The 10 Biggest Mistakes Brides Make When Hiring Wedding Photographers

5. You Don’t Allow Enough Time For Your Photographer To Do Their Job

Mistakes happen when you rush!

If you want some formal or group photographs taking, allow time for it in your schedule. How much time is needed will depend on a number of factors so discuss this with your photographer once you have booked one.

Do you have any special photographic requirements? Your photographer will know you want the traditional pictures with your parents, best man, and bridesmaids, but what they won’t know is the aunt you haven’t seen since you were 10, is flying in from Australia and you really want a few pictures with her.

You need to inform your photographer of details like this, well in advance.

6. You Have Photographers Competing With Each Other

Sometimes this is a good way to do business, for instance when buying a new car. This is not such a good idea when it comes to a personal service like photography.

A good, reputable photographer has a loyal client base who will continue to use them and recommend them to others, and does not need to entertain the antics of a price shopper.

By initiating an auction, you could be alienating the people you really want on your shortlist. Of course price is important, but don’t forget quality, service and reputation.

7. You Don’t Read What You Sign

You would be amazed how many people just sign their life away, or just skim-read the terms and conditions before committing to a legally binding contract.

If your photographer has made you a verbal promise, get it in writing!

8. You Turn Off Your Instincts

Trust your intuition. If something seems too good to be true, it usually is.

9. You Ignore Unprofessional Behaviour

The way someone dresses can say a great deal about the type of person they are.

There are some photographers who think that being an artist means they need to dress in a way that reflects their creativity. Do you really want ripped jeans, multi-coloured hair, and various piercings at your wedding?

The way someone looks and acts whilst trying to get your wedding booking, is a fair insight as to how they will look and act at your wedding.

10. You Take A Sample Album At Face Value

When a photographer shows you a sample album, they should be able to show you an album of pictures from just one wedding.

Why is this important? Simply put, any idiot can go to a wedding, take 500 photographs and get a couple of good ones. So an album of 20 photographs with 2 or 3 from 8-10 different weddings is no real insight into their ability to take great wedding photographs.

Taking 500 and getting 50 good ones requires a bit more than luck.

Also, as you are looking at the photographs, ask the photographer about the wedding. For all you know this could be his mate’s wedding album.

Ask how the different photographic effects are created. A hesitant or nervous reaction is a sure sign that something is not quite right.

A Final Thought

Your photographer is charged with the task of recording your wedding day for you. They will be creating the only material thing that survives past the honeymoon.

They will have to interact with everyone involved, and you will be spending a good proportion of your day with your photographer. They will have one eye on you all day, watching for the special moments that make great pictures.

A photographer is more than just a service supplier. To get the full return on your investment you will need to work with them before, during and after your wedding.

So book someone you can get along with, someone who can work around and within your plans.

Paul Spiers is a professional wedding and portrait photographer and runs Cosmic Photography in Telford.

Back to page 1