How soon to book a photographer?

Hiya

I wouldn't leave it too late. We're trying to book ours for May next year and most of our choices seem to be booked up already.

The earlier you look the more choice you will have but source a good few and meet them if you can before making a decision. Also check the cancellation policy in case something happens.

Hope that helps

?

Hi Millymolly, I like you booked our venue 2 years before our wedding, i then started booking things, you will also find that you maybe able to get a discount as you will be booking so far inadvanced. Also some suppliers might not be able to book you in as the only boko wedding one year in advanced. So where are you getting married?

Hi millymolly

I booked my photographer last year and im getting married 2009, so about 2 years in advance. The photograher i chose only does about 8 weddings a year so i had to book well in advance, i think when you find the one you want, go and meet them look at their work more closely and ask questions. You really dont want to find the right photographer and find they have already been booked a year down the line.

I personally would start looking now, and think of it this way, its one thing you can cross off your to do list.

good luck, hope it goes well

zoe

Thanks everyone.

We have an appointment next month with one particular photographer who was recommended to us by a friend and also the wedding venue.

He has said if we book this year he will honour 2008 prices, so at least we know the price won't creep up.

The old phrase "book early to avoid disappointment" springs to mind.......although do choose carefully. This forum has many people on it who have had second thoughts about photographers, venues, dresses etc etc

Make the right choice and stick with it. I would though recommend that you see the work of several before deciding.

Thanks Peter

I feel like i am a little wary, as my sister got married 13 years ago. The photographer turned up on the day took all the right photos, then sadly took the money and disappeared so my sister and brother-in-law was left with nothing.

That is the type of photographer that I would like to meet....in a dark alley. ?

They do nothing for the status and reputation of those in the wedding photography industry apart from making people distrust us.

When you meet with the photographer you mentioned...or any others as well, do ask what back up they have...not just equipment, ask what back up they have in place in the possibility that they may be unwell on the day.

I'd echo what Peter said. These people do exist ufortunately, but they exist in every walk of life. When you get married the stories you remember are the ones of suppliers who turned out to be crooked or botched the job. When you have a baby you hear and remember every story of horrific labours and heartless midewives. When you buy a house the entire world seems to have a story of the crumbling wreck they bought which looked fine. Just remember these stories stick out in people's minds because they are the exception and not the rule.

Unfortunately if someone is a crook there is probably nothing you can do that can guarantee he/she won't shaft you. But there are things to do to minimise the risk. The tips Peter gave are good ones. I'd also maybe offer a couple more. Firstly explain what happened with your sister to any photographers you look at. See if they help to put you at ease. Secondly ask around friends, family (not your sister ?), colleagues, even on hitched or other forums for recommendations. Nothing beats word of mouth . Thirdly don't be scared to ask your photographer (and other suppliers) if they can put you in touch with some former cleints. most will be happy to and if they aren't I'd question why. Finally, check whether they are a member of a professional organisation. It may help in the unlikely event something does go wrong and at least you know for certain that they have things like appropriate insurance.

Thank you so much Peter and Lucy! I have just made a list of questions to ask when i meet with them. I said to H2B i feel cheeky asking, but as he has just rightly said, it's our wedding and our money at the end of the day.

Thanks again so much x

I would say as soon as you 'know' then book it.

We already have 6 bookings for 2010 and enquires coming in everyday for more and even 2011. So take a good look around, find someone you like, meet them and take it from there.

Lou

x

www.LMRPhotography.co.uk

I know that everyone's experience is different, but to give you some idea - about 60% of our weddings are booked 12-18 months in advanced. When asked, I always say that as soon as the venue is booked, then book the photographer.

Having said that we shot several weddings at the very last minute last year - several due to the fact that the booked photographer could not be contacted, and one fantastic wedding where the bride had decided that she did not want a photographer and then on the morning of the wedding she changed her mind - we recived a call from the venue, who know us well, and we were there by mid-day!

Note to self: Always keep the batteries charged and the cameras packed and ready to go!

Hi there, we're getting married in July 2010 and have already booked the church, venue, photographer, caterers and horse and carriage!! In doing so, we've been given the 2008 price for each (we have paid deposits for all except church). I feel completely chilled out about it all now as we've done all the main running around and can take our time in picking everything else. Good suppliers are booked quite far in advance, I know our horse and carriage already had 10 bookings for 2010. With our photographer, we knew without a doubt she was the one so we both wanted to book early. I'm not saying book things in a hurry but when you know you want something in particular I don't think you can book too early. Also, wedding insurance will cover you 24 months in advance of the wedding so make sure you have this in place too. Good luck!

Hi,

Between the date of out Clients' wedding and the date they book varies between 1 and 3 years in advance. We like to ask all our potential clients to come and meet with us before they make any booking.

That way they have a face to put to the name on the website, they know where we are and they can see as much of our work as possible.

Our only stipulation is that people are booked on a first come first served basis to be fair, which is what I think Peter may have related to earlier.

All the best in your search but do try to see several before making your decision.

Regards,

Dean

www.deancarney.com

Hi there

It will depend on the date - some weekends in my diary are booked this year, next year and the year after! Others are blank. If you are getting married in the summer, or on a bank holiday weekend, I would say get looking and booking

Different photographers may have a different policy - but we hold the price - book today and you get 2008 prices, for whenever your wedding is. That may be quite a saving in the long run, considering you do most of the paying relativly close to your wedding. Like Dean we work on a 1 wedding per day and when it is booked it is booked basis - no matter how big the next enquiry is

However - book on: style, personality, package and price (price is last). You have to like the style of work - you will be living with the photographer(s) all day, on your special day - the package is actually what you get and will be getting out to remember your wedding by forever - the price is what you pay, but that wil be fogotten quickly compared to your photograps which are your memories for a lifetime

Some photographers will want to meet you, others will discourage it - as in the artistic sense they like to capture the day as it is, and not imprint any pre-concieved ideas or opinions onto it. Some photographers work nationally / worldwide - and you possibly wont be able to meet these; others work only locally and will insist on a meeting