Preparing to speak with a photographer. Let’s get you ready!
When you inquire about me photographing your wedding, you will likely use my inquiry form. It’s like the front door to all the awesome stories I get to be part of. So, every word you put in there is super important! Tell me everything!
If you are having trouble putting into words what you want, try reading THIS ARTICLE to help you prepare for describing what your wedding vision is.
- PUT INTO WORDS YOUR SPECIFIC STYLE/AESTHETIC
- FIND PHOTOGRAPHERS THAT MATCH YOUR STYLE
- hold up, DON’T INQUIRE JUST YET….
Preparing for the biggest party of your life?
You might want to ask a bunch of San Diego wedding vendors for help all at once — photographers, caterers, florists, and more. You might already be coveting the outfit you will wear…
But hold on, take a deep breath. Let’s slow down a bit.
Planning a wedding isn’t a race. I know it’s thrilling, but rushing is like wanting to run before you can walk. It’s a special journey, like creating a one-of-a-kind painting that shows the world who you are as a couple, let’s proceed carefully.
1st:
venue – planner – photographer
2nd:
floral – decor – clothing
3rd:
your planner takes over and does the rest
–
So let’s talk about the money part
The elephant in the room, am I right? I know, everyone wants to email and ask “how much does your wedding photography cost?”
But photographing a wedding isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” kind of thing. Every wedding is a unique puzzle, akin to designing a custom home, and I make special plans for each one. I have a bunch of questions before I can tell you exact prices. A conversation will progress a bit like this:
- First we discuss your style and what type of photography experience you want to have. A local mid-week elopement will be entirely different than an extended weekend party for 300 guests in the Maldives. Do you need me all day? All week? Or just a few hours? Do you need bridal portraits in Paris? A welcome dinner in Tulum?
- Next we discuss the logistics of getting it all done for you within the time frame you have.
- Finally we discuss what you want to have in your hand at the end of all this? Besides a gorgeous ring and amazing photos, What do you want to have that is tangible? Are you a definitely getting a Fine Art Custom Album? Need gifts for family and friends? Prefer Fine Art prints for the walls?
A quick 15 minute phone call will get you all the information you could ever want. And I promise it will be painless.
Top Questions a Wedding Photographer may ask a Couple:
- Where am I traveling to? Am I staying in San Diego? Flying to Rome?
- How many friends and family are you inviting?
- How many people in the wedding party? (The friends that stand up with you.)
- Is your wedding on a week that I’m available for?
- Are we going to more than one location?
- What style of photography do you love the most? Hopefully mine since you are here….
- Are there specific moments or traditions during your ceremony or reception you want to ensure are captured?
- Are there any challenges or sensitivities I should be aware of? Every family is unique, and it’s good to be aware of dynamics or special needs.
- Can I help you with an Event Planner referral? The flow of events is crucial for planning and capturing every moment. I will help you create a plan along with your Planner & Team.
- Do you have any concerns or special requests regarding your wedding photography? This open-ended question gives you space to share anything not previously covered.
I need to know many these things to create a custom proposal for you. So, it’s homework time! Look at different photographers’ pictures and choose the styles that make your heart happy. Inquire only with the ones you really, really want at your wedding. Create the wedding of your dreams and live happily ever after.
The best way to ask me about photographing your wedding
The best way to ask me about your wedding? Well, it’s like sharing your favorite book with a friend. Tell me lots! Share what you’re dreaming of, what makes you smile, and what are you most concerned about. And don’t forget to give me your email and phone number so we can chat easily. Add me to your contacts so I won’t get lost in your email.
My job is super special. It’s not just about clicking a camera button. It’s about making you and your whole family feel comfortable enough that I can seamlessly, and stealthily, become part of one of the happiest days of your life. Telling the story of your day in a way that can make anyone you show your photos to feel like they were actually there and experienced it.
No worries, we don’t have to become besties who hang out every weekend! But we definitely should “click” and get along since we’ll be together a lot on your big day!
Picking a photographer is a huge deal
After your wedding, you’ll get it. It is really impossible to explain how your mindset will change after the wedding when you can see in perfect 20/20 hindsight. I promise you, you will want more than just “okay” pictures. You will want your love story told in a way that feels magical yet real.
Although our phones and social media trains us otherwise, photography should not be thought of as an instant commodity.
This is real art, and you want an artist who gets you and puts the work in. Someone who sees your vision, has the same vision for their work, and is committed to capturing it all for you. I can do that, but only if you let me peek into your dreams. The more you share, the more magical your photos will be.
So How do you Inquire About Wedding Photography right now?
- Click the inquiry button below.
- Give me all the details you know about so far. Don’t worry if you don’t have it all figured out yet.
- Keep an eye out for my response, check spam folders!
- Let’s talk!
I can’t wait to hear from you!
JENNIFER DERY is a San Diego based, wedding, engagement, and family photographer. You can hire her for your wedding too!
