10 Things No Wedding Photographer Dares Tell You Before You Pay the Deposit
Embarking on the journey to find a wedding photographer can be a pivotal moment in your wedding planning process. Regrettably, not every photographer is transparent about their working methods. Here we explore some of the murky practices in the wedding photography industry and offer advice on how to sidestep potential pitfalls.
Alisa and Dylan’s Wedding - captured by Oscar Chan from Elohim Studio at Elimbah Forest
1. The Bait-and-Switch Tactic
The Secret: In this dubious practice, photographers may present a portfolio filled with beautiful photos that aren't their own or are a compilation of their best shots from different events, giving an inflated sense of their skill and style.
The Solution: To counteract this, request to view entire wedding albums to judge the consistency and quality of their work over a whole event. Additionally, seek out references and firsthand accounts from past clients to better understand their experiences (e.g. Google reviews written by past couples).
2. Outsourcing Your Wedding
The Secret: Some photographers double book themselves, sending assistants or less experienced photographers to cover your wedding without informing you beforehand.
The Solution: Insert a clause in your contract that specifies who will be photographing your wedding. Prior to signing the contract, ensure you meet the person who will be shooting your wedding to establish a good rapport and express your expectations.
Grace and Liam’s Wedding - captured by Oscar Chan from Elohim Studio at Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron
3. Inexperienced Hobby Photographers
The Secret: The industry is brimming with hobby photographers who don’t possess the professional experience to adequately manage the demands of wedding photography.
The Solution: Conduct thorough research into your prospective photographer's background and level of experience. Look for someone with a substantial background in wedding photography who can illustrate a deep understanding of its unique challenges.
4. Hidden Costs
The Secret: Several photographers might lure you in with a lower initial quote, only to later unveil a series of add-on charges for vital services, such as editing and album printing.
The Solution: Discuss all potential costs upfront and ensure each service you require is clearly delineated with a defined pricing structure in the contract, helping you avoid unexpected costs later on.
Brett and Jane’s Wedding - captured by Oscar Chan from Elohim Studio at Riverlife Weddings and Events
5. Subpar Editing Quality
The Secret: Post-production is a crucial stage in delivering the final product. Unfortunately, some photographers might compromise on this by editing your photos hastily or outsourcing the task to inexperienced editors.
The Solution: Request to see before and after samples of edited photos to assess their editing standards. Engaging in detailed discussions about the editing process and ensuring it is described in your contract will safeguard the quality of your photos.
6. Uninsured Operations
The Secret: Operating without business and equipment insurance can be a red flag, posing significant risks, including potential liability issues and equipment failure.
The Solution: Confirm that your photographer has the necessary insurance coverage. This not only protects both parties but also signifies a high level of professionalism.
Nick and Tori’s Wedding - captured by Oscar Chan the director and founder of Elohim Studio
7. Lack of Backup Equipment
The Secret: Technical issues are not uncommon, but without backup equipment, you risk losing precious moments from your big day.
The Solution: Verify that your photographer will bring backup equipment to the venue. A truly professional photographer will always have a contingency plan, including reserve gear to manage unforeseen problems.
8. Ignorance About Wedding Logistics
The Secret: Weddings are events with strict timelines, and an inexperienced photographer may find it challenging to keep up, potentially missing vital moments.
The Solution: Prioritise photographers who have a deep understanding of wedding logistics and can work with you to formulate a photography timeline that aligns with your wedding schedule.
Jessica and Harry’s Wedding - captured by Oscar Chan the director and founder of Elohim Studio
9. Overpromising and Underdelivering
The Secret: Overcommitting on deliverables and then failing to meet them is unfortunately quite common in the industry.
The Solution: Be cautious of photographers who promise too much. Establish realistic expectations and ask for evidence of their claims through a detailed portfolio review.
10. Failure to Plan
The Secret: Every wedding has its unique elements, and a lack of planning can result in a chaotic and unorganised shoot that fails to capture these nuances.
The Solution: Ensure that your photographer is prepared to hold pre-wedding consultations to meticulously plan the shoot, aligning with your vision and identifying must-have shots to perfect the capture of your day.
Yoni and Adrian’s Wedding - captured by Oscar Chan from Elohim Studio at Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park
In light of these potential pitfalls, we understand how crucial it is for couples to have absolute confidence in their choice of wedding photographer – a choice that often encapsulates the most precious memories of their big day. At a wedding, there is no room for second chances; every shot matters, and every moment is precious.
That's why we are offering a risk-free engagement photoshoot, presenting couples with the golden opportunity to try and test our services before making any commitments for their special day. This session usually costs $650, but we are waiving this fee entirely for you. Now, all you need to cover is the travel fee for the photoshoot, helping us keep our vehicles running and getting us to your chosen location.
This gesture is more than just a promotion; it is our pledge to you, affirming transparency, dedication, and our desire to match your expectations to the fullest. No hidden costs, and no obligatory commitments; just a genuine, risk-free opportunity to explore our service and see if we are the right fit for you.
So, why wait? Book your risk-free engagement photoshoot today, and take the first step towards capturing the most beautiful moments of your life with a service that truly understands and respects the sanctity of your union.