Open Question: How Long to Book a Photographer

Open Question: How Long to Book a Photographer

November 7th, 2006 @ 1:53 pm by Open Question
Share

Hi Weddingbees,

I’m trying to figure out how long I would need to book a photographer for. Does the photographer usually stay until the very very end of the wedding so that they capture everything? I’ve seen some websites where they say they leave after the cake cutting. But when does the cake cutting usually happen? Would I be missing a big chunk of the wedding if that’s when they finish?

Here’s how our day looks so far:

1) Tea ceremony in the eary afternoon at my house. Not sure what time yet…still need to figure that out. The FI has a huge family so total might be about 30-40 people in the ceremony. Any idea how long that might take? Or is that large a group just craziness?

2) Ceremony will be at 4pm (about a 20 minute drive from my house). Guests are free to walk around the gardens and go on guided tours while we take photos. Is an hour and a half too much time for refreshments and strolling?

3) Cocktail Hour is at 6pm at the reception hall 5 minutes away.

4) Reception to follow, ending at 11pm.

Any advice would be much appreciated since we are meeting with the photographers tomorrow!!

Thanks!

Irene

Tags: advice, photography |

Share |

Latest Gallery Pics

Hot Pink and White with Zebra 36" Lighted Spandex Ostrich Feather Centerpiece

6 Responses to “Open Question: How Long to Book a Photographer”

Guest

Miss Plum

I’m having the same schedule as you - but mine is going to have a 3 hour gap inbetween ceremonies - I paid for an all day package, which consists of approximately 8 hours then i paid for an ala carte extra 2 hours to cover the morning ceremony - you probably want to make sure they stay until at least you cut the cake and have your first dance

11/7/06 @ 2:05 pm (reply)

Guest

JoyJoy

I think you should get a package with at least 8 hours, more if possible. A photog with unlimited hours will probably be your best bet so you’re not worried about the time. That’s what I did for both the photog and videog. I didn’t want to worry about them leaving early or charging me for extra time, so I booked packages with unlimited time.

11/7/06 @ 2:19 pm (reply)

Guest

ava

I signed a contract with my photographer that he was to come to me when my time was up and for me to tell him if i woul like for him to stay for additional time at x amount per hour. So, I’m not worried about time or the amount since i have control over it.

11/7/06 @ 2:29 pm (reply)

Guest

WeezerMonkey

I think 8 hours is a good standard. Think about when you want the photog to leave and then count backwards. Since your reception is ending around 11 p.m., perhaps calculate from 10 p.m., which would mean your photog would arrive at 2 p.m. Personally, I think your 1.5 hours of “refreshments and strolling” is a long-ass time, but that’s just me. Good luck!

11/7/06 @ 2:51 pm (reply)

Guest

Irene

Thanks for all the advice and suggestions! I’ll have to go back tonight and recalculate! Maybe shorten the inbetween time to an hour? Hopefully that’ll be enough for the photog session!

11/7/06 @ 5:16 pm (reply)

Guest

kanipark

speaking from a photographers point of view

we give 8 hours coverage time… and we usually leave 30 mins after the cake cutting cuz usually that’s the last event, then after just dancing… 30 mins worth of dancing pictures is plenty enough… i would talk it out with who ever you are going to sign with…

you can check our our package @ http://www.chouphotography.com

11/10/06 @ 4:45 pm (reply)