4 Examples of How Your Wedding Photographer Should Do More Than Take Photos
Finding the perfect wedding vendors is largely a sensory experience. You sample the cake, try on the dress, get fitted for a suit, and tour the venue. And, for the most part, you know what you’re getting when you sign the contract.
Your photos are a different story.
Sure, you spend some time scrolling through and visually *see* a photographer’s online gallery. But how can you know for sure who to trust in documenting one of the most important days of your life?
You’ve probably never hired a wedding photographer before. After all, you only need a wedding photographer when you need a wedding photographer.
You know you want someone who can capture the story of your day… The important moments, the seen and unseen events, the surrounding landscapes, the personal details, and the feeling of the day. And there are plenty of photographers out there who can do that.
But the answer goes beyond what you see. And it goes deeper than looking at Instagram photos and portfolios and cliquing with a certain photographer’s style...
It’s about the other things you receive other than your wedding photos.
Here’s what I mean…
#1: Your Photographer Should Get to Know You
A wedding photographer who goes the extra mile will start by truly getting to know you and your fiance. And more so than just a quick chat over the phone or a couple of email exchanges.
For example, after I’ve spent close to an hour on the phone or in person with a couple, I send a personal proposal. And after a couple books and as we get closer to the wedding day, I send out a questionnaire to discover what’s important to my couple.
Some of the questions I ask:
What is your Instagram handle? (So I can follow you and get an even better feel for your style and what’s most important to you.)
What is the address of the places you will be getting ready? (So I know exactly where to be for photos instead of Google Maps bringing up 4 different search results)
Will there be anything unique happening during the ceremony I should be aware of? (So I can photograph everything that’s important to you - not just the “typical” stuff.)
The questions I ask are intended to arm me with the information that will help me anticipate moments and keep an eye out for specific details and relationships. And ultimately, tell the whole story of your day rather than just a fraction of it.
Getting to know you as a couple not only makes my job easier, but it makes the experience easier for you too. And you deserve a calm, comfortable, and memorable photo experience.
Overall, I want to be the person you feel relaxed around and the person you trust to document the narrative of your wedding day. And establishing a solid rapport with you and your fiance will help me naturally capture the connections between you and your loved ones in each moment.
#2: Your Photographer Should Help Create the Photography Timeline
Another way your photographer can (and should) do more than take photographs is by helping you create your photography timeline.
You probably don’t have a lot of experience doing this, and that’s okay! It’s expected even. But even if you do have experience with it, I am happy to take on the task so that it’s one less thing you have to concern yourself with during wedding planning.
I will structure the photography timeline in a way that allows you to spend the most time possible with friends and family. Because the last thing you want is a photographer who takes all your time away from what is truly important - celebrating your marriage.
And if we need to make adjustments, no sweat. With 10 years of experience photographing weddings behind me and my naturally laid-back personality, I find it easy to make quick adjustments and continue to guide you throughout the wedding day and timeline.
#3: Your Photographer Should Organize Portraits and Family Formals
There seems to be a dark cloud that hangs over people’s heads when they think about portraits and family formals. And it largely comes from the horror stories that are told of how frustrating the process is.
It’s understandable. Because in all honesty, there’s a lot that goes into planning and taking the formal portrait part of your wedding day.
That’s why, throughout the planning process, I will reach out to you to gather all the essential information; like, lists of important people, immediate and extended family members for portraits, and any details about family dynamics you feel I need to know (family who have passed away, strained relationships, etc.).
Getting all of this organized beforehand will help us move through the process quickly and efficiently so you can get back to spending time celebrating with guests.
#4: Your Photographer Should Confirm Details
Communication is an important element when it comes to successfully planning with your vendors. Talking with your wedding photographer is no exception. Especially when it comes to confirming final details and addressing any concerns.
Approximately six weeks before your wedding, the three of us will get together for a final meeting so that I am fully ready to tell the story of your day the way you envision it.
At our final meeting, we’ll go over timelines and finalize details. And if you have anything on your mind, or any questions or concerns, don’t be afraid to bring them to the table. The more I know, the more I can ease any worries you might have. And create a relaxed experience for you.
Bonus Example: Printing from a Home Studio
Most photographers can do all of the above and beautifully document your wedding day, but can that same photographer print your wedding photos from their home studio? Or will they only pass along the digital files and call it a day?
For me, I believe a photograph isn’t a photograph until it’s a photograph. Something you can hold in your hands. Something you can create art with. Something tangible to build your family’s legacy with.
This is why I have been printing photos for as long as I have been taking them.
If at any time you are interested in printing your wedding photographs, even if it is months after the actual day, allow me to print them for you in-house. Once printed, I’ll have them sent to you within a matter of days, if not sooner.
The right wedding photographer will be able to do so much more than click the shutter button. And for me, that’s listening to your priorities, answering your questions, addressing concerns, offering guidance, and helping you feel at ease from the beginning.
I hope to be the best wedding photographer for you by not only meeting but exceeding your expectations.
If this sounds like the photography and experience you’re hoping for, reach out so we can connect.