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 01/11/2008 12:49:18 PM · #1
When we meet with the bride and groom before their wedding, we have them fill out a checklist to give us an idea of certain pictures that they'll want (or not want) taken during their wedding.

I did not create this list, but I have been given the task of revising and updating it, maybe even in a whole different format. We've been making a lot of changes at our studio recently, even our logo is different, so we are changing a bunch of forms and brochures, etc.

What suggestions do you have for what I should include or remove? Should it even be in the form of a checklist? What am I missing? What do you do when meeting with wedding couple before their wedding? Any suggestions will be very appreciated :)

This is what we currently use:

FRONT:

BACK:
01/11/2008 12:55:44 PM · #2
My nephew recently got married and I took some candids. His new wife really like the pictures I took of her arriving at the church and also at the reception. Basically, I took some of her getting out of the limo and her attendants getting her ready for the creemony. This might be tough though because the wedding photographer had to get setup for the ceremony pictures. Just a thought.
 01/11/2008 01:32:02 PM · #3
Yeah, that's a very achaic paper there.
Lessee....generally these days people are sue happy. May not mean that they win, but just the costs of defending one's self can be ugly.

So...don't have them fill out a checklist. "You missed X photo and I checked it off!" is the end result. I ask if there is anything or anyone that is especially important to them, then I write that down - on the paper with the schedule for the day, addresses, phone numbers, and names of the parents and bridal party (Jenny, move to your left is a LOT better than 'you, bridesmaid #2, move to your left'. Things go faster, bridal parties are more cooperative especially kids - if you know their names EVERYONE is happy (and impressed!)

The agreement you have there..is that all there is? 1/2 page? Mine is 3 full pages. One page is just a list of EXACLTY what it's the contract (hours of coverage, where, when, album (size, brand, page count, image count, etc), proofs, credits - everything. In 18 months when they're ready to order their album is not the time for misunderstandings -.."But you said it came in green aligator leather for no additional charge, and the parents book was only $50 more..."

I have a sheet I fill out at the initial meeting, and I give the bride a page that asks about her other vendors - hall, florist, cake, dress etc. Lets me know many things - price ranges, quality, has she even done that yet, etc, and then I have the info to contact the other vendors after the wedding to send a photo and do some networking.

Just some ideas.
 01/11/2008 02:03:42 PM · #4
Originally posted by Prof_Fate:

So...don't have them fill out a checklist. "You missed X photo and I checked it off!" is the end result. I ask if there is anything or anyone that is especially important to them, then I write that down - on the paper with the schedule for the day, addresses, phone numbers, and names of the parents and bridal party (Jenny, move to your left is a LOT better than 'you, bridesmaid #2, move to your left'.


I agree. I have a list of shots (it's in the tutorial here at DPC) but it's for MY use. I have my assistant go down the list with me and get who I need where to streamline the formals. She also reminds me of what I need to get.
 01/11/2008 03:10:32 PM · #5
I give them a checklist included w/ a contract. I tell them this is an idea of what I shoot and if there is anything special that I should know about to write it in. Its not a checklist to choose photos they want. This has worked well.

I think the contract is in desperate need of a redo. there is not nearly enough information covered which leaves you vulnerable. For example, you say that the studio is only liable for returning deposits. With your use of words, I could easily get refunded $1500.

Other key parts that are missing are a model release section. Without this, you could be stopped from using these images in your portfolio or for advertising. There is nothing that states you can only shoot what the venue allows (house rules). There is no limit of liability section either.

Also the part about eyeglasses and extra charges for removing glare. As a customer that would be a huge turn off. I understand what you are saying, but I would word it differently.

My contract is 2.5 pages and states everything. As Prof said, people are sue happy so cover yourself when you sign the papers instead of defending yourself in court after the fact.
 01/11/2008 03:12:55 PM · #6
Originally posted by fotomann_forever:
Originally posted by Prof_Fate:

So...don't have them fill out a checklist. "You missed X photo and I checked it off!" is the end result. I ask if there is anything or anyone that is especially important to them, then I write that down - on the paper with the schedule for the day, addresses, phone numbers, and names of the parents and bridal party (Jenny, move to your left is a LOT better than 'you, bridesmaid #2, move to your left'.


I agree. I have a list of shots (it's in the tutorial here at DPC) but it's for MY use. I have my assistant go down the list with me and get who I need where to streamline the formals. She also reminds me of what I need to get.


I do that too... but I also go over the list with the bride and ask her if there is anything additional she would like to have and let her know that I will try my best to get it with no promises.
 01/11/2008 03:26:15 PM · #7
Here's one I include on my itinerary sheet

ANY SPECIAL OR SENSITIVE INFO I SHOULD KNOW? (parents divorced or separated, special relationships, any recently deceased relatives/friends, etc.)

This is great not only because it's important but because people always have some fun stories to share!!

I don't include a checklist either but I do say if they want to give me a list (for formal family pics) then go for it! I also mention it's best to designate a 'wrangler' for me so that everyone who should be there is there, someone who knows a lot of the guests :0)

Also be sure to include a place for DJ or the Wedding coordinator. Those are the people that will generally st the time line and you'll want to make sure to make friends with them at the beginning :0)
 01/11/2008 04:29:41 PM · #8
You need to try and cover everything.
They cancel, then what happens? If they do it months before, the day of, or decide 3 weeks after they don't want the album, but could use the cash back instead.
Who pays? Who signs? Mom pays, bride signs. Mom wants her money back, she has a canceled check. The bride wants photos - she has a signed contract marked paid in full. Scammers are everywhere, not just on the internet.
And put a time frame in there - 'album design may take 3 to 6 weeks, and after approval album delivery may take up to 4 months' - you want to cover your backside in case some antsy PITA bride type says you're not working fast enough and want compensated for your delay.
 01/12/2008 10:51:39 AM · #9
thanks for all the insight!

keep the comments coming if you've got anymore thoughts :) i really appreciate them
 01/12/2008 12:31:45 PM · #10
Originally posted by Prof_Fate:
You need to try and cover everything.
They cancel, then what happens? If they do it months before, the day of, or decide 3 weeks after they don't want the album, but could use the cash back instead.
Who pays? Who signs? Mom pays, bride signs. Mom wants her money back, she has a canceled check. The bride wants photos - she has a signed contract marked paid in full. Scammers are everywhere, not just on the internet.
And put a time frame in there - 'album design may take 3 to 6 weeks, and after approval album delivery may take up to 4 months' - you want to cover your backside in case some antsy PITA bride type says you're not working fast enough and want compensated for your delay.


It's a good job that digital speeds things up so much. On our wedding day, the photos were all shot on film and we had to wait until after the evening reception to view the completed album.
 01/12/2008 07:00:08 PM · #11
Originally posted by Mr_Pants:


It's a good job that digital speeds things up so much. On our wedding day, the photos were all shot on film and we had to wait until after the evening reception to view the completed album.


Back in he film days marriages lasted past the honeymoon too! LOL

It's a serious question though - I've got 3 grooms that are in or have been to Iraq. Albums not done. Had one possible breakup - MOG paid, and signed the contract, and all she wanted was pics of him, screw the rest of it. Bride was not on the contract and didn't pay...so who gets the photos? In this case it seems to be patched up, for now anyway.

I know of some brides taking 3+ years to order. So how long do you wait before you say too bad. I set aside the materials cost for the album when they make a final payment. If they're never coming I'd like to put that money to better use than keeping my bank solvent!
 01/13/2008 03:31:07 AM · #12
Not sure how you feel about it but on mine I have a strict policy about others taking photographs while I'm shooting. I do not permit anyone to take pictures during my session with the wedding family. I figure it's my expertise that sets up the shots and I'll not have anyone taking pics of my poses and taking advantage of my "creative juices"
 01/13/2008 04:40:59 AM · #13
Originally posted by jtf6agent:
.. taking advantage of my "creative juices"

That would explain what that wet stuff was that I stepped in huh?
 01/13/2008 08:43:50 PM · #14
I concur about tossing the client's checklist entirely.

That's trouble just waiting to happen....besides, people should already know you're going to take all the standard shots and if you miss one it's because Aunt Betty jumped out in front of you at the last second.
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