* If they offer various ‘packages’ ask if they will tailor any of their photography packages to suit you – no point paying for something you don’t want.
* Ask what style of photography they do – formal or informal (candid) or a mixture of both?
* What are their payment options – most photographers ask for a deposit, with the balance being paid on the wedding day. Be wary of anybody that asks for full payment up front – the ‘cost’ of photographing a wedding is all about time spent by the photographer, but their time doesn’t start until they turn up on the day and take that first picture. In a time when money is tight, some photographers will offer payment split into three, with the final payment being when they get the pictures to you.
* Ask if they have insurance – insurance is inexpensive and any serious photographer will have some.
* Ask if they intend the visit the venue prior to the wedding. Good photographers will go to the venue before your day – they need to see what the layout is like and plan for a rainy day when pictures might need to be taken inside.
* If you are having a rehearsal, will they attend that? Good photographers will attend as it gives them chance to meet your family and the Official to ask where they can and can’t go during the ceremony.
* Ask how long after the wedding you can expect to get your pictures – this should be around two to three weeks, maybe longer in the Summer months when they might be doing weddings on consecutive weekends. However, they should make you aware of this fact, so you know what to expect.
* Ask if you can speak to previous clients – even if you have no intention of doing this, a trustworthy photographer should be able to give you contact details for at least one previous client.
Getting a good photographer shopuld not be hard, but how many of us have struggled to get a good plumber? A bad plumber is disastrous, but at worst; you turn your water off and wait for somebody else to come along. There is no second chance on your wedding day, you cannot plan to do it all again and there are some photographers who will take your money, turn up and photograph your wedding and then fail to supply you with any pictures.
Hopefully, with a bit of work on your part beforehand, you should be able to minimise the chances of getting ripped off by a Cowboy with a camera.
Jo-ann L Wheeler
www.jowheelerphotography.co.uk