Yes, a candid wedding photographer is saying this to you and giving you a list of what questions you should ask before your wedding day. After all, you deserve the best! I believe as one of the top wedding photographers in Bangalore, it’s not enough to just flip through a candid wedding photographer’s portfolio and give the thumbs up. Before hiring a candid wedding photographer, it’s important to ask the right questions and understand the finer details on the temporary relationship you are getting into, which is both a personal and professional relationship. Before saying “I do” to a candid wedding photographer and the team, consider these essential questions!
How would you describe your photography style?
I believe that this question should be an exact revelation at what you are looking for. If your candid wedding photographer’s style is not what you are looking then you are looking at a doomed relationship. Wedding photography has developed into a more photojournalistic style namely, candid wedding photography, where the photographer documents the events of the day without a lot of forced posing. If you want posed pictures, which I am absolutely not against, you should be clear about your expectations. There is no use of going against what you want just to get the candid wedding photographer that you had planned for!
Is photography your main business? What percentage of your work is composed of weddings?
This is important! Not all candid wedding photographers are just wedding photographers. Some even do portraits or fashion photography. This doesn’t necessarily mean they won’t do an amazing job as your wedding photographer, but it will give you a sense of what they will be able to contribute towards your happy day. As one of the top wedding photographers in Bangalore I can say that a busy full-time candid wedding photographer will probably shoot between 20 and 30 weddings a year – and some may do 5 only –so make sure you do your research properly.
Are you willing to follow a shot list?
Ask this to your potential candid wedding photographer to see if they would be open to collaborating with you. I know a few candid wedding photographers who prefer to do their own thing which is fine as long as you understand that. I believe that there’s a fine line: you want a candid wedding photographer who is going to capture the details and guests that are most meaningful to you, while still giving them the freedom to live in the moment!
What do your packages include and what will I have to pay extra for?
Wedding photography packages vary drastically; some include a flat rate (per day or per event cost) with a-la-carte extras (your wedding album or assistant photographer) while other photographers may charge different levels of packages ranging from destination weddings to in house pre-wedding functions.
What are the restrictions for sharing photos online or for publication?
If you’re a Facebook and Instagram addict (who isn’t?), not being allowed to share some of your wedding photos online may be torture—better to know about this ahead of time. Most of the top candid wedding photographers in India allow this with their watermark so that it is not misused by somebody else.
Do you’ll do video too? If no, how will you coordinate with my videographer?
Very important again! If you want your candid wedding photographer to do your video too – you can ask him before you book so that he or she can give you a package deal. Also, if you are booking two separate vendors you need to make sure that this pair coordinates to work together. You can usually ask your potential candid wedding photographer for a reference too!
Will you be my actual photographer, or will it be one of your associates?
I am asked this question a lot! Vivek Krishnan Photography has a group of photographers with me being the lead candid wedding photographer but a lot of people want to know who exactly will be shooting the wedding. So, make sure that you ask this. It doesn’t mean that the partners are subpar, but you’ll want to meet with them (and see their photos) in order to make an informed decision.
Will there be a second shooter or any assistants? Is there an additional fee?
Don’t assume that the entire team comes in the rate that you saw online. Ask these questions so that you know what it is. Second wedding shooters can cover more ground and can give you two perspectives on major moments (for instance, one can shoot the groom’s getting ready pictures while the other can do the bride’s pictures). But this may cost you extra, so ask.
After the wedding, when can we expect to see the photos?
In the world of social media, every couple needs to ask this question as everyone wants to put up pictures immediately! Do understand that your candid wedding photographer is going to need to take some time to edit your pictures, so be realistic about timeframes. If you need them ASAP for any reason, make sure you make that clear before you book your candid wedding photographer so that they have that time scheduled off for your edits!
Do your fees include accommodation and travelling charges if the wedding is a destination wedding?
Usually they don’t but it’s better to ask as some candid wedding photographers may include that in their fees. The couple pays for the travel, accommodation and food. This way you know how many people you have to accommodate and add in your guest list for each function. Also, remember a lot of candid wedding photographers charge extra or even less if it’s an international destination wedding so make sure you get your numbers confirmed.
How much of a deposit is required to hold the date? When is the balance due? What forms of payment do you accept?
Get down to the nitty-gritty of finances towards the end of the conversation. Find out when the deposit is due so that you don’t risk the chance of losing your dream candid wedding photographer to another couple who’s getting married on the same date. Make sure everything is in writing so that the deal is closed off.