Staffordshire Wedding Services

 

Reviews - Photographer

Have you ever considered what it is that you should know about a photographer before making that important booking? What is a photographer looking for from you, the happy couple?   We asked Lesley Thirsk of L A Collections for a few points to answer these questions .

Q: What should a potential Bride and Groom look for when choosing a photographer?

A : When a Bride and Groom have decided to get married, the first impression they will get of a photographer will be either over the telephone or alternatively at a wedding fair.  

Over the phone

• You need to feel comfortable with who you are talking to, are they asking you the right questions and more importantly are they allowing you to ask questions - after all you haven't done this before and not sure what to expect.   Remember you don't need to be told what you want!
• Is the photographer approachable are they willing to listen to what you want?

Wedding fairs

• Firstly you will need to examine photos/displays each photographer has on their stand - do they have kerb appeal?   Do you like the look of the pictures/albums on display
• How approachable are they? Are they standing behind a desk with hands in their pockets?
• Do they speak to you first or do you have to prompt them into conversation?   You should not feel intimidated but should feel comfortable in their presence.

Generally

• When making a booking with a photographer ensure that the person you book is the person who will actually take your photographs

• Make sure you ask early on in the conversation if the photographer is actually free on the day you wish to marry
• You need to ask the photographer of the packages they offer - before you actually book, are you really sure what you are getting for your money
• Ask the photographer how long you will have to wait for proofs and how long it will be before you are presented with the finished album
• Importantly, enquire as to how much their services are going to cost
• Have you a particular type of photograph in mind.   There tends to be a number of different types of photography to choose from:

a. Digital photography is becoming more and more popular.   This type of photographer will be able to take a large number of photographs for you to choose from.   There is no processing of films but the photos are loaded onto a computer to be processed and amendments can easily be made.

b. Medium format is historically the professional photographer's format.   Photos are taken on a spool which is then taken to a lab for development.   Photographs of this type can be blown up to poster size and again amendments can be made.

c. 35mm film which involves using an Single Lens Reflex camera to take the shots and again a laboratory to develop the photos.

• A versatile photographer will be able to use a combination of all types of photography if that is what you want.
  
  

Q: What kind of relationship should you expect from your photographer once you have booked them?

A:   Both the bride and groom need to be kept up-to-date with what is happening.   You must remember the photographer may not make contact with you after the initial booking until a month before the wedding.   Don't worry this is quite normal as photographers want each bride and groom to be at the forefront of their minds so they leave contact until then.   Don't forget you should feel comfortable to contact your photographer at any time and discuss your requirements

• You will be required to pay a deposit upon booking to secure your day and always check when the balance is to be paid
• Ensure that your photographer is comfortable with your chosen venue.   If they have not been there before then ask then to visit to seek out the best spots for photographs
• You must feel confident that your photographer will do a good job for you on the day.   They still need to be approachable
• Your photographer should arrange a meeting with you just before the wedding day (these could vary from 2 to 1 weeks before) to discuss what will happen on the day and what they may need to know.   This is your opportunity to provide as much detail as possible about your family - i.e. who   is the best man/bridesmaids are there any family feuds etc., politics, ie parents separated, new partners etc.,
• You are what you are and your photographer should be happy to go along with what you want on your special day.   They may offer little hints and tips for you to consider as well to help you along with some of your ideas.

Q:   What should you expect to happen on your big day?

A:   The normal order of photographs on the actual day usually follows a similar pattern of the bride's home, the church/civil venue, wedding breakfast and, in some cases, evening reception.   Here are a few things to consider when deciding what to do

• Think carefully about having photographs at home.   The morning of the wedding can be very stressful and the last thing you may need is a photographer arriving.   Consider the environment in which you live - will there be enough space for group shots with you and the bridesmaids inside the house, do you have a garden for outdoor shots?   Will you have enough time to have hair, make-up, nails completed before the photographer turns up?
• At the church/venue it would be very useful to appoint someone of authority to direct people for photographs, ensure that this person isn't too shy and feels comfortable telling people that to do
• Always check before hand where and when photographs can be taken in church or at the civil venue (check with the priest/registrar)
• If you have decided to have a videographer on the day make sure that they liaise with the photographer to ensure that they do not get in each others way
• Try and get someone to look after very small children during the photograph sessions to save time
• If possible try and not change any young children/babies routines during the day, there is nothing worse than small children who are hungry and cry during the photographs.   Ensure that there is someone to look after them after all it's not their fault their routine has been broken
• Don't let the weather get you down - we live in England and you can't change the weather on your wedding day
• You photographer should be able to assist you in deciding when and where would be the best time to take photographs. Time is at a premium and it is essential to stick to a regime to allow you to relax and enjoy the fullness of your day with your guests
• Above all remember to relax it is your special day; once you get there it will be near on impossible to change anything.   A relaxed wedding couple will show in the photos that you will cherish forever
• Remember how happy and relaxed you tend to look on your holiday snaps - that is the kind of photograph your photographer would love to take on your special day.   Relax and smile you deserve it.
  
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