f there is one thing I hear frequently from brides is that they wish they would have spent more for the photographer they hired. Why? Because, like anything, there is a good, better and best version of all things. So how do you make sure that you are getting the best and right version of photography for you, especially when there are so many photographers with amazing photos? Below are items that can set apart the good, better and best in the photography world, and what to ask photographers when interviewing the right one for the job.
What equipment do you use?
I am a Nikon girl at heart. Below are the products I use with my Nikon
Nikon Z6 II
Nikon D810
Nikon D750
Sigma Art 50mm 1.4
Sigma Art 35mm 1.4
Sigma Art 24mm 1.4
Nikor 105 Macro
Nikor 70-200mm 4.5
What do you wear on the wedding day?
Typically I like to blend into the wedding day and wear flats and darker clothing to make sure I am not too "loud" and distracting.
How many pictures do you take?
Too many! Because I shoot digital, I have the opportunity to photograph and use as much data as I decide. I average around 100 photographs an hour, which is narrowed down in the editing process because of blinks, exposure and sharpness.
Do you charge for multiple locations on the wedding day?
Not at all. Because every wedding day is unique, going to multiple locations outside of your venues on a wedding day brings more variety to your wedding story. I do charge by the hour, so this can be accounted into your time. There is no "freezing" time for travel as it is my time that is being paid for. If your wedding is 40 miles outside the Twin Cities area or a major city, a travel fee of $.50/ mile may be added, but this is to be discussed on a case by case basis.
When can we expect our photos?
After your wedding day is complete, you can expect a post on socials the following day, a blog post the following week of your photos, and the gallery will be delivered to you within 3-4 weeks of your wedding date. You will receive your USB in hand no longer than 6 weeks after your wedding day. (As you may have noticed, there are also many sneak peeks along the way!)
How do we reserve our wedding date?
I require a $600 non-refundable deposit and a signed contract to reserve your wedding date. The remaining balance is due 10 days before your wedding date. You are free to make payments between your booking and balance due.
Do you have a second shooter?
Some of my packages do include a second shooter and you always have the option of adding one. I am so happy to say that my seconds and I have been working together for the past 2-3 years and know each other well.
I don't want to spend so much time on family photos, how long do these usually take?
Because I have been photographing weddings for so long, it is so important to me and the couples I work with to get this done as effectively and as fast as possible. I prepare a list of group shots with you, and typically (depending on how large the family) we can get these finished within 20-30 minutes.
Do you have liability insurance?
Absolutely, and I am happy to provide any venue with a proof of coverage.
Other points to consider when hiring a wedding photographer::
Photographs
-Does the photographer have good quality images (not too dark, light, or out of focus)
-Does the photographer use filters or effects that might create the photos to look dated, not natural or timeless?
-Do the photos have a similar style that stays consistent to what you are looking for?
-Will the photographer allow you to see a full proofing gallery? (This is a great way to make sure there is consistency and quality though out the entire wedding day.)
Customer Service
-How long will it take to see the proofs? If it is six weeks, ask to see a wedding from six weeks ago, don't get caught with someone who over promises and under delivers! My couples see their proofs in 3-4 weeks
-Are they outsourcing or are they the solo person doing all the work? This can really determine how long an e-mail response might wait, proofs delivered, or a blog post put on the web. I am so thankful to have a team of people helping me with editing and social media.
-Are they a boutique studio? With this I mean are they photographing 100's of couples in a year where you are just another number, or only taking a specific number of couples to ensure quality customer service? The average boutique photographer photographs between 10-25 weddings a year so that you will receive more attention and that your unique day will be photographed differently than any other couple's.
-Do you like your photographer? Your photographer is one of the only vendors that will be with you for most of your wedding day and spend most of your time with. Making sure that your personalities mesh is crucial to a wonderful wedding day experience!