GETTING THE BASICS RIGHT

Q. Are you available on my wedding date?

A. This question is SO, SO important. Needless to say, if he or she is not available for your wedding date then all the other questions seem unnecessary to ask or consider. Also, not only the wedding day but the festivities are spread over multiple dates, the wedding photographer you are considering should be available with his team on all the days/events.

An obvious question, but photographers do get booked 12-18 months in advance. Ask in your initial enquiry if the date is available and double check when you see them that someone has not reserved that date. Check with them how far in advance you need to secure them with a deposit. Because if you don’t hurry up someone else might book for those dates you are looking for. 

Especially when your wedding date is a heavily busy one with many weddings on the same date. 

BACKGROUND CHECK

Q. Since how long have you been covering weddings?

A. This is a great question to get an idea of how much experience your photographer has in general. Years are not a good gauge of experience since some wedding photographers may work part time, and only shoot five weddings a year on weekends. Thus, maybe they have five years of experience, but they have only shot 25 weddings. 

You may also want to ask them if they have shot at the venues you have picked or similar ceremonial setup as yours.

Q. How many weddings have you covered till date?

A This question is designed to find out if the photographers are specialised in wedding photography or they do it in their free time. More specifically, you would be better off looking for a photographer that specialises, not only in wedding photography but the style of wedding photography.

Q. Can you show us the full galleries of a few of your recent wedding shoots?

A. You have probably seen a few photos here and there from different weddings, but seeing a full gallery will not only give you an idea of what your deliverable will look like, but gives you a full glimpse into wedding day coverage. An Instagram feed with photos from different weddings will look vibrant and beautiful but with a full gallery you can really see how a full day is captured and try to picture yourself in those moments.

Before hiring, don’t settle for a good shot from this wedding, that wedding, and another wedding; see a complete single wedding or multiple complete weddings.

Q. Do you plan on checking the venues out in advance?

A.If possible, your photographer should visit the venue in advance to scout locations, familiarise him or herself with the layout and lighting, and determine any restrictions from the venue.

PHOTOGRAPHY STYLE

Q. What is your photography style?  Do you take candid pictures or you prefer to take charge to choreograph images?

A. There’s no way to specify every single image you’d like throughout the day, but most photographers love getting a list of family photos you want to have (including specific pairings of people), as well as the event’s key moments. Make sure they know you’ve got a choreographed first dance or a surprise groom cake so they don’t miss the details. So don’t forget to share your vision with your photographer. The kind of photos that you are looking for. Tell them those family members who should be a part of your wedding album for sure like your parents, siblings and best friends. All this needs to be communicated in advance so that there is no problem in the end.

If the photographer does not offer that style it is better to not hire that person rather than feel disappointed later because he did not take that special family portrait as his style did not match your taste. 

Many candid wedding photographers refuse to shoot group shots or posed photos. It is simply a style of photography that they don’t do.

PRICING AND PACKAGES

Q. What does a standard package include? What are the add-ons in the more expensive packages?

A. One can expect a full set of digital copies of your photos as standard in wedding packages. Get in writing in your contract the full details of what you’ll receive, number of Edited Pictures,  Albums, as well as extra coverage such as Haldi or Mehendi shoots. They can all alter the costs significantly. It’s not necessarily a bad thing if, say, your album isn’t included—you can always make this on your own. An album of wedding photos may be included in more expensive packages. Otherwise enquire as to how much this might cost and ask to see samples. Otherwise you can get the album printed yourself as well according to your needs.

Many photographers offer add-ons, from engagement sessions to albums, that will allow you to get the coverage that works best for you. Always ask about any extra services that the photographer might be offering.

Q. Is the package customisable according to my needs?

A. No two people are alike, so their requirements cannot be the same as well. A slim fit dress cannot fit someone who is a medium, and vice versa. So is the case with most of the wedding photographers. They  do not have fixed wedding packages that suit all, and thus have to customise and fine-tune it according to an individual’s needs. 

Most of the photographers charge according to the number of camera-mans that would be present and their time duration at your event. In simple words, working hours of all the team members (frontend and backend) that would be required to complete your wedding assignment. Wedding photographers will generally try to work out packages that are balanced and value for money for both parties.

At the Wed Cafe, we customise packages on basis of

1. The coverage that one is looking for i.e. Bride side, Groom side or common photographer for both sides.
2. Date wise events in order that will happen.
3. Expected number of guests for each event
4. Location/Venue

Q. Do you charge any travelling fee? If yes, at what rate and what all it covers?

A. Most photographers have a radius outside of which they charge a travel fee. Over a certain distance, you may be required to pay for your photographer’s lodging, as well.

If you are hiring a Delhi-based photographer for a destination wedding then you are responsible for making their travel, stay and food arrangements. Or you can make the plan all-inclusive as well if you find it too much of a hassle.

You can choose to reimburse your photographer or pay the travel and stay money with the booking amount. You can also ask for an all inclusive quote if that is more convenient. It is usually a good idea to have a couple of rooms at the same venue as the wedding especially for the photographers who are leading the team.

PRINTS AND ALBUMS

Q. How long till we receive the photos after-wedding? How will they reach me?

A. Each wedding photography studio varies in the time it takes to produce and deliver your pictures. Studios that do not do any post production or color correction may try to entice you by saying your photos will be ready within the week, or even the next day. However, most studios that develop and produce their images will take anywhere from 2 weeks to 4 months.

Don’t forget to ask about delivery timelines for edited video, colour corrected photos and albums. Please know that photo processing and video editing is a very time consuming process. For a standard 3 day Indian wedding, the number of photos can be as high as 15,000 out of which the photographer has to choose the best and colour correct the best of the best. Same goes for videos. Video footage needs to be selected before they can be edited into a meaningful wedding film. Every round of video editing change and album design change is also time consuming. The more proactive you are in sending your suggestions for changes the quicker the delivery timeline will be.

It’s best to be prepared with realistic timelines with your chosen wedding photographer.

Q. Do you also provide Wedding Albums? If yes, then what kind?

A. Most of the wedding photographers do provide complete solutions related to wedding photography and wedding films. They offer coffee table books made by various branded companies as per the choice of the customer, i.e. based upon number of selection of pictures, cover selected, size of the book and brand opted by the customer. The company at that given time will finalize all prices as per prevailing rates. Please ask about the quote at the time of placing the order.

LOGISTICS

Q. When am I going to receive the contract?

A. There are a lot of studios/wedding photographers that create contracts for their clients. You should require a contract from your photographer that details what services they will be providing, pricing, termination resolution terms, etc. It is best to hire a photographer that will build a contract with you, and be wary of photographers that “don’t typically create contracts for clients.” A descriptive email from a wedding photographer about their services can also be treated as a contract. A contract ensures all deliverables are met from their end, just as it gives them the peace of mind that you will be paying them in time. Go through a sample contract to get an idea of their terms and conditions. This is useful for you before making a decision in their favour.

Q. What is the amount that needs to be deposited? When is it due?

A. standard practise is to retain 20-30% as advance booking amount but this would vary according to wedding photographer and his booking policy. Knowing how many instalments you need to pay and your final deadline can help you budget for your wedding. 

Q. Do you accept payment in instalments?

A. Some wedding photographers will insist on getting the payment in instalments as many times, clients back out at the last moment which is a big problem as most photographers are independent small businesses and they need to pay the rent so avoid any delays.  Much like the final payment, knowing when the deposit is due will help you budget for your wedding and secure your photographer for your date. All due dates for payment instalments should be given in writing.

Q. What is your refund policy?

A. It is usually non-refundable but adjustable to other events if possible. Normally no photographer cancels unless there is an emergency, but in case he does then it would be refundable.

Q. How do you intend to back up your data?

A. Ask about any contingency plan like camera malfunctioning, data loss and last minute requirements for more rituals to be shot, extra days of shoot or requirement for more photographers than already agreed upon. 

Accidents do happen: cameras break, lenses smash, external hard drives get damaged. Ask what they have to hand on those situations – a professional photographer will often carry backup equipment with them.

In case someone from their team falls ill, do they have a backup team?

Once the wedding is shot, do they ensure all the data is backed up?

Do they carry backup cameras/lenses/lights/cards?

Q.Will you be posting about our wedding on your website and social media?

A. Most of the photographers post their previous work to get future clients as well as to enhance their portfolio. However, if you’re conscious about privacy, you can definitely request that your photographer keep your photos to him- or herself. On the other hand, if you definitely want your images submitted, tell your photographer in advance.

In the end, enjoy your wedding because this day will not come back. Hire a wedding photographer who knows the job and makes you feel comfortable from the word go.  Wish you a fun wedding.