Working with Photographers

You've hired a well-recommended professional photographer for your upcoming event. Now what? The process of working with a photographer can be painless if you make the time to ask the right questions and take the appropriate steps before, during, and after your event.

The Interview Process
Schedule several meetings with potential photographers on the same day or weekend. Bring along a list of questions that you'd like to ask each photographer and make sure that you've received satisfactory answers before you conclude the interview. Request that each photographer bring multiple samples of their work in both digital and print formats.

If you're working with a photographer's assistant, make sure you meet him or her before you sign a contract.

Pre-Event Prep
Sit down with your photographer prior to the event to hash out a shot list. Make sure you are on the same page regarding the number of photos you'd like taken and in what order. Be very clear about what your goal is in taking the photos and make sure that your photographer understands the role that he or she plays in achieving those milestones.

If time allows, go with your photographer to your location to scout out potential shots and angles. Find out if you'll need any special permits on the day of the event and decide who will be in charge of obtaining the permissions. For weddings, ask your photographer to shoot an engagement session of you and your future spouse. This will help break the ice before the main event and allow you to bond with your photographer. Before the end of your final pre-event meeting, make sure that you confirm when your photographer will arrive and depart from your event.

Day of Event
If you are not coordinating the event, make sure you designate someone who can be the point person who works with your photographer. With weddings, this person can be a member of your bridal party or a trusted friend or relative. Make sure that you have several copies of your shot list on hand so that your photographer is prepared to meet all of your photo requests. Ask your photographer to check in with you before he or she leaves the event and arrange a time to meet to discuss prints, digital negatives, and your online photo gallery.

Post Event
Call or email your photographer within a week of your event to reconfirm the deadline decisions that you agreed upon. When your photos are delivered, take the time to go through each photo and make any additional requests for retouching and editing. If after reviewing your photos you realize that you're missing key shots, work with your photographer to recreate those moments in the studio, if applicable.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Don't assume that your photographer will create a shot list for you. Set up a meeting prior to the event to create this list and refer to it often throughout the planning phase.


• Make sure your photographer has a backup camera handy on the day of event. If you're working in an outdoor location, make sure that he or she has a backup plan in case the weather turns sour.


• Don't assume that your photographer is inhuman. Decide on an acceptable backup option should your photographer fall ill on the day of your event.