9 Common Questions Regarding Wedding Photographer

When planning a wedding, there are different things to think about, as everything needs to fall into your budget. With an endless list of venue, food, flowers, etc. your research begins. The same is said for photography as well. But, booking the right wedding photographer can be a confusing task.

Selecting a wedding photographer contains a lot of careful bargaining and complex decisions. Once you have established the perfect photographer for the day, more questions run in your mind. Should you ask them to comply with your dress code? Will they anticipate a meal at the wedding reception? Etc. The wedding photography FAQ's keep on coming.

To help you maneuver through the minefield of questions, let us look at some basic & essential questions that can impact your decision to hire a professional wedding photographer in Baton Rouge.

What makes a professional wedding photographer?

You don't become a good photographer just by having a good camera. It's about what you create, utilizing the equipment. A professional wedding photographer understands the environment & lighting conditions you are in. He can capture the emotion & moment in one shot. He can construct a beautiful photo, and ensure that the focus of the shot is captured beautifully and not spoilt by lighting or hideous things in the background.

Also, their skill and art behind the photography ensure that you feel complacent around them. They make you feel comfortable; this is necessary because when you are comfortable, the photos will be better and will give you a more natural look.

How to find a wedding photographer?

To find a professional wedding photographer in Memphis, checking portfolios online is an ideal start. You can browse budget, location & photographers by style and make it a little easy & narrowed down. You can also look for recommendations, ask friends who are recently married and see who they hired. Checking out wedding blogs and looking at real weddings is another excellent way to find a style you like. Do enquire about the photographer who shot that wedding.

How long should my photography stay?

Depending on your day and what photos you would like, it will determine how many hours the wedding photographer is required. Consider your day first, what time will you get ready, what time you will be leaving for the ceremony, what time it will start, how long is it going to last, what time will you be at the reception, when will you cut the cake, what time will you be eating and when will you get on the dance floor.

It's a long list, but it gives you a timescale for the day and allows you to work out the approximate hours you would require. Most photographers offer packages for the entire day. However, you can get a quote if you want photos of the ceremony.

What is a second shooter, do I need one?

A wedding photographer is called a second shooter, a second person present there to capture photos from a different angle on your memorable day. The benefit is that you can have one photographer with the bride capturing shots of her getting ready and the other getting shots of you. Your photographer can't be present in two places at once. Hence, a second shooter is an advantage, as multiple angles & emotions will be captured.

Questions to ask a wedding photographer?

After choosing a photographer you like, and everything feels right, you might still be worried about things you need to ask, which you have not thought about before. It's always good to have a wedding photographer question & answer session, where the photographer needs to put you at ease with his answers. These are a few questions you can ask your wedding photographer:

Have you ever shot at my wedding venue?
How many hours are included in your package?
How much would it cost for an additional hour?
How much is it for a second shooter?
How many photos should I receive from my wedding?
When will I receive my pictures after the wedding?
What happens if you are ill, or there is an emergency?
Do you have any backup equipment in case the camera fails?
May I have a list of references?

Should I provide a meal for my wedding photographer or no?

Speak with your photographer; they might have to work all day, ensuring every moment & emotion is captured. Some wedding photographers might bring their meals as they might like to have a break while others may appreciate a meal at the venue.

When will I get my wedding photographs?

Your photographer must provide you a rough time scale about it when you hire them. Mostly, you can expect to receive your photos 2-8 weeks after being shot. Once your wedding photos are captured, the photographer will go away and edit them. On the wedding day, your photographer might take hundreds or maybe thousands of pictures, which they need to edit, remove any test shots and photos that are unusable.

After completing, they will print & pack and get them to you; however, some photographers don't include such facilities. Also, make sure to clarify if your photographer will provide you with raw images or no.

'I am disappointed with my wedding photos' – What can be done?

Your wedding day has passed, and you have received your wedding photos. But, instead of happy tears, there are tears of sadness, anger, and frustration, then what can you do? After the wedding is over and the photos captured, there is very little you can do in terms of the pictures. With the unregulated industry, there is little you can do. However, if the images are of pathetic quality or nothing close to the photos, the photographer displayed in their albums & website. However, you need to inform your photographer how disappointed you are. And see if they are going to do anything about this. It's always good to clarify is the post-production services will be included in the package or no.

The price tag?

The cost of wedding photography depends on how important it is to you. Make sure to have clear communication with the photographer concerning the total cost of the service. Nothing should be left for later. On average, people in the USA spend between $1000-$3000 on their wedding photography, some people can afford to pay more. However, before signing the wedding photography contract, you might want answers to some questions like:

How many years have they been in the industry?
Do they have the expertise of the photography style you want?
The wedding will be shot by whom? Will he/she be available on the day?
Will they charge extra for traveling, if required?
Will they provide a written agreement specifying all the inclusive cost & terms of service?