It may seem obvious to some but it’s always worth considering what is not included in your selected photographers offerings. Here is a generally lighthearted look at some examples of things we have seen recently:-
Them – ‘ We give you the disc so you don’t have to pay a photographers inflated prices (but you have to do all the work!). Us – ‘we sell you carefully inspected prints which are of a very high quality on Fuji Pearl paper and reprinted if necessary’. Yes our prints are more expensive but then quality workmanship generally is.
Them – ‘full day coverage…to the start of the wedding Breakfast’. Us – ‘when you book one of our package with full day coverage we’ll be there past the First Dance, later if necessary’
Them – ‘you just order a photobook online’ (as we can not be bothered!!). Us – ‘we provide a high quality professionally finished book or album with finish retouching to the pictures as necessary. We want you to show your family and friends and for them to say WOW!’
Them – ‘We have a great camera and have photographed at least 10 weddings’. Us – ‘We have great Professional grade cameras with back up equipment. With 1600 wedding experience we know how to handle almost any situation……almost!’
Them – ‘ We never pose people as we want a natural look’. Us – ‘we want people to look natural but not like they do in Uncle Bob’s snaps’!! Getting people to look their best requires skills of posing, posture, lighting and making the subject feel comfortable. Skills learnt over many years’.
Them – ‘we have two photographers’. Us – ‘we have two photographers who are both fully Professionally Qualified to Associatship level with B.I.P.P’.
Them – ‘insurance?‘ Us –‘we have proper Public Liability and Professional Indemity insurance’
End of the process; Us – ‘goodbye you we hope to see you again’. Them – ‘We have your money – good riddance!!!!’
OK there are some fantastic photographers out there and some really bad ones – make sure you know what you are getting, if in doubt BIPP and MPA are a great starting point.