How to interview your Photographer.

Does this trigger-happy person know what their doing?

When planning a wedding, most people put the wedding photographs at the bottom of the list. This is a bad idea, the photographer needs at least one interview with you before the day so you and they know what to expect.

But what do I ask them?

Most of the time they will ask you questions like; what time does the wedding start, how many guests will be there and is there anyone who should not be in the photos?You need to ask them if they will arrive before you at the church, if they say no, then you should really consider getting a different photographer as you will be missing out on quite a few photographs and memories.You need to confirm the date and time as well and ask for it in writing, this will ensure that you both know the when and where and at what time. This will also save a lot of hassle on the day, as you really don't want to be giving the photographer directions to the reception just after you leave the church!

What can I expect them to know?

Number one thing, don't worry about the formal shots, you both outside the church, your parents ect… if they are a good photographer they will automatically get these shots no matter, if you want single shots of the different guests, tell the photographer a good time before the day, so they can work out the photographic schedule so they don't hold up the proceedings too much on the day.

Don't worry about the locations for the photographs at the church, if the photographer is any good then they will have already gone to the church and reconnoitred the grounds for suitable locations for the formal pictures.

What do I need to tell them?

Most of the time the photographer will ask you all the necessary questions that they need answering but you may need to let them know things that may seem trivial to you but are of the greatest importance to the photographer.What is the lighting like at the reception? Is bright dim or off (if it is during the day)

Are you having the place lit only by candles? Fairy lights? All this you need to tell the photographer. They need to know this information well before the day so they can work out how to combat poor lighting conditions.

Please tell them just how many guests will be at the reception, most photographers forget this most important question so TELL THEM. They will most definatley thank you for it later.

In conclusion

If you help the photographer as much as possible you will get the best photographs possible, just remember, the photographer is human so can make mistakes.

Lists are another good way to help, photographs you wish taken, important people, 'name and relationship' to you list… anything and everything you can think of is good.

If nothing else it will help you to stop worrying about everything else.

Author: Michelle Jones.

Michelle Jones, Photographer.

www.michellejones.co.uk