Photography

Eventi Eleganti work with a number of photographers and can help you choose the right one to meet your requirements and budget. Read the information below to help you make the right choice when employing a photographer for your big day. If you require more assistance or would like to meet or discuss your wedding with us or any of the photographers we work with, fill in the brief enquiry form on our 'Contact Us' page (available by clicking the tab above) and we'll get back to you promptly.

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About Photographers | Useful Points | What to look for in the Contract

About Photographers

These days, anyone with a camera is a photographer; or so you’d be led to believe!

Before booking your photographer think carefully about what the images will mean to you in years to come. If you’re simply looking for a reminder of the day there are plenty of photographers out there who will cater for your needs, and they will be able to offer a variety of packages to suit your budget. However, if you’re hoping to have pictures that will stand the test of time in terms of quality, style, composure and lighting, then it’s worth paying the extra money.

Some photographers list themselves under certain styles – reportage, contemporary, traditional, etc. Others just state that they are wedding photographers. It doesn’t really matter how they’ve labelled themselves, what is of importance to you is whether or not you like the work they produce. Take the time to view work by a number of photographers (a good place to do this is at wedding fayres), making sure you view images from several weddings that each has photographed before deciding which one best meets your requirements.

Before employing the photographer, make sure you feel comfortable with him/her; after all, if you don’t feel comfortable, it will be evident in the photographs. Ask what you’ll get for your money. Compare the quality of work and what you’re getting for your money with that of other comparable photographers.

These days, many couples prefer their photographs to be supplied on DVD rather than in wedding albums. Some only require images to be uploaded to their own website so friends and family can view them online. Some request a combination of both prints and digital images. Ask the photographer which options are available and remember to ask for the copyright to the images, so you can print off your own copies in the future. If you do want a traditional photo album, ask to see some examples so you can approve the print finish.

Remember that there will be a lot of activity and a large crowd of people on your wedding day. Good wedding photography is often as much about crowd-control as it is about framing perfect shots. Therefore, it's a good idea to provide the photographer with a list of the most important shots you require so you both know what's expected from the day. A good photographer will suggest some options but they should also be able to create a bespoke package for your needs. A list will help the photographer and will also speed up the time it takes for the formal photographs, leaving you to enjoy the rest of your day.

Checklist when booking your photographer

  • Have you photographed a wedding at my location before? [Helps if s/he has but shouldn’t stop you employing him/her if they haven’t]
  • Do you have an assistant? [Can make crowd control easier and help with candid shots]
  • Do you have backup equipment and is it the same quality as the primary equipment? [What will s/he do if equipment fails?]
  • What time will you begin and how long will you stay? [This needs to be negotiated/agreed as part of your package]
  • When will the proofs be ready and how do we view them?
  • Do you mark your proofs?
  • Can you work from a photo checklist that we create?
  • How will you be dressed?

Contract with photographer should include:

  • The name of your photographer that will attend your wedding [This should be the person whose work you’ve approved]
  • The photographer has appropriate insurance against failure to complete the work or provide the images agreed upon
  • The times that s/he will arrive and leave
  • The number of proofs you will view in order to pick your enlargements and/or keep
  • The description of the package you ordered
  • A list of guaranteed prices for enlargements. If they have a brochure with prices then get the photographer to write down that the prices in the brochure they gave you are the prices that you will be charged
  • The cut-off date for these brochure prices
  • All additional charges, services, taxes, travel, etc
  • An explanation of what happens if your photographer doesn't show up or equipment fails
  • The date and deposit amount and how and when the balance is to be paid
  • Whether the deposit is refundable or not if you have to cancel
  • The deposit is fully refundable if the photographer cancels
  • Your name, address and phone number. The names and addresses of the ceremony and reception locations