Wedding Photographer's Checklist

Seven Must-Have's by Cindy Larkin
[photography by Jennie Slade]

1. Have a portfolio:
You will want to show your work from an entire wedding. This will show the bride and groom that you are capable of doing a great job throughout the whole wedding, not just taking a few lucky shots. It's preferable to have an album or a set of proofs from a recent wedding that you have done. This will assure them that this is not your first wedding and that your style fits theirs. They will be looking for examples that they would like to see in their own wedding images, such as black and white, photo-journalism, family groups and special post-processing actions.

Hint: If you are new to wedding photography, you'll need to start somewhere, right? Ask a friend or family member to let them use you at their wedding as a second photographer, or offer to do their wedding for free, so you can get the experience and portfolio you need. Free photo gigs are a great way to increase your porfolio in any area of photography you choose.

2. Be professional and Courteous:
Little things make a big difference. Always treat them well on the phone, and get back to them within a reasonable amount of time, if they have left you a message. Remember, they may chose you as their photographer not only because they like your work, but because they like you. Keep in mind that if they are happy with your service, they will most likely give your name as a referral to their friends and family members in the future.

3. Have Your Prices And Services Clear:
Let them know ahead of time what type of services you offer, such as how many hours of your time are included in the price, and what your overtime rate is. Let them know how many images they will get back, and if your price includes black and white, as well as color. Let them know if the price includes an engagement sitting and, if not, how much the engagement sitting costs. One of the things they will want to know is what the package price does and does not include. The more information they can get from you before hand, the better.

4. Be Punctual:
Make sure that you are on time for all appointments and well organized, especially the day of the wedding. Being a few minutes early will help ease your mind while you get everything in order. This will not only release some of your tension, but the family's as well. Imagine how you would feel on your wedding day if the photographer did not shown up on time.

5. Have Back Up Equipment:
Always have a back up camera and extra batteries. Accidents do happen and no photographer wants to be stuck on a special day, such as a wedding, without proper equipment.

6. Dress Appropriately:
You will want to choose an outfit that will blend in with the crowd, but keep in step with this formal occassion. I have found that choosing a classic black pantsuit or shirt and slacks, is appropriate in almost any setting. Also, wear comfortable shoes, as you will be moving around alot.

7. Be Prompt with the Proofs:
The Bride and Groom will want to get their wedding proofs or images back within a reasonable amount of time. Two to four weeks after the wedding is a good rule. I generally tell my clients four weeks which gives me enough time to edit them, but I also like to send a "Sneak Peek" via email within a few days, to let them see a couple of my favorite shots. This does 2 very important things. It helps appease them while they are waiting for the remaining pictures, and it also helps ease their mind about how the pictures turned out. I have also found that the sneak peek gets them very excited to see more!