Yesterday, we talked about red flags to watch for when booking your wedding photographer. Today, let’s flip the script. We’ll explore what wedding photographers look for when booking clients. This isn’t a topic photographers usually discuss, especially with potential clients. But it’s important for new photographers to know, just like the red flags from yesterday’s blog.

I get it, this blog might not be everyone’s cup of tea. Some of you might think, “Who does she think she is? She’s just a vendor.” If you feel that way, I’m not the photographer for you, and that’s okay. There are plenty of others out there. Remember, while I am a wedding vendor, I’m also a person who deserves respect. I don’t work FOR clients; I work WITH them. Avoid being the next Reddit wedding horror story, and with that in mind, let’s get started!

Last Minute Bookings

Clients who seek my services at the last minute often indicate poor planning and a lack of clear vision for their event. This can lead to disorganisation and chaos, making it tough to meet their expectations and accommodate sudden changes.

Last-minute bookings also come with a higher risk of cancellations and changes, often with little to no notice. Not all, but many of these clients may not be fully committed to my services or the event itself. This leads to a mismatch in expectations and a lack of appreciation for my work. The limited time for creative collaboration hinders my ability to personalise my services, compromising the final outcome and client satisfaction.

Now, sometimes there’s a good reason for last-minute bookings. I’ve had clients let down by other wedding photographers and others with personal reasons to elope quickly. I’m not saying all last-minute inquiries are a red flag, but a good portion of them are.

Unrealistic Budget for their Wedding Photographer

Clients with unrealistic budgets often don’t understand the true value of professional photography. This includes the work involved and the costs of equipment and operations. This can lead to undervaluing my expertise and setting unrealistic expectations. Such clients are often prone to disputes when their expectations don’t match their payment, potentially leading to complaints or demands for refunds.

Real talk: Weddings are expensive, but you can’t expect exceptional photography and videography for a couple hundred pounds. My wedding package prices are currently under market value because I’m still a new provider in Scotland. Even so, some people think a couple of grand is too expensive for quality photo and video coverage. Here’s a tip: the three vendors that should be the most expensive part of your wedding budget are your venue, your catering, and your wedding photographer (and videographer, if you’re booking them too).

Excessive Demands or Micromanagement

Clients who try to control every detail of the photography process can seriously disrupt creative flow. Photography depends on the photographer’s artistic vision and expertise. Too much client input can stifle creativity and result in a final product that lacks the unique touch defining an artist’s work.

When booking wedding photographers, focus on their style above all else. You should book me for my vision and storytelling, not just because I fit your budget or am the only one available.

Micromanagement creates a high-stress environment. Constantly justifying my choices and adapting to demands distracts me from delivering quality work. It impacts my overall job.

A healthy professional relationship is built on mutual respect and trust. Excessive demands or micromanagement show a lack of trust in my professional abilities. This can erode our relationship, making collaboration difficult and leading to constant scrutiny and criticism.

Disrespect for your Wedding Photographer’s Time and Work

If clients are always late or cancel frequently, it disrupts my schedule and workflow. It shows they don’t value my time, leading to more disrespect and unreliability. Instead of waiting or rescheduling, I could be editing, planning shoots, or meeting other clients.

Contacting me late at night crosses professional boundaries and disrupts my work-life balance. It’s stressful and can lead to burnout. Clients who demand instant responses or last-minute changes without considering my workload set unreasonable expectations. This forces me to rush and compromises quality.

Clients who don’t respect my time often don’t value my work. They haggle over prices or question my costs, failing to appreciate the skill and effort involved in professional photography. This can be demoralising. Poor communication, like being unresponsive or providing incomplete info, causes delays and confusion. This makes it hard to plan shoots effectively and deliver the desired results. Overall, a lack of respect damages the professional relationship, leading to dissatisfaction and tension.

Conclusion

In conclusion, by understanding the challenges and red flags from both sides, you can make informed decisions when choosing a wedding photographer. Remember to prioritise their style, respect their time, and appreciate the value they bring to your special day. Building a strong, respectful partnership ensures your wedding memories are captured beautifully and professionally.

Looking for a Photographer and Videography Duo?

If you’re getting married in 2025 or 2026 and looking for a photographer and videographer duo reach out! If you’re getting married in the UK or abroad, we’d love to capture your special day. We travel all over Scotland, the UK, Europe, and the United States, bringing our passion for cinematic and fine art photography and videography to each unique celebration. Reach out to secure your date and let us create beautiful memories together! Click here to enquire!