Hiring a Wedding Photographer: Photographer Etiquette
We get it. We know you don’t book wedding photographers all the time and this world of photography is HUGE and can be intimidating. It’s okay. Here are the basics to help get you by.
Don’t ask a photographer to change their style or copy someone else.
When you are searching for a wedding photographer, first figure out what style of photographer you want. Do you like light and airy images, or something darker and moodier? Do you like tones that are more brown and earthy, or something more true to life/natural colors? Whatever style you like, find a photographer who matches that style. Don’t ask a moodier photographer to shoot your wedding but to edit lighter- that doesn’t match our craft and it won’t be a good fit. Just like you wouldn’t ask a mechanic to help you with your plumbing- stick to what the person knows and is good at.Do you feed your photographer on the wedding day?
Simply put, YES! For me, my packages range from 6-10 hours for traditional wedding days. That’s a long time to go without a meal, especially when we are working our butts off to make your day special. I actually have it in my contract that I will be provided a meal if I work 6 hours or more. Some wedding venues like to have the vendors (photographers, DJ, etc) eat in a separate area or provide a “vendor meal”, which sometimes is honestly a pb&j. If you don’t want to be an asshole, put your photographer(s) in an actual seat at a table, and be sure that if it’s a plated dinner, they get served right after the head table/family (if it’s a buffet, most photographers will go up early, even if their table isn’t called yet). This allows us to eat at the same time the wedding couple is eating so that when they’re done, we can capture all remaining images for the night. And, we are still in the room so we can see if important things pop up or happen so we don’t miss a moment (although, please, don’t schedule any surprises during dinner. We want time to eat, too).
Do you tip your wedding vendors?
As a photographer, I never expect tips, but they are so very appreciated. I can’t speak for the whole industry, but most other photographers I know think the same. I know that weddings are a LOT of money, and you’ve already spent a lot on us. But, if you think that we did an exceptional job/it is within your means, tips are always wonderful. If you don’t, that’s TOTALLY cool, too! A good review goes a long way and is honestly so great to receive, as well. (Or refer us to friends/family. Makes us SO happy!)
When do you book your wedding photographer?
Book EARLY! With me, I’m a one-person show, so once a date is booked for me, I can’t take anything else that day. Some photographers may have multiple people working for them so that may be different, but either way, there are a lot of weddings that happen each year and only so many dates in a wedding season, so we typically book fast. I would say to start reaching out to photographers as soon as you know the day and venue for your wedding. Usually, we are booking out at least a year in advance, so the earlier you can get your date reserved, the better. Of course, we may try to fill last-minute slots/work with you, but if you know who you want to work with, it’s better to secure them early on.Schedule enough time on your wedding day.
There is nothing more stressful to a photographer than having to fit in 20 events at a reception with 1 hour to do it all. If you know that you want the whole day photographed (getting ready, ceremony, reception, dances, etc.), plan for AT LEAST 8 hours of coverage. Please do not try to fit a full wedding day with all the bells and whistles into a smaller hourly package, as that will just stress both you and your photographer out. If you need help deciding on what package is right for you, talk with your photographer! Usually, we can help with planning and deciding what is the most appropriate. If you can only afford the smaller package, forego some of the nights’ events (bouquet toss, dollar dance, etc) that aren’t as important to you for after the photographer leaves. I’m sure there will be plenty of guests happy to record it/take photos on their phones. Have your photographer there for the moments that mean the most.
PS If you’re still looking for a badass, inclusive and colorful wedding photographer, let’s grab a coffee or a beer and hang out! And let’s rock that wedding day!
