it is for the bride and groom. By asking you questions like those listed above, we can help make your day as memorable and stress-free as you would like it to be.