Choosing your wedding photographer is one of the key items on any couples’ wedding planning list. Your wedding photographs are one of the few tangible things that will remain long after your wedding day so it makes sense to give your photographer a bit of a grilling before making your final decision.
So to help with your decision-making process, I thought I would suggest some sensible questions, and at the same time give you my response. Kind of like talking to myself really (but don’t tell anyone).
1. How would you define your style?
I personally shoot mostly with a photojournalism (or reportage) style, but I mix this with a blend of traditional and posed images. I also try to work in some “wow” high fashion style photography as well. Ultimately however, I work with you to get the final “mix” just right, but I aim for a contemporary rather than traditional look. I want to be able to tell the story of your day in pictures, and ensure everyone has a relaxed and fun time doing it.
2. I have certain ideas I would like – can you do these?
Of course – I love to hear new ideas. I’ll try anything and work with you to get the look you want (Within reason – just don’t mention parachutes).
3. Can you show me a complete set of recent wedding pictures?
On this website you’ll find some examples of my work. However, when I meet you both face to face to present my photography packages, I will show you an example of a complete wedding – so you are seeing what a final finished album would look like, rather than just my favourite images.
4. Are you insured?
Yes, I am fully insured for Public Liability and Professional Indemnity and all our equipment is covered for loss damage, flood, plagues of locusts etc.
5. Are you a member of any professional photography organisations?
Yes. I am very proud to be one of only a handful of Scottish photographers to have attained membership of the prestigious Wedding Photojournalist Association (WPJA). Membership is extremely tightly controlled and less than 5% of all applicants are actually accepted. I am also a member of the Society of Wedding and Portrait Professionals (SWPP).
6. What happens if you fall ill on the day?
I take an aspirin and plough on. On a more serious note, being a member of two professional associations, I have access to their “SOS” systems to help out in a crisis. I also maintain reciprocal relationships with a number of other photographers who offer standby support if such an event were to occur.
7. What happens if your camera develops a fault?
I have backups, and I have backups for my backups. Basically I have a huge range of professional camera equipment (all Nikon Professional Equipment) and I duplicate everything. So if a camera or lens were to fail I have another to hand.
8. What happens if it rains?
We all might get a bit wet and I love a good challenge! Unfortunately in Scotland, this does tend to happen quite frequently, so I always plan for it and will discuss a “plan B” with you before the big day. I also carry a couple of very handy large umbrellas and my cameras can withstand a lot of rain – basically it won’t stop you having stunning pictures.
9. Can my other guests take pictures?
Of course they can. I positively encourage them to get involved and can quite often be found handing out little titbits of advice to fellow photography enthusiasts.
10. Can you take a picture of my favourite Aunt / Uncle / Niece etc?
Yes, yes, and yes – if there are any “must-have” pictures on the day, just let me know. All I do ask is, that if there are a lot of “posed” images to be taken, please allow me a little more time within your planning schedule.
11. When will I see my pictures?
My objective is to have your images ready for viewing by the time you return from Honeymoon (10-14 days). If you have online access you will most likely be able to start looking at the photographs when you are still on honeymoon.
12. When will I receive my album?
I initially layout the draft album design and will then sit down with you to approve the final layout. Once finalised I then allow two weeks to get the album back from the printers and into your hands.
13. How can I actually be sure that you’ll be any good and that we’ll get along?
Try me out. I’m not kidding. I offer a pre-wedding photoshoot session for just £50 with a money back guarantee. If you like the resulting images your £50 that you’ve already paid will go towards your wedding booking fee. If you don’t like the images, I’ll hang my head in shame and you’ll get your £50 back – that’s how confident I am that you will like your final photographs.
14. Who will actually take my photographs?
That will be me, Alan Hutchison. My wife and business partner, Morag, will also be on hand to assist me during the day and will also be taking some occasional photographs, but I will be the main photographer.
15. So we will have two photographers on the day – will that cost me more?
No. For the majority of our weddings, you will normally have two photographers on the day, but we don’t charge you for an extra photographer, as the bulk of the photographs are taken by me. At smaller, more intimate weddings I would typically attend that wedding on my own, to ensure that the intimacy is maintained.
16. What about any other emergencies on the day?
I keep a sewing kit to hand (fine for 99% of all wedding emergencies).
17. How far ahead do I need to book?
That is entirely down to you. I only shoot one wedding on any one day, so to avoid disappointment you should try to reserve your date as soon as possible. However, in these modern times a lot of couples plan their wedding in a relatively short time period, so I can and do get bookings at relatively short notice. So the upshot is, book early if you can. But if you do have a last minute booking just ask – if I can’t help you, I can perhaps help find you an alternative photographer.
18. Wonderful. How do we take this forward?
It’s very straightforward. Why don’t we arrange an initial meeting, you can tell us all about your wedding plans and we can show you some pictures?
19. Great. How can we get in touch?
Easy. Complete our enquiry form by clicking the Contact menu at the top of this page or give us a call on 01259 210299 or 07887 835431.
20. Right. With all these questions I’m exhausted. Can I get a coffee?
Of course, the coffees are on me.
So there you have it – if you have any other questions not on this list, please feel free to ask me directly or stick them into the comments and I’ll come back with an answer.
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by Alan
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