Three Ways a Photographer Can Ruin a Wedding

When you begin looking at vendors for the various parts of your wedding, you start looking for services that you've never needed before. You will most likely have to hire companies and professionals that you know little about. This situation can put a couple at a severe disadvantage, unless they do thorough research.

For example, the entertainment at your wedding and the photography are two huge components, and they could ruin everything if executed poorly. I have been photographing weddings for a long time, and with many happy couples, I will share a few tips. Asking vendors the right questions, will help you pick a photographer that you’re confident will NOT ruin your wedding.

When it comes to wedding photos you must be confident that the photographer you hired will work in synergy with you, if not it could ruin the wedding and even worse, the photos.

Etiquette Manner and Behavior

Obviously, your wedding photographer must be polite to your guests, it goes without saying. Some photographers prefer that your guests refrain from taking their own photos, and others do not. Simply ask the photographer for his or her opinion on the matter, and make your decision accordingly. In any event, your wedding photographer should never yell at your guests, but it has happened in the past.

Waiting Over a Year for Photo Albums

Couples should expect a decent waiting period for their wedding album; however, some have waited up to eighteen months for their photos, which is unacceptable. Ask you photographer the usual turnaround time, and make an agreement upon the terms of a due-date.

Photographers, Cameras, and Guests

Of course you want spectacular photos with tear inducing scenes, and photographers like myself know how to execute these perfectly. Sometimes, we have an extra set of eyes with us to try to catch perfect moments as they happen. Inexperienced photographers often disrupt the guests when attempting this elusive move. Overly aggressive photographers can aggravate your guests by being in their face too much, especially those in the wedding party. 

When you ask potential photographers how they like to work, a good answer would explain that he or she likes to stay out of the way for majority of the time, but will interact with guests throughout the night for close-up and entertaining reception shots. This shows that your photographer knows to use each tactic in moderation, to blend in with the surroundings of the wedding.

If your photographer answers, saying that he likes to stay out of the way and hide, that may not be great either. Lurking in the shadows could creep out your guests, while the couple will want to see some confidence and humor.

If you ask the right questions, and you know what to expect, you can develop a close and friendly relationship with your photographer. Feeling confident and comfortable will make it easier to explain if you want your photographer to do something different from the norm.