Need a photographer? Get a recommendation, book one in, and check it off your list right? Think again..
There are a few things you need to agree on with your photographer to make sure you get what you want. Just like anything in life managing expectations is the key to ensuring what you end up with is exactly what you had envisioned from the start.
You may get lucky and everything turns out perfectly..however, I have seen and heard of many horror stories so best to do your due diligence.
Here is a little checklist that may save you a lot of hassles..
1. THE CONTENT
Everybody has their own idea of what they want to capture, what looks good, and why. Everybody has their own agenda for the purpose of the photographs – beautiful memories, promotion, self-promotion, vanity or other. Thus it’s very important to discuss with your photographer exactly what you want to achieve. Do you want a photograph of everyone eating the food or do you want a photograph of the food? Do you want a head and shoulders headshot or an environmental portrait?
2. THE STYLE
There are a million ways to photograph the same scene. Would you prefer “up close and personal” or would you prefer that the photographer remains a fly on the wall and doesn’t get in the way? Are you looking for candid shots or posed shots – if it’s posed would you prefer larger groups or smaller? Everyone wants to look like a supermodel – is the vanity factor something the photographer needs to be aware of? Do you need B&W or only colour? Landscape or portrait? You catch my drift. Be specific where possible.
3. THE PRICE
Even the most well-planned event needs some flexibility. You never know what happens – maybe they burn the food and the guests have to wait for pizza delivery. Either confirm an hourly rate or a fixed fee. As long as everyone knows what to expect there are no problems later on.
4. DETAILS
Very obvious but worth confirming – the time (the photographer will probably want to arrive a little early to check the light and set up), the place, dress code, parking, etc.
5. DELIVERY
Also very obvious but doing this properly will save a lot of stress for all parties! If you need a few photos on the same day for the printer or social media – agree on how many. Then agree on when the others will be ready, the details for collection/delivery, and payment.
Nice and simple. If you follow that checklist you should walk away with fantastic images that will leave everybody commenting and asking for more 🙂
