10 Wedding Prep Questions for Photographers
Today I went to visit a client to prepare for their wedding day. If possible, try and visit the wedding venue with the couple beforehand and understand the layout. It will allow you to plan where to be at certain times, and any lighting issues that might arise.
For this list I've assumed you've already got a contract in place with the rough details confirmed, and now you're looking for the devil in the detail. So if you're a wedding photographer looking for a starting point, here is my list of things you may want to ask the couple/organisers:
How did the two of you meet? Who proposed? I find this a good ice breaker, especially if you've only corresponded by email prior to the meeting.
Tell me about the wedding! Themes/colours/décor? This will allow you to think of colour matching and gives an idea of the tone the couple are after. I fact, I'd advise showing them some post-processing styles of one of your photographs to determine if they prefer the scene to be recorded as it was, or perhaps a more dramatic or cinematic look instead. Would they want any black and whites?
What moments are you most excited about on the wedding day that absolutely need to be captured? If aunty Grace is going to pull out some sweet dancing moves then it would be a shame to miss it.
Get a guest list. It's valuable to have names of key individuals to organise group shots etc.
Agree the schedule including: arriving times, rough times for speeches, dancing, cake cutting etc. Organise some time alone with the couple to cover the shots with just the two of them.
Are there any gifts between the couple (and/or groomsmen gifts) that you'd like recording? Watches, knives, rings, etc.
Do you want some traditional formal photos? Friend groups, family groups etc. Do the couple have any specific poses? Do they want the bulk of the photos to be candid style (where the subjects are not aware they're being photographed)?
Is there a live band to be recorded?
A confetti throwing/walk.
If required, where will the group photo take place?
Please let me know if you have any more!
