What to Expect From Your Photographer After You Sign the Contract
As a professional photographer, I pride myself on telling stories through my work.
But being a professional photographer doesn’t mean taking beautiful, storytelling photos of your wedding is my only job.
A lot happens before I ever pull out my camera, like getting to know you both by creating a connection. Answering your questions, so your mind is more at ease. And helping you create a wedding photo timeline that encapsulates your vision while focusing on what’s most important - time spent celebrating with family and friends. (Read my blog Why Your Photographer Should Do More Than Take Photos to find out more about what I mean.)
But just as no two people are the same, not all photographers are the same. And one of the things that set me apart from some other photographers is the belief that customer service is an essential part of our business.
This is why I don’t disappear after you’ve signed the contract. In fact, it’s just the very start of our time together… The green light for me to really kick things into gear.
Of course, you can expect the moments you want to be captured on your wedding day. But you can also expect a photographer-client relationship built on mutual understanding, trust, and respect.
Here are the things you should come to expect from your wedding photographer. And what you can count on from me.
A Questionnaire to Get to Know You
Once you have given me the thumbs up by signing the contract, I will send you a questionnaire that will help me get to know you and your fiance better. And ultimately, lead to photos that tell more of your story.
This questionnaire also gives me a clearer picture of who I’ll be photographing, specific relationships and family situations, and need-to-know wedding-day details.
For example:
Will anything unique happen during the ceremony and/or reception that I should be aware of?
Will there be any personal items or details at the ceremony and/or reception?
Any family dynamics/situations I need to know about (death, divorce, etc.)?
Knowing these things ensures I can address everyone correctly and respectfully. This is especially important during formal photographs because that extra level of awareness is a key element of making certain the process is as smooth and cordial as possible.
All of the information I ask for in my questionnaire is optional, of course, but the more details you can give me, the more seamless the experience will be.
Regular Check-ins
I may be a naturally quiet and easy-going person, but my laid-back attitude doesn’t mean I’ll fall off the face of the earth for months on end.
Once you sign the contract, you can expect regular check-ins from me, as well as steady, timely responses.
No sitting around waiting for a call or email back. No last-minute scrambling for information. No unanswered questions or lingering concerns.
Just good old-fashioned customer service (with a genuine smile).
At the same time, regular check-ins do not mean I bombard you with unnecessary phone calls or emails. Your time is valuable, and I respect that.
Keeping in touch and timely communication helps me make sure we are all on the same page, and things are going according to plan. Plus, if you have any questions, ideas, suggestions, or concerns, I’ll happily address everyone.
An Engagement Photo Session
Being a photographer who takes beautiful photos is one thing. Being an experienced photographer who helps their couples feel comfortable while taking beautiful photos is a true master of their craft.
I strive for both. But particularly the latter.
If you are anything like me, you may not feel all that comfortable in the spotlight. So why on earth would you want to participate in an engagement photo session when it’s not essential to your wedding?
I understand the hesitation. But after years of photographing couples who first confess they feel awkward in front of the camera, I’ve come to learn that an engagement session is exactly what is needed to help calm the nerves and feel comfortable.
During an engagement photo session, your photographers get to see how comfortable the two of you are with each other and how naturally you pose in front of the lens. And you get a feel for how they work and give direction like a warm-up that helps you gain confidence and create a connection with them.
I encourage all of my couples to do an engagement session to get some practice in front of the camera to establish further rapport and trust so they have proof that they really do look amazing in photos.
The other great thing about engagement sessions is that they give you a set of professional pictures of yourselves in regular clothes. And how many times in life does that happen? Furthermore, you can then use your engagement images for your save-the-dates, holiday cards, an heirloom guest book, or to display at your rehearsal dinner.
A Final Meeting
As your wedding day approaches, I do my best to collect all the essential information I need to document your day. But I never assume I’m good to go until I confirm with you first.
You can expect a final meeting before your wedding to review all the details and make sure everything is correct. If you have any last-minute questions, please ask! And if we need to make adjustments, no problem.
After the meeting, you and I will be confident knowing everything is taken care of and that we are all on the same page.
Overall, what you can expect from me after you sign a contract is a caring approach. I love photographing weddings, but I also deeply understand the importance of building trust with my couples and helping them feel as comfortable as possible before and during the wedding.
If caring customer service and timeless photographs tell a story are what you hope for, let’s talk.