3 Ways to Get the Most Out of A Pre-Booking Call with Your Photographer

It’s 2023 and the wedding scene is changing more than it ever has. Wedding photographers and anyone else on the scene are seeing more and more elopements, small and intimate weddings, and the prioritization of preferred vendors over actual weddings dates. And not to mention, weddings are expensive. Like, really, really, expensive. That’s why when you are choosing a wedding photographer and other vendors, you need to make the most of every interaction you have with the potential choices so that you are able to make the best and most informed decision for your wedding day. 

Now, I obviously cannot speak for all wedding photographers, but the first step that I always take when a couple approaches me for wedding pricing, is to not only send over my packages and pricing, but to also offer a Zoom call before booking. While I follow a specific formula for these calls, what I really want is for my couples to take advantage of the call to ask questions and know what to look for when scoping me out as a potential vendor for their wedding. 

Talk yourself up – your elevator pitch

Before you say – hey, Heather, isn’t this call supposed to be for the client to choose you as a photographer, why would they need an elevator pitch? Hear me out. 

As a couple looking for a wedding photographer, your main goal should be to find someone that you are comfortable with and that you would be happy to have following you around for one of the most important days of your life. That being said, your photographer needs to know a little about you! Offer up what you do for a living, how you met as a couple, how you became engaged, what you like to do for fun. 

So talk yourself up – give enough of yourself in that first meeting. The more you give to your photographer, I can guarantee the more personality they will give you back. 

A side note to this: talking yourself up should also include talking about your wedding planning and your goals and vision for the day. Your wedding photographer will likely have some insight to offer up based on their experiences. 

Come prepared with questions for your wedding photographer that are not about pricing

The elephant in the room is always how much a wedding photography package will cost a couple and that is a legit concern. The best way to get the most out of a call with your potential vendor is to receive that pricing up front, before your call takes place. Any time a client reaches out to me about availability and pricing, I send that first along with the link to schedule a Zoom call. This ensures that my client has the nitty gritty details beforehand and we don’t have to discuss money on the call. 

So what questions should you bring with you to the call? Some of these questions might be answered over the course of the call without asking, but it’s always good to have them on hand in case they are not addressed. 

• What does a typical wedding day look like for you? 
• Do you use a lot of posing or mostly prompted actions for photos?
• How do you help your couples feel comfortable in front of the camera?
• Do you offer timeline planning assistance?
• Can I see a full gallery of a wedding? (if this wasn’t provided up front)
• What is your turnaround time for galleries and will we get a sneak peek?
• How do you keep our wedding images safe on the day of?

While there are many other questions you could be asking, I find that these are some really important ones that while I cover in my calls automatically, you might find necessary while speaking with other wedding photographers. 

Ask for sample wedding timelines

One of the biggest services that I offer all potential clients upfront is timeline assistance. It’s what I spend the most time going over during the call. The reason for this is that it is extremely beneficial in choosing a photography package that will work for your wedding day and is something that a great wedding photographer will offer. 

A wedding photographer who can compose a timeline that is comprehensive and makes sense is a valuable asset to add to your wedding day and I’m not just saying that! Your photographer will be with you throughout the bulk of the day and having someone that knows where you are supposed to be and when will help the day flow that much smoother. 

So, asking for a sample timeline during the call, or asking to go over what a potential timeline would look like, will help you when determining how many hours you need a photographer for. After a call, I always create sample timelines with a few different scenarios and send back to my potential client. 

And hey! If you’re looking to book a call with me, you can do so HERE.