Ever wonder what your photographer is doing or thinking? Been too nervous to ask (I mean, you don’t need to be nervous, but I get it)? Let me help out! Being in this industry I hear a lot of things and get asked a lot of questions, because of that, I wanted to create this blog post to tell you exactly what your photographer wants you to know so that way you have an answer before ever needing to ask the question! Keep reading to find out!
???? Do what YOU want for YOUR wedding.
Because, you know, it’s your wedding. Considering ideas and taking advice from friends, family, and professionals is always wise when it comes to your wedding, but no matter who it is, don’t let them talk you into something you don’t want to do.
???? Hire a professional.
What your photographer wants you to know is that above all, we want you to have photos you love, so find a professional within your price range and book them. This goes beyond photographers, and into the wedding industry as a whole. Wedding professionals have experience in operating under the pressure and stress of a wedding day, so hire them because you won’t regret it.
???? If I don’t book with you, it’s because I truly believe you would be more happy with the results from another photographer.
I want you to be utterly thrilled with your wedding photos and if I feel we would not be the perfect fit, I will refer you on to someone else. No, it doesn’t mean I hate you or something, but rather, I care about you and I want you to be head over heels for your wedding photos and about your wedding photographer!
???? Your day means a lot to you, it means a lot to me too.
I couldn’t even tell you how many times I have gotten choked up at a wedding, and that’s because each and every one of my clients means so much to me! I invest myself in them because they chose to invest in me. Also, try spending hours with someone on such an emotional and raw day (not to mention hours of planning prior to the day) and not becoming invested in their lives!
???? You are my client. And only you.
Not your parents, not your cousins, grandparents, or aunts. Your names are the ones on the contract. That means I am solely devoted to YOU. And that means I will do absolutely everything within my power to make your day the best day ever.
???? I want to be your friend.
I know this sounds kind of cheesy, but I really do! I want to follow each other on Insta and watch you and your spouse grow together and raise kids! Cheering you on during your adventures is something I would love to do, and I also want to be a bright spot in your day when you’re down in the dumps.
???? Trust me.
I have years of experience in wedding photography. I know how much time things usually take, I know the order of ceremony (traditionally), I know what lighting works the best, I know how to calm nerves and make people laugh, I know how to quickly work through family portraits, and I can almost promise you I have your timeline memorized.
???? I work for much longer than just the day of your wedding.
Before your wedding I spend lots of time working on behind the scenes items like your timeline (if needed), and your family photo guides. I am also ALWAYS available to my brides for a phone call for serious things like important family dynamics, or if you just need my input on bridesmaids dresses. In addition to before the wedding, I am also culling and editing your entire gallery after the wedding. While I have my workflow streamlined, it doesn’t change the fact that it still takes time.
???? Lighting is SO important.
I cannot stress this enough! Lighting will make or break an image. When planning your room for getting ready, the location for your first look, your venues, ANYTHING, please consider lighting. Is it too bright? Too dark? Too yellow? Maybe too blue? If you have your heart set on that venue with a whole wall of stained glass, please refer to the first point on this blog post for help making your decision. 😉 All I’m asking is that you consider lighting when selecting locations, but as always, this is YOUR wedding.
???? Not everything can be fixed in editing.
While editing can create some really beautiful composites, that takes time, talent, and resources. And that will cost you money. I aim to get it right in my camera instead of spending hours swapping heads or fixing my white balance for both my sanity, and your wallet. If images requires extensive photoshopping, I do contract my work out and pass on the fee to you. Please note that standard editing is included in the price you pay, and I won’t be sending out invoices without discussing with you first.
???? Please don’t edit your images.
Think of your images as artwork. My artwork of you. Years of education, talent, equipment, experience, and hours of honing my style went into each image. That is what you are paying for, not for someone to snap some photos so you can throw an Instagram filter on later.
???? It’s common to feel uncomfortable in front of the camera.
This is a big one when it comes to what your photographer wants you to know because nearly everyone will feel like this! Feeling unsure of yourself in front of the camera is completely normal and common. I work hard with my couples to relax them and bring out their natural chemistry with each other during the session. You want to look like yourself in the images, not some posed, stiff version that fake-smiles in every photo. So, it’s very important to me that even if you are uncomfortable in front of the camera, I can still get you to laugh, relax your shoulders, and enjoy being with your spouse!
???? Having a list of family members and friends you want photos with will save us both time.
If I have a list of family members and a few friends you want formal photos with, all I have to do is call out the names and check them off once the photos are taken. This eliminates you having to think about it during the busy day, and the possibility of me missing someone because this is likely the first time I have met your extended family and I may not realize someone is missing if they are. (find my family photo guide here)
???? When you eat, that’s when I eat.
When I am working during meal times I require that I am either provided food OR provided time to eat. If it is a buffet style dinner, please understand that I need to eat when you eat regardless of what table I am seated at because I need to be done eating when you are so I am available the rest of the reception.
???? Unplug your wedding.
Consider asking your guests to not pull out their phones and iPads during your ceremony. That cell phone photo probably won’t be worth interfering with the images that you are paying money for.
???? Turnaround time.
As stated earlier, I work for hours after your wedding culling and editing through all of your images. This takes time. My turnaround time for weddings is roughly 30 days depending on if your wedding took place during my busy season (September – November) or not. I will keep you updated on your photos by posting sneak peeks, and messaging you with an estimated date your gallery will be done.
???? Feedback.
As much as you want to know what your photographer wants you to know, we are also dying to know what you think of us and our work! Praise, constructive criticism, what you liked, what I could do better; I LIVE for this! After I send you your images, I am waiting for feedback! Whether that’s in my Feedback Survey I send out, a Facebook review, or a personal message, I would love to hear what you thought of the whole experience of being one of my brides!
There you have it, folks! I hope this post helped you understand what your photographer wants you to know. If you liked this post, check out my tips for a more photogenic wedding!
Also, follow along with me on Instagram!
