There are definitely questions for your photographers–we love it when we can help you make your wedding day nothing short of awesome. In fact, I love questions so much, I have a free wedding photographer organizer to make sure you ask the right questions to find your right photographer.
As I enter my seventh wedding season, however, I see five areas of miscommunication that come from not knowing what questions to ask photographers (and, on the flip side, five areas where sometimes photographers assume some things…and thereby do what is applied when one assumes):
1. WHAT CONSTITUTES DETAILS
We all now that us photographers love a great ring shot. And a awesome flat lay of your invitation suite. Of course weddingwear all lined up, too. We also would love to see a lot of other things–such as your something old/borrowed/new/blue, especially if it is sentimental. Favors, jewelry, flowers, even perfume all counts. When we say we want to take photos of it all, we mean IT ALL; this isn’t because we like to micromanage, but because we care about your memories, especially the ones that will become the most precious because at the time we don’t know how big they truly will be as you move away from your day.
2. FAMILY FORMALS DO NOT EQUAL FAMILY SESSION
If you want the family formal time to be a full-out family session, by all means! Let your photographer know this is the plan. However, if it hasn’t been expressed to them, don’t be surprised if they peel through these quickly. These are important photos, absolutely, but unless you tell us specifically what you want, we will do what we do, and we will most likely default to efficiency (ie: get ‘er done).
3. FULL GALLERY DOES NOT EQUAL ALL PHOTOS
When I sit down to cull an eight-hour gallery, I’m looking at 3000-3500 photos. What I see is so much beauty sandwiched between half-closed eyes and awkward smiles. I toss those (we call it “culling” in the business). You pay a pretty penny for photography, and a part of that should be for the trust to turn over only the best of the best. Wedding photography isn’t about quantity, it’s about quality. That’s what we feel you are paying for, so we want to provide that service to you. If there is a photo missing that you expected to see, please be sure to reach out (we’re only human and weird things happen after looking at the screen for hours on end), but understand that they want to give you the greatest memories, and won’t be wasting your time with every awkward shot.
4. SNEAK PEEKS ARE MEANT TO BE JUST THAT
I get it: You’re super excited to see your photos (that’s why I always try to do a same-day slideshow before I leave your reception).But know that it is just a sample with so much more to come…in due time. Before you sign that contract, double check to see what the final timeline is for full gallery delivery (mine is four to six weeks while another photographer might be eight to twelve). Whatever the length is, be sure it is in the contract so you know for sure (and can plan your patience accordingly).
5. THERE ARE (PRETTY MUCH) NO QUESTIONS OFF THE TABLE
The number of times I have clients say “I read I shouldn’t ask this question, but…” astonishes me. There is no question you shouldn’t ask; however, be warned that some questions might come with a staunch “NO.” It is one thing to ask a question about posing inspiration; it is quite another to expect your photographer to perfectly choreograph a Pinterest post exactly as seen online. Being concerned about being washed out/looking muddled is totally understandable, but asking a light and airy photographer to be dark and moody (or vice versa) is unfair.
The best way to avoid these situations? Just ask. There is no harm in asking questions to photographers to be sure everyone is on the same page. I do all I can with communication prior to the day of the event, but I always love it when I get questions from clients. It means you care about the job I am doing as much as I care about doing it well for you (and when we work together to make it perfect, you know what? It gets as close as it gets).
What questions do you have about wedding photography?
Kayla Lee is a Minnesota-based wedding and elopement photographer. She provides services to elegant, authentic, sentimental couples who not only choose their own adventures, but also live them to the fullest! See more about the KLP Wedding Experience!
