Should you meet your wedding photographer before you book?
Short answer: yes, if you can. A call or meeting before you book is the quickest way to find out whether you will feel at ease in front of this person for a whole day. Photos are easy to judge from a portfolio. How someone makes you feel is not.
Why does meeting your wedding photographer first matter?
Your photographer spends more continuous time with you on the day than almost any other supplier. They are in the room while you get ready, at the ceremony, with your families and at the party. If you are tense around them, it shows in the pictures.
A conversation also lets you check the things a website cannot tell you: how they work, how they handle a crowd, and whether they listen. Our guide on how to choose a wedding photographer covers the wider decision.
Does it have to be in person?
No. A video call works well and is often easier, especially when you live a long way apart or your date is far off. A short chat is enough to get a feel for someone. If you are both nearby and have time, meeting in person is a nice extra, not a requirement.
What should you ask on the call?
Is my date free, and for how long can you hold it?
What is included? Hours of coverage, whether a second photographer comes with it, and roughly how many edited images you will get. See how many hours you need and how many photos to expect.
How do you work on the day? Posed, relaxed or a mix, and how you handle family group photos.
When do we get the photos? Compare their answer with our post on how long wedding photos take to arrive.
What happens if something goes wrong? Illness, cancellation and insurance. Read whether your photographer needs insurance first.
How do payments and the contract work? See deposits and payments.
What should you look out for?
Notice whether they ask about you: how you met, what matters most about the day, who you are close to. A photographer who only talks about themselves may not be paying attention on the day either. Also notice whether answers are clear. Vague replies about price, delivery or cancellation are worth following up in writing.
Look at full galleries as well as highlight reels. A portfolio shows the best frames. A full wedding shows how consistent the work is from the first photo to the last.
Is it rude to say no after a call?
Not at all. Photographers expect couples to talk to a few people. A short, polite message is enough, and it helps them release your date for someone else.
Want to talk it through?
If you are thinking about a full day with Studio Williams, a full day starts from £3,500. You can see how it works on the investment page and then get in touch with your date and venue. We will say honestly whether we are free and a good fit.
