Maybe the title is a little misleading. This is what you can expect from me as your photographer. Every photographer does things differently, but for the most part, we all adhere to these things to some degree. Most photographers work on a timeline, take snack breaks, care for their clients well, and dress for the job. None of these things are unreasonable to expect from your photographer, however, I have read horror stories and witnessed some professionals straying from them. For the best experience on your big day, this is what I believe you should expect from and for your photographers.
Typically, I keep my timeline on my watch, but if you see me checking my phone, I’m probably checking my timeline.
STICK TO A TIMELINE (BUT NOT TOO CLOSELY)
You can expect me to stick to a timeline. Typically, I am with you for the better part of your day. This means that I can help keep your day running on schedule. Most of what you do before the ceremony is photos anyway so as long as the wedding party can keep together and be present when they are needed, I will tell you where to be and when.
That being said, nothing on a wedding day runs perfectly to schedule. I have had plenty of weddings where we got an hour ahead of schedule, and a few where we were cutting it close. The key for you as the bride or groom, is to remember that this is a happy day. There is time to be somewhat flexible with the timeline. Timelines are built with breathing room. You focus on getting married. I, the photographer, will focus (see what I did there) on documenting it.
LET ME EAT
I’m not going to lament about the difficulty of being a wedding photographer. I love it, but I’m not going to deny that it’s hard work. If you see me taking a seat for a few minutes to grab a quick snack and sip of water, that’s okay. A good photographer will have made sure their timeline and shot list are up to date, made sure there is nothing that needs immediate coverage (and if there is, has sent their second shooter to do it), and checked in to make sure you have everything you need. Often times, a wedding day will go by for me with very little food. To solve that problem, I bring snacks. Trail mix, crackers, and water are not an uncommon sight in my bag. If you see me sitting and munching, I’m making sure I’m fueled up for the next chunk of the day.
In addition to a mad stash of snacks, I’m probably showing up to your wedding with coffee. I’d be happy to pick some up for you.
EXPECT ME TO BE ACCESSIBLE AND AVAILABLE
Especially on your wedding day, your photographer should be there for you. The person you hire should never go MIA. If you hire me, I will check in with you and make sure you’re doing okay. I’ll bring enough snacks for you and your crew. I’ll fetch things for you. One wedding I did, I made a cigarette run for the bride. I will do all of that, but the thing I’m really getting at here is communication. The person you hire should be available to find answers to questions, summon your people, relay information to others. When communication flows smoothly on a wedding day, so does the rest of it. As a photographer, I consider myself apart of making that happen.
BE PROFESSIONAL
Nothing is worse than having a vendor who behaves inappropriately: a DJ who makes inappropriate jokes around sensitive family members, a caterer who shows up late, a photographer who gets drunk. These things are not the hallmark of a true professional. Personally, I never drink at weddings I work. I have heard photographers use inappropriate language while posing people for photos. I will never make adult jokes or use crass language as a prompt. Wedding parties can make as many dirty jokes as they want, but I will always keep my language and my conduct professional.
Throw in some leggings, some Birkenstocks and maybe a scarf and I’m ready to work!
PRACTICAL ATTIRE (NOT ALWAYS SUPER FANCY)
Expecting your photographer to dress in black tie will not work well. It’s a long day for me, just as it is for you. I and many other photographers dress professionally with both comfort and utility in mind. The two major professional-but-utilitarian staples in my wedding wardrobe are leggings and comfy shoes. I wear leggings under all of my skirts and dresses. In the instance where I have to take an awkward position for a photo, leggings make sure I don’t give the world a show. The other thing that makes all the difference is footwear. I’ve spent a lot of wedding days in nice shoes that left my whole body feeling like it’d been run over by a 747. The following day, I could hardly move without being in pain. Because of this, I wear Chacos and Birkenstocks, yes, sandals, on wedding days. They provide the right kind of support that allows me to function the next day. They may not look super fancy, but I’m not the star of this show here.
Another point to consider is that every vendor has attire they choose to wear or are required to wear by their company. You and your guests are dressing for a party, but your vendors are dressing for work. Because of this, your vendors will be dressing according to their company’s dress code, or according to their brand. It is important to recognize that they may not have a choice in this matter and that “professional” can vary from industry to industry.
These aren’t expectations you really need to voice, but it’s important to understand the needs of your photographers, as well as the rest of your vendors. As for photographers, you need to know that asking us to go get someone, find an answer to a question, or get a bottle of water or a snack for you, is not an outrageous request. Your wedding day already has a thousand things going on. Do not hesitate to ask us for support. We’re here for you.