09/10/2023
3 ALARMING THINGS YOU MUST KNOW BEFORE HIRING A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER (not knowing these might cost you your wedding memories)
1. Are your "photography vendors" actually wedding photographers?
I know of a couple that once hired a film maker for their wedding coverage, everything was going fine, the photography team arrived early but as the day's event began, the bride's maid kept telling the team what they should do and the team never really knew when to do certain things, they had no insight as to the follow up of events out of inexperience and relied solely on the couple's direction (most couples actually need more insight from vendors to spice up their big day, i mean it's not like they have done this before), poses for photos were lacking and there was nothing exciting in the mix. Nobody actually knew what the videographer was doing until the wedding thriller dropped; there was more of wholesome shots as partaining to movies and no addition of attention to smaller details as partaining to weddings. The photo and video quality were good (...they are film makers anyway) but its contents lacked the importance of certain activities, focusing on minors like where random people were eating or whatever, no photo, as fine as they were, was good enough for a couple's portrait... at this juncture, I think you get the point. There are various kinds of photography; food photography, events photography, wildlife photography, products photography, portraits photography and so many more. It will be wise to make sure the person you are hiring to document your big day is well into the wedding photography field, check their catalog, do your research and know for sure if they are experienced. However, I'm not saying film makers are not good wedding photographers, this was just an example.
2. Don't underpay your photography team.
This might sound detrimental to you but truthfully, it's of your own benefit. Photography is a skilled service, and like every other skilled service, the worth of the service rendered is dependent on the skilled worker and his/her percieved value of service. So if you love a vendor's services after your research and maybe their percieved worth is way above your budget, you can bargain but don't over do it and beg because before they became skilled workers, they were human first, no matter how much they claim to deliver on the same level of quality and also maybe not to be too money conscious, they MUST compromise at some level so as to maximize profits and it's understandable if you think about it. I say this out of my over half a decade of experience in wedding photography, it might manifest in their unexcited attitude towards your event and post production or for some terrible ones, incomplete post production. I know alot of couples that haven't recieved their photobooks till today because they underpaid and the photographer keeps giving excuses, they really can't shout or sue because the agreement was haphazard and was under an "abeg" situation. Haven't you noticed that such photography works leads to very late job delivery and compounding issues? You must go for a photographer that will appreciate the offer you are bringing to avoid these situations.
3. Drop the sentiments
Yes, drop them. That he/she is your family member or something close to that doesn't guarantee that he/she will deliver what you want in your photo and video quality, more so, the over familiarity and entitlement leads to the same issues I highlighted in the second point; very late delivery or no post-production, under-payment, no enthusiasm towards the job, etc. You don't deserve any of this especially when it comes to an event you plan on doing once in your whole lifetime, it's that important and its beautiful documentation is the only solid memory and evidence you can show off, share and save for a long time. If you have capable hands that close or somewhat "entitled" to you, make sure you bargain and agree to terms with them in the same manner you would with an unknown vendor, makes things easier for you.
See, a good wedding photography team understands the flow of events on your big day, follows up with amazing insights, gives directions as per how to make the best out of whatever he/she gets to work with that day, topnotch creativity, on point poses and video expressions that wows even you. That's how you become more relaxed and confident on your big day, enjoying the flow, making lasting moments and having a very successful event.
We are a two-time selected creator of Talenthouse, UK with over a decade experience in photography. Reach out to us via DMs on whatsapp for free consultations.
