Photography

Common photography questions:

1. What makes a good photo reel? What should I look for?
2. Should I hire two photographers or is one enough?
3. When should the photo shoot be held?
4. How do I pick the right wedding package?
5. What should be in my contract?
6. Who owns the photos, me or the photographer?
7. What can I do to look my best in my photos?
8. What if the photographer misses a moment, should we re-stage it later?
9. Is it a good or bad idea to provide guests with disposable cameras?
10. How can I ask the photographer what they will wear? (Tactfully!)

1. What makes a good photo reel? What should I look for?

• Keep your eyes peeled for sharp crisp images & attractive poses, often photographers only show work from their best events so ask to see photos from a number of different weddings.

2. Should I hire two photographers or is one enough?

• The rule of thumb is one photographer per 100 guests, rather than hiring two why not choose to work with a wedding photographer who has an assistant for your wedding day.

3. When should the photo shoot be held?

• Before the ceremony there are a number of key shots which should be taken., this will also save time for you to get a moment with your new husband between the ceremony & reception.  Send your bridal party to welcome your wedding guests while you & hubby get a few shots taken.

4. How do I pick the right wedding package?

• Make a list of all the elements you are really interested in, do you really need a photo key ring for everyone of your guests? Choose the smallest package that includes your must-haves but make sure your contract allows for add-ons.

5. What should be in my contract?

• Each contract should be signed by both parties & should spell out the work you are hiring them for.  It should include:
• Contact information; dates, times & addresses of all wedding locations; name & information for backup photographer; types & amount of cameras to be used; date proofs will be available; when & how you will receive your album prints & CD’s; total cost; deposit amounts; payment due dates.

6. Who owns the photos me or the photographer?

• The photographer owns the exclusive legal rights to your images, which means you probably cant use the images without their permission, you can use them for personal use e.g. On a social networking website or reprinting to give to family. Check the contract for information on copyright.

7. What can I do to look my best in my photos?

• Before your wedding show your photographer flattering & unflattering images of you & your groom, this will allow them to get a sense of which angles work best for you.
• Appoint a friend to carry lip gloss & powder at all times for touch ups {one of your bridesmaids should probably do this!}
• Consider taking close up photos in black & white which can help to hide imperfections.

8. What if a photographer misses a moment, should we restage it later?

• If its something that’s really important to you, ask for it to be re-taken, if you explain how much that particular moment means to you your photographer shouldn’t be offended.

9. Is it a good or bad idea to provide guests with disposable cameras?

• It’s not necessary, most guests will have brought a camera with them & they can post their wedding shots on the internet for all your guests to see. This will also save the cost of getting the disposable cameras developed.

10. How can I ask the photographer what they will wear? {Tactfully}

• It's perfectly ok to ask what your photographer will be wearing, if they are a professional they will most probably tell you & I’m sure you wouldn’t like them turning up in jeans & a hoodie.