Questions for a wedding photographer Do we need to meet before the shoot? What happens if you are unable to attend our wedding

I perfectly understand the concerns of the newlyweds about the choice of a photographer who will shoot the celebration, based on this, I have compiled a series of basic questions for a wedding photographer, leading you to right choice and contributing to the solution of the main issues even before this wonderful event.

Your photographer should be not just a professional in his field, but also your “friend”, because you should be on the same wavelength with him. That is, mutual understanding between the newlyweds and the photographer contributes to a successful work process, and the photos will turn out to be truly sincere and lively.

I have already answered all your questions, but in any work there are nuances and exceptions, so I always go to the dialogue and, taking into account all the comments, easily adapt to you, because I understand how important this day is for you.

1. Do I need to sign a service agreement?

The contract is signed. This point is very important for both parties, since the contract acts as a guarantor of compliance with the conditions that were agreed upon at the meeting.

2. How long have I been a professional photographer?

Specifically, I have been working on wedding photography for more than 5 years. During this period, I happened to capture more than 250 newlyweds. Before this job, I was engaged in photography on projects and reportage shooting.

3. How many photos will I give after the wedding?

This question is most often asked to a wedding photographer, and interestingly, it excites young people more than having experience and a contract.

You don't have to worry - all the photos are yours! I'll give you all the pictures. I'm not greedy for space on a memory card, I don't save batteries, but I don't shoot by holding the shutter button. An hour of shooting is about 50-100 successful shots, it depends on the scenario and location.

4. How do I get to the shooting location?

I give special preference to the car of the young, moving in their car, I can shoot great shots and give dynamic photos during the journey. The road can also be fun! I also have my own transport and I can easily get on it. Transport is discussed individually depending on the shooting location and route.

5. A place to walk for beautiful photos?

Where can wedding walks be held? We discuss this at a meeting, sit down and start from some “constants”, whether it is the time of the registry office or registration. Such popular parks, estates as Arkhangelskoye, Kuskovo, Tsaritsyno, Kolomenskoye - I know inside and out, and there are many others amazing places in Moscow.

6. Is late filming paid?

There is nothing to worry about if you did not initially discuss the late shooting time. Photography can be “before ordering” for the period that you need. I am armed with a large supply of memory cards and batteries!

7. How will I be dressed for the wedding?

I prefer jeans and a shirt, because I understand that I am coming to your holiday and I want to look appropriate and not like a loader =) I can also adapt to the theme of your wedding and choose the appropriate style.

8. How long will it take for me to prepare photos after the wedding?

I have standard terms starting from 6 hours of shooting, processing a month, there is also a processing service for a week - it is discussed separately.

9. Will I post your photos on the wedding photographer's personal website?

I would like to place as many photos as possible in my portfolio, and I always try to do this, because without seeing my work in this project, you can not understand the quality and style of work. You don't like your photo posted on the site! No problem, I'll delete it. It is important for you that your photos are not in my portfolio! Not a problem - tell me about it in advance.

10. What photo editing style do I use?

Each photographer chooses his favorite style, which helps to process photos. I have one like this too. But your story must be written according to your scenario, and therefore I will implement and use your wishes and preferences.

11. Do I give advice on choosing a video operator or host for a wedding?

I give advice and I want to give it! It creates a very kind and pleasant atmosphere in the team that you already know. Thanks to my experience, I have found a kind of “backbone” of professionals who inspire complete confidence in me, and I am happy to recommend them to you. These are my recommendations, but our tastes may vary and the choice is of course yours.

12. Are the photos suitable for further printing?

Absolutely all the photos that I will give you after processing will have typical parameters suitable for printing all sizes of photos, including A3.

I have provided you with a list of the most asked questions for a wedding photographer, which I have accumulated over my experience. I constantly correct and supplement it, because fashion changes, and with it the requirements for wedding photographs.

Photographer's choice is one of key points in preparation for the wedding. After all, if the photographer does not cope with his task, then all the expenses for a beautiful dress, decor and other details are simply in vain. Yes, guests will appreciate them, but everything is forgotten very quickly.

It is the photographs that will help you remember all the important moments of your wedding day and show the details that you carefully chose and prepared for more than one month.

So, you have already chosen your wedding photographer (if not, then read our article ""). And you have to meet with him to discuss the details of your cooperation. Excellent!

To make your meeting as productive and useful as possible, we have prepared 11 important questions for you to discuss with the photographer. But that's not all - you can print them out and take notes as the meeting progresses!

1. Does the photographer sign a contract? If not, you should think about it - in this case, no one guarantees you anything. Are you ready to risk your wedding? If the photographer has a contract, ask for a copy (printed or electronic) and read it carefully before signing.
2. When will the photos be ready? Some brides are not even aware that photos can be received 6 months after the wedding. The terms of return must be spelled out in the contract.
3. Approximately how many photos will be obtained (and how many of them with retouching)? Of course, the amount will greatly depend on the time spent on shooting, but an experienced photographer can always tell you approximately how many shots you will get.
4. Does it shoot in natural and artificial light? Some photographers prefer natural light, some prefer artificial light. Some are able to work with only one light (there are, of course, few of them, but they still exist). Find out if there are lighting preferences. After all, if the best photos are obtained from this photographer at natural light, and you are planning a ceremony and a banquet indoors, it is better to look for another specialist.
5. How many hours does the shooting last and is it possible to continue it for an additional fee? Usually photographers offer several packages of services. Tell the photographer how you see your wedding, what will be the approximate timing (by the way, the photographer, based on experience, can tell you best option timing of the wedding day). Based on this, the photographer can offer you the most suitable package.
6. Full description of the service package. Feel free to ask questions! Explore the full package of services provided by the photographer. Otherwise, you may be disappointed. And it's not about being a good photographer or a bad one. If you do not understand what kind of service you are provided with (number of photos, duration of shooting, etc.), then you are buying a “pig in a poke”. Do you need it for your wedding? Therefore, carefully study the proposal of the photographer to understand whether it suits you or not.
7. Is a second photographer included in the package? Looking through the profiles of photographers, you, of course, look at their work and cost. So pay attention that some photographers indicate the cost of their services, taking into account the second photographer, who will help save more highlights of your wedding. By the way, in our catalog you can immediately see which work in pairs.
8. Action plan if the photographer is sick or for other reasons cannot shoot the wedding? Force majeure happens to everyone, so you should know plan B in advance. And make sure that this item is written in the contract!
9. How will I receive the photos?(printed, flash drive, disk, link to the cloud service).
10. What will we do if it rains or snows? A good photographer will definitely offer you alternatives. Write them down and see if they suit you. Also, read our article ""
11. Do I need to order food for him or does he take it with him? The photographer usually spends a full wedding day with the newlyweds and he is also a person :). Some prefer to take food with them, while others will be very happy with the dinner ordered for them.

And also discuss with the photographer (or better, write it down in the annex to the contract) the important points that you definitely want to see in the photo. For example, the first dance, dancing with parents, and even such obvious (for you) moments as the bride's exit or the first kiss.

Photo: Komardin Ruslan

By the way, for your convenience, we have made a checklist with questions for the photographer, which you can download and print. We hope that your meeting with the photographer will be successful and you will be delighted with the result.

In order to take everything into account and enjoy excellent photos in the future, it is worth asking the photographer a few tricky, but fundamental questions, even before the start of cooperation. It's not about platitudes, like - what kind of work experience do you have, will we sign a contract and indicate the working conditions in it, how many pictures will be obtained in the end, whether they will be written to disk, how and how many photos are planned to be processed ... About this the photographer himself will tell, explaining why this is the amount of his fee, and the payment of what services is included in it. There are more interesting questions...

So, be sure to ask the photographer…

Who is ultimately responsible for the final product - shooting and photography?
Infrequently, but it still happens that successful photographers send their assistants to a number of events. To see at the celebration not the person whose work impresses you and with whom you agreed is not a pleasant surprise. It is also not superfluous to clarify who exactly will be involved in the final processing of the images, whether the photographer himself does it or he has a specialist in his team for this. Having received answers to these questions, you will know for sure - who is responsible for each of the stages of work, and from whom to ask the result

What will you do if the equipment breaks during the holiday?
Life is much stranger than fiction. Therefore, anything can happen. A photographer who is confused in answering this question will also be confused at your event if his technique suddenly becomes capricious. A professional who is in love with his job and is responsible for perfect result, such a question should not only have an adequate answer and reaction, but also a sufficient amount of equipment to quickly deal with the problem. The loss of pictures valuable for the customer is unacceptable.

How long do you keep event photos?
In our time of digital technologies, on the one hand, it is easier to transfer and store information, and on the other hand, it is easier to lose. Even if you have lost your duplicates, you should be able to restore them.

How will you get to your destination and what will you wear to the celebration?
And in this matter, it is worth mentioning the transfer - the photographer himself plans to get to you or you need to deliver it. Specify in what form of clothing he is used to working. Let's talk about that appearance, in which you would like to see the master at the holiday.

What is exclusive about your work?
It is useful to hear how the photographer sees his work at the event, how in the end he will shoot your wedding, anniversary or corporate event. Can he offer you ideas that will make the photos more vivid and interesting.

How has your work changed compared to two or three years ago?
Creative and enthusiastic people can be seen immediately! They treat their work with soul and always strive for something more. This means that each order is perceived as a professional challenge and they fulfill it, trying to become better than they were yesterday.

Professional advice , photographer - I advise all customers, in order to avoid unpleasant moments, to draw up a brief for the photographer, unless, of course, the specialist you have chosen does not offer this himself. In the brief, you clearly state what we are shooting - congratulations, numbers, gifts and whom - which guests to pay more attention to, make portraits. Also, the timing of the upcoming event will be an ideal application to the brief - exactly the same as the presenter is working on. So the photographer will become clear how events will develop. He will have time to move around the hall in order to take pictures from the most advantageous positions. No need to tell the photographer: "We shoot everything." Then you will most likely be dissatisfied with the result. After all, your “everything” and “everything” of a photographer can be completely different.

Arina Volkova

Here you can find answers to basic and frequently asked questions. wedding questionsphotography.

I have hourly pay. An hour of wedding photography costs from 2800 to 3500 rubles. The price depends on the number of hours of work and the location of the event. The price of wedding photography includes all transportation costs. If the event ends after 23.00, the customer pays the transportation costs for a taxi. More detailed information about services and prices

If you have chosen a wedding date and finally decided on the choice of a performer, make sure to meet with a wedding photographer as early as possible. The date is considered booked only after the prepayment has been made.. If it is not possible to meet in the near future, but you want to book a date, then you can make a deposit on a Sberbank card. We will arrange a meeting on any day convenient for you and me.

I shoot with a professional, full-frame CANON 5D markIII camera. The second and at the same time backup camera is also CANON 5D markIII. The presence of two cameras allows me to more quickly photograph different scenes without changing lenses. Fast lenses - 85/1.2L, 135/2.0L, 24-70/2.8L, 35/1.4. Two sets of Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT and CANON SPEEDLITE 580EX II flashes. Retlights. If necessary, I use radio synchronizers and softboxes (when working with an assistant).

The maximum execution time is 2 months, but usually finished material given earlier. I try not to delay the return.

All material is given in electronic form, in a company box. It is possible to write to a flash drive. At your request, the material will be sent via the Internet. You get a link to the archive, available only to you, after the final calculation.

Call, email. A feedback form has been created for you in the contacts section. You can find me on social networks. Section "About the author". I am always in touch. Together we will choose a day convenient for you and me. I always have about 30 complete weddings at the meeting so that you can really appreciate the quality final product rather than selected works. You can see options for photobooks and decide on the final choice.

Yes, you can. The minimum package on weekdays is 3 hours, but you can make a walk for 2-3 hours. The cost of an hour of work will be higher (2 hours - 4000 / hour. 3 hours - 3500 / hour).

I work alone and that doesn't stop me from taking great photos.

To reduce the risks at the wedding, I do not use personal vehicles. (accident, traffic police, loss of time in search of parking in many places during a walk and many other situations). Plan one more place for me. After the banquet, I usually order a taxi for me. The cost of the car is included in the cost of photography. If the event ends after 23.00, the transport costs are paid by the customer.

All photos are processed (light and color correction, saturation, sharpness, toning, if necessary - cropping) and some part of the photos is processed more carefully, depending on the selected service package. Mandatory processing and retouching of all photos is fixed in the contract.

I do not recommend, but I can offer you for consideration several candidates for photographers, videographers, presenters, stylists who do their work with high quality. If I recommend, then I automatically take responsibility for the proposed performer. The choice and decision is yours!

No. By law, the deposit is non-refundable in case of cancellation of the wedding due to the fault of the customer, i.e. on your initiative.

Most often, when looking for a wedding photographer, everyone is limited to viewing the portfolio and the question of cost.
In 12 years of being a wedding photographer, I know that these are not the questions to ask in order not to make a mistake in your choice.

In this article, I write in detail about what you need to learn from the photographer to get an excellent result and avoid negativity.

How to choose a wedding photographer, what to learn from him?

The easiest option, of course, other than watching is to ask questions. Below I have written questions that you need to ask the photographer. And I will answer them myself.

How long has the photographer you choose been shooting wedding photography? In any business, experience is always important.

I have been doing wedding photography for over 12 years. (since 2003) My site () was registered in 2006.
This is easily checked without getting up from the chair in front of the computer through the wois-service. Here is the extract.

Is the photographer legal? Legality guarantees that then the photographer will not have to look around the world to get photos.

I am a Sole Proprietor, my TIN is 773409609432.
All information about me can be checked on. (After going to the site, enter the TIN number in the window to check Individual entrepreneurs)

Whether the contract is signed between the client and the photographer.

Yes, the contract must be signed. I sign a formal contract acting as an individual entrepreneur.
Can I pay by bank transfer. (if your firm decides to give you a wedding present)

The guarantee of the result of the work of the photographer.

The time indicated in the packages is only one criterion. I do not come to you to serve time (as sometimes happens when you take unknown photographers from different offices).
I come to work for you, so that as a result you get beautiful pictures and help you to spend this day calmly.

Does the photographer have spare equipment? Equipment can break down and get wet. This is an important point.

I pay attention to the system of duplication of both equipment and media (flash cards). Special attention All equipment is duplicated. That is why I can safely give you a guarantee of work and a guarantee of the safety of your pictures.
I had 2 cases when the duplication system helped me out. Therefore, be sure to ask the photographer how many cameras are with you. I have with me.

Force majeure, can the photographer, in case of an emergency with him, pick up a replacement for you that is not worse in terms of level? IMPORTANT!!

I attach great importance to the reliability of the service, and I will do my best to shoot the event myself, but alas, we are all people, and therefore this item is also spelled out in the contract. I consider it my duty to provide excellent photography on the wedding day, even if the circumstances are not in my favor. (actually, this situation was 1 time in my entire work), but I am obliged to foresee everything.

Does the photographer have experience shooting in low light environments?

It's no secret that it's easiest to shoot outdoors, and many people are good at it. But weddings are not only held on the street.
A wedding is shooting at home or in a hotel, and shooting in a restaurant or other dark rooms.

Yes, I have experience shooting indoors with low light. Examples can be found on this site.

If necessary, I use additional lighting equipment.

How will the photographer get to the shooting location? Do I need to allocate a place for him in your transport?

I usually (if the beginning is in the city) get to the place of filming on my own.

I carry out further movements with you and on your transport. Anything can happen on the road, I prefer to spend the wedding day taking pictures, rather than dealing with traffic police or finding a parking space.

Yes, I am happy to recommend not only places for walking. I can often not only tell, but also show photos in one or another place you have chosen.
We are at a meeting detail the timing of the entire wedding day. Moreover, in at least two versions. In case of good weather and in case of rain.

Can the photographer come up with something if it rains on the wedding day?

Yes, of course, we always discuss this moment at the meeting and we always have a route option in case of rain or cold.
General recommendations is in this article » » . But we will discuss the option for your wedding at the meeting.

Does the photographer help when shooting, suggests poses, etc.

Yes, I understand that in most cases, the newlyweds are not professional models and it is unusual for them to pose. Therefore, I try to come up with the most natural poses that are peculiar to you. My task is to provide you with a comfortable day, so that you feel as comfortable and convenient as possible while shooting.

Is it possible to show the photographer the photos you like and ask him to take similar ones?

Yes, of course, I am always happy to discuss the most detailed wishes for shooting your wedding day. The more wishes you express, the better.

Did the photographer work in your registry office?

In Moscow, there are no registry offices where I did not work. In some registry offices I have been friends with the staff for a long time. Therefore, there will be no problems during the shooting.

In what form do you get the result?

It all depends on the service package you have chosen. Service packages can
But I would recommend choosing packages with a large photobook.

Naturally, you get all processed photos written to flash.

How will the photographer be dressed for your wedding?

it important point, because the photographer should not be knocked out of general view guests, i.e. should look neat and tidy.
The dress code is certainly neat, if there is some kind of dress code at the wedding, then please notify me of this at the meeting.

How long does it take to process photos and when do you receive them?

You usually receive several photos within 2-5 days after the wedding. You will receive the main part within the time specified in the contract.

Important: If I violate the deadlines for the return of the result of the work, then you do not pay a third of the payment (about 50 percent of the amount). No other photographer has such conditions..

More about processing times

Is it possible to make a wedding photobook? How much is it?

A wedding photo book is a decorated album with your wedding photos, a wonderful memory of your wedding.
Yes, of course, I will be happy to make a wedding photo book for you. The price depends on the format and cover. All this I am ready to discuss with pleasure at the meeting. The photo book is included in the medium and large package. The bronze package includes a book in a photo cover, while the large package includes a good photo book in a box. I'll tell you more and show you at the meeting.

the color of the covers and the design of the books naturally agrees with you

Are the photos then posted on the wedding photographer's website?

This point is also discussed at the meeting. And if there are special wishes, then I am ready to meet you halfway, and even sign supplementary agreement about privacy.

If you want black and white photos, ask if they will be available.

Yes, if you like black and white wedding photography, be sure to discuss it at the meeting, we will write everything down in an appendix to the contract.

Is photo editing included in the cost of photography?

Is it possible to shoot Love-story before the wedding?

It is possible and even very good. At the wedding, it will be possible to show a video with photographs or hang photo canvases with frames from such a shooting. It is better if you decide to do such a shoot, at least a month before the wedding, in order to have time to prepare everything. The date of Love-story shooting can be combined with a make-up rehearsal.

Whether the photographer shoots in only one city or can travel to you.

Yes, I can easily come to your city and take pictures in your city. Prices are the same in Moscow and in the Moscow region and in any other city.
For Moscow and the nearest suburbs, the cost of the road is included in the price.
For other cities, the cost of the road and, if necessary, accommodation is added to the cost.

Another frequently asked question which I am asked

Do you need a photographer for a banquet?

It all depends on the format of the wedding, the number of guests at the wedding, the format of the banquet. Is the decision always up to the couple? As a photographer, I usually advise that the photographer stay for the first hour, and if the wedding is large from 45 people, then until the end of the banquet, so that all guests have time to appear in the photographs.

NEVER do not order a photographer in companies that offer photographer information about which you cannot find on the Internet, in those companies that do not organize your preliminary meeting with the photographer. Do not take a "pig in a poke". Usually it will be a cheap offer, but it’s not a fact that a student or a schoolboy who just cheats in his free time will not shoot you at the wedding. In such firms, I even met Tajiks with very poor knowledge of the language, and it does not matter at all what you get as a result.

How to write to a photographer, how to ask a photographer about a photo session?

The easiest way to find out what kind of specialist is in front of you is to call or write to the messenger.

I am always ready to tell you in a conversation and completely free of charge a lot of all sorts of useful little things. Of course, we will discuss everything in more detail at the meeting, but we can discuss many preliminary points already in telephone conversation.
Even if it happens that I am busy on your date, I will still help you, recommend another photographer, or help with a restaurant, host, make-up artist. Or I will answer your questions about the organization completely free of charge.
Call - ask!

Most often I shoot in Moscow and the Moscow region, but I am ready to come to any other city.

REMEMBER that this photographer will spend 7-10-12 hours next to you, on your best day.

Somehow already at the meeting, when I gave the photographs, the bride told me.