I would like to provide assistance on what questions to expect and what advice to consider during a personal meeting. Additionally, how you can best support the photographer’s work to ensure the creation of the best possible photos.
Let’s consider the scenario that the outline or even the entire schedule of the Big Day has already been roughly established, and you have specific ideas in mind. Of course, these thoughts are applicable even if we meet for the first time only for the contract signing, but these considerations will remain valid.
The first and most important thing I always emphasize is that there’s no question or request that should be hesitated to be asked.
Most of you are facing such events for the first time, and I want to help make things clearer. Specifically to brides, I say: never feel like you’re asking too many questions or being too demanding. Every person is different, and we need to meet various needs.
Most questions I ask at such times are generally ones to which we will almost immediately know the answers. Many are surprised that I inquire whether the couples are right or left-handed, as it becomes important for me later to know how to position myself during the signing at the civil ceremony.
Speaking of civil ceremonies, its form is also a question we cannot overlook. Will it involve candle lighting, sand pouring, knot tying, or perhaps something else? Will someone small carry the rings? Will there be chairs for the signing? It may seem like a trivial question, but unfortunately, it’s not always evident everywhere. Feel free to ask the relevant authorities to provide chairs; photos taken in a seated position can be much more advantageous than a standing, stooped posture during signing.
However, what is more thought-provoking and not necessarily known at first are all the special, expected, or mandatory shots on the Big Day and during the creative engagement photo shoot.
I specifically refer to images that may not be immediately clear even to the photographer. For example, among many decorations and flowers, if there’s one that was handmade by your mom or grandma, it’s always worth mentioning, and I need to know about it to make it a lasting memory. (I must mention that all decorations are always captured, just as an example.)
Feel free to let your imagination go when it comes to themes for photos. As I mentioned, there’s no request or question that is negligible. For example, a bouquet, a car, some decorative element, anything that holds special meaning for you, even a scene—all of these are worth listing to have them later.
Both the bride and groom have different expectations from the photographer based on their perspectives.
We roughly know the number of people to expect, but it’s crucial to know if there will be someone among the guests who deserves special attention. Perhaps someone has a health condition, or due to their profession or job, photographing them may not be allowed, or there are unusual customs or religious considerations, etc. Parents and grandparents, I believe, are one of the most important questions. A series in which happy grandparents greet back at their grandchild’s wedding speaks for itself.
Will there be someone coordinating the guests during group photos? In the case of a larger (70-80+) number of guests, having a list for group photos is always useful to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Of course, we thoroughly analyze every detail of the Big Day, and these were just the questions for which, based on experience, we may not necessarily have the answer immediately. It’s worth noting them down, collecting them over time if something new comes to mind. I’m always open to new ideas and changes, so I often ask couples to inform me if there are any changes, even in the smallest details. We can discuss it openly.