Image by Julian Beattie – Sydney Wedding

1. Who are you?

This is quite a broad question and it’s intended as such. The point is quite simple though; you should get to know your photographer, beyond Wedding photography. Of all the clients I’ve ever met, I make a habit of steering the conversation away from their Wedding. I mean sure, knowing you’re having vintage wooden folding chairs is nice and all, but it doesn’t let me know if I want to photograph your Wedding. And the same should be said to some degree of the person you’re hiring. Sure, the photographer may have nice work — But will he drive you insane on your Wedding day? Will he rub your guests the wrong way? It is simple, really. Hire someone you think you can get along with. It is a long day and you’ll need someone who you’re pretty certain you won’t want to stab to death with your 6″ heels.

2. Equipment. Back ups. Batteries. Tripod. What, how many, etc?

I’m not one for being boring at meetings but I honestly believe that knowing your photographer has a back-up camera is a big thing. It doesn’t matter what brand he uses, it doesn’t matter what body he uses, it really, really doesn’t matter if he shoots natural light or flash — If you like his work, forget all the technical jargon you don’t understand anyway and simply ask: Do you bring a back-up camera? If the answer is a grumble, then maybe ask that they do (They can easily hire one for a small cost or of course, buy one). If they can’t and you believe in Murphy’s Law, perhaps consider someone else. Simple!

Image by Julian Beattie – Byron Bay Wedding

3. Are you a part of AIPP/WPPI/Etc?

No matter the photographer’s answer — yes or no, you can rest assured that neither really matter. You may see some blogs and photographers saying that this is a must — Being a part of AIPP or WPPI (Depending on the country you live in). It isn’t. Someone’s skills and artistic direction shouldn’t be measured by the institution their name is registered with. There are more apt measures of merit than that of a paid membership. Sure, if you like, definitely ask. But don’t base your entire decision on this one point and certainly don’t be scared into believing those outside any of these institutions is automatically going to run off with your money or do a poor job. And by the same stroke, don’t automatically assume those that are part of these institutions are going to produce the latter.

4. How long will it take to get my photos back?

The one thing I hear time and time again from friends of clients at Weddings is, “Yeah! We got married like, 6 months ago. It was fabulous!” — Of course, I say, “That is so fantastic, guys. Are you loving your photos or what?!” — The look on their faces is a little disconcerting. It honestly doesn’t matter if your photographer takes 1 month or 12 months — So long as you are fully aware of this at the time of booking and are happy with it. If it is a big deal to you to have your photos back quickly — Then ask.

5. Contracts. Contracts. Contracts.

Again, I hate to be boring. But it is something that could truly save you down the line: a contract. And this carries on from the previous question in a way — Having everything written up in ink is a sure fire way that you’ll receive everything you should, on time, just as your contract states. Make sure you read it over and if you have anything you want to add or amend, ask. And make sure everything is included, also — From the cost of the package you are booking to what it includes (Albums, Edited Images, High Res’ Images, CD/DVD, everything!) — And of course, how long each product will take to receive.

Image by Julian Beattie – Paddington Wedding

Finally, forget all other questions. Seriously. It doesn’t matter if your photographer has worked at your venue before or not — If they haven’t, sometimes fresh eyes on a venue is the best thing to produce unique, different results. You also don’t need to ask how much editing will be done, so long as you like the edits on the images you’ve seen in their portfolio. And you don’t even need to ask how long someone has been shooting weddings or how many they have shot, if you can see a good body of work in their portfolio that is their own, then happy days. Common sense is key in a lot of ways, obviously — Being cautious in the right areas helps (i.e – a contract explaining everything you do get/don’t get and at what cost), but having your photographer internally groan when you ask, “So, what will you be wearing on the day?”, isn’t nice for either party.

Ms Gingham says: Julian really is awesome and someone who knows his stuff. If I was getting married again, this is the one and only list I’d be carrying with me.