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6. What happens if you fall sick on the
day and are unable to photograph?
While most photographers DO have a back-up plan if they are sick, don't just assume your photographer has one. Discuss a contingency plan prior to the wedding. It’s too late if your find out the night before that your photographer is in hospital and can’t shoot your wedding. If you know a contingency plan is in place beforehand, it would not be so stressful and remember, the likelihood of it happening is really quite rare.
7. How long will you be there?
Is it unlimited coverage in your fee
or is it extra for all day coverage?
Some photographer’s charge you by the hour, some photographers have packages based on hourly blocks such as one, four or six hours, while some will stay until the end of the reception. Ensure you are aware of the time frame your package includes as extra hourly costs can come as a surprise on the day.
8. Do you require a list of the photos that I require?
Most photographers don't require a wedding photo list. They will automatically take standard photographs and if you are having a photo-journo style wedding photography, they are taken as "it happens". It is very important however to advise your photographer of any special requests, such as visiting friends or relatives from overseas. Don’t assume he/she will capture everyone. A good idea is to have a family friend or relative that knows your family and friends (from both sides) to organise the guest photos for you. Give them the list and you will know everyone will be included.
9. How long before I receive my disc of photos?
Time frames vary greatly from photographer to photographer. You may return from your two-week honeymoon eager to see your photographs only to be disappointed when told they will be another four weeks. Some photographers have staff employed at their studio and so have a fairly quick turnaround while other photographers are working alone and have a more lengthy time frame due to demands on computer time, numbers of weddings they have recently photographed and so on. Peter suggests to always have dates in writing so clients know up front when to expect their photos.
10. What are your cancellation policies?
Don't assume you automatically get your money back if you cancel your booking with your photographer, no matter what the reason. Many photographers do not refund a booking fee once paid. Often they have refused other potential clients because of your booking and it can often be hard to re-book that date again. Other photographers will refund your booking fee only if they get another booking on that date. Make sure you know your photographer’s refund policy as they are quite within their rights to refuse a refund. Deposits on packages are quite different as you are entitled to a refund for these. Consequently, ensure you seek advice before paying your photographer as to what their monetary and refund policies are.
11. Do you require a meal?
Photographers who stay for the entire reception quite often require a meal. If this is the case, ask your photographer if he/she would prefer to sit with guests or simply have a meal out back somewhere. Quite often a photographer likes to be a part of the proceedings as they happen so they don’t miss out on the action.
Peter concludes that, “I find that those who ask the most questions are the more informed and better educated. I have had great pleasure in photographing them as clients and they, in turn, are always the happiest. Their expectations of what I can do for them are easily met when they have asked questions similar to the ones discussed. If you had expected more from your photographer, more often than not the reason you don't get what you want (in the style and look of your photos) is because you didn't ask or know the right questions of your photographer. Hopefully this information on "what to ask your photographer" ensures you end up getting all that you wish for from your wedding album.” |
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