A couple of weeks ago we posted the first of many blogs in our Tips For Brides series, which we hope will help alleviate any unnecessary stress and answer some of those mounting questions for many of you soon to be brides. The first post set forth a list of some of the key points to consider when searching for your wedding photographer (or any wedding vendor, really). If you missed that post or want a quick link back to it, you can click here.
In today’s post, we will be providing you future brides with a quick checklist of questions to ask yourself and thoughts to keep in mind during your initial consultation with your wedding photographer – and again, in some cases, these issues will be useful when meeting with any wedding vendor for the first time.
First and foremost and probably the easiest question to answer:
– Is this photographer trying to sell you something or do they genuinely care? It’s either one or the other and if it’s not then run, don’t walk. Now, of course, no proven professional would be in business if they weren’t out to make some money doing it. But there needs to be a balance. If that is the only thing they are concerned with, and what you want is of no concern, then you should probably look elsewhere for your photography services. If they are always pushing you to upgrade your package or encouraging multiple add-ons, thank them for their time and be on your way. A wedding photographer who lives and dies by the bottom line will never go above and beyond.
This next question to ask yourself is particularly telling of the type of personality your photographer will most definitely demonstrate on your wedding day, if they are exhibiting it at all during your consultation:
– What is the attitude of the photographer toward other vendors and other photographers in particular? This concern may be hard to bring up, and if you can, it may be even tougher to decipher. But in our opinion, photographers who get along with other photographers and other vendors have nothing to hide. Others successes do not threaten them, and so there is no reason for negativity. It’s the vendors and photographers who speak ill of their competition that you should be worried. If they’re negative today, during your consultation, how do you envision them acting the day of your wedding?
Photographers and Videographers have a long standing rivalry.
– Do they work well as part of a team? Which one is more important? Well, that depends on who you ask. And the truth is that in today’s world of fill-in-the-blank-biography, Videographers are doubling as photographers and photographers are now offering videography services. But pose the question to your photographer in the consultation and see how comfortable you are with their answer. You are looking for team players.
What if you can’t relate to some of their images?
– In truth, the best wedding photographers will capture the true essence of each and every one of their clients. And depending on their range, you may not be able to relate to all of them. That’s ok. You don’t want to look at a bunch of cookie-cutter images that could fit you or anyone you know. You want the images that only depict you and your fiance and express your individual uniqueness. So it’s alright to give the photographer a little grace on images that don’t look like you. You can describe what you’re looking for and perhaps they can pull out some images that are a little more your style. It’s ok to ask for what you want, but remember it’s also a good thing for your photographer to be diverse in their styles.
What’s your ideal scenario for the big day?
– Have your mental game plan for the wedding prepared or at least thought out a bit before your consultation so you and your photographer can discuss it. There’s nothing tougher than having a bride and groom come in for their consultation and have opposite ideas of what they expect on their wedding day. Make sure the two of you discuss your thoughts and ideas and come to an agreement. And then schedule your consultation. And again, don’t be afraid to lay out for your photographer what it is you’re envisioning. While wedding photographers are creatives; they aren’t the best mind readers.
Lastly, there’s no need for the game face at your consultation.
– You want to be as upfront, honest and real as you can be. The key to fantastic wedding images is the ability to connect with your photographer. Open up. Let them see who you are. If you can do that, the possibilities are limitless!
Hopefully, this will help you with your wedding vendor consultations, and if you have any questions about any of this, please feel free to call or email us. We’d be happy to make even some recommendations of photographers for you if we are not the right fit after meeting with us. That’s just the kind of guys we are!
Come back next week for an explanation on booking your wedding photographer (or another vendor)!
