Ask yourselves...
Would you hire a paparazzi photographer to do natural and airy photos? Or hire a natural light photographer and expect studio quality light? Perhaps candid photography, then expect them to do a stylized, dramatic, and "posey" session?
This is awkward...
I was hired for a reception and days leading up to it, I get an email requesting that during the entrance arrivals, to do paparazzi photos. I'm talking, shout to each wedding party member and do the whole "red carpet" step & repeat nonsense.
Uh...no?
It certainly was not my approach or my style. Not only did this catch me off guard, but it created performance anxiety. Why would I be hired for this type of photography when my work showcases an entirely different approach?
Well, this is awkward now.
I didn't change who I was
When the panic came and went, I explained that they did not hire that type of photographer. I stressed however on how my approach was documentary - moments captured to be remembered for years to come. That shouting out and disrupting the flow of events was not my approach. Furthermore, I re-explained my method; that I will be in view to capture the entrance arrivals, direct eye contact will be made, and a more subtle approach will be done.
This originally started from the client seeing a trending video of a photographer doing a red carpet style photography. A photographer who was out of their budget, with a very different aesthetic from mine.
Was the client going to be disappointed now knowing I am not willing to change who I was?
What are you willing to let go if nobody matches your exact desires?
I am going to cut to the chase and be blunt; let us change the mindset of trying to transform affordable photographers to get them to do what you want for less. This will save awkward conversations and spare feelings. Instead, let's break down on how to understand your photographer, how to ask the right questions, and figure out what you truly need & can afford.
What matters to you the most with photography? Is what you see trending online influencing your way of thinking?
What do you not want and what's nonnegotiable?
Just like everything else in a wedding...
There's a right fit. A right fit for your attire, decor, desserts, vendors... It's about taking the moment to recognize what you want and what you can actually afford.
Don't lose sight of the end goal
This isn't to discourage you from asking for certain things. It's to remind you that you hired the photographer for a specific reason and with an end goal in mind: to have your special day captured authentically and beautifully. The way your photographer sees it, with you in mind.
