Planning & etiquette

yea so thats pretty much it, im organising a meeting with my photographer next week, and i know i want to tell him what photo’s are a ‘Must’ but i dont know what else to talk about, i could probly just write him an email but i want to meet him before the wedding, but i dont want to drive all the way to see him (other side of melbourne) and have nothing to say, so from anyone’s experience is there any questions i need to ask?

I would ask if you get a high res disc with full copy right?

I would also have examples (print outs) of the must haves and I would give him a list of peoples names for the must have. For example instead of saying group photo with brides aunts and uncles I would say group photo with bride and Aunt Kay, Uncle Roy etc.

That way the photographer or their assistant will know they have everyone and it will speed up the photo session.

Also if he expects a meal (if he is staying for the full reception) and what breaks he will take. Just so you knwo if they goes missing etc.

I’m assuming you’ve already seen their work or you probably wouldn´t have chosen them, but even so..I would also specify who you want photographed and when, also if there are particular places you want him to stand/be to get certain shots if you know what you want. Ask if he wants you to pinpoint someone to point people out to him. Ask him what he has in mind-how he expects things to go, and if he can show you some examples so you can point out what you love and don’t love. I would also check on what exactly you will be getting and ask him to show you what that is: ~how many photos? when will you get them? how will they be presented? will you own copyright to the images? will they do colour or black & white or both? will he have an assistant? I think other than that it’s good for you to just get a feel for each other – you’ll spend a lot of time together on the day and it helps if it clicks and is fun! Good luck!

In addition to the great suggestions already noted, I would ask specifically what the ratio of black and white photos to colour is. This can sometimes surprise people when they get more black and white that they expected. 

Also ask about travel costs and whether there is an additional charge for photography at the grooms dressing location, should you require it.

If you’d like your invitation/stationery to be photographed, be sure to send it to them in advance of the wedding day.