Photographer

I don't know how long you have your photographer or if you have off site photos, going around for photos, etc. I've talked to my photographer at least 5 times, 2 in person and 3 on the phone; several times in text/email. I have my photographer all day, from the point I wake up till end of ceremony. I'll admit, my photographer hasn't been to my venue in some time and hasn't visited it at all (my wedding is Oct 5), but I don't find that to be an issue because he researched and has told me ideas along the way that he wants to know if I'm interested in...

We went over what shots I'm looking for, what I'm uncomfortable with him taking pictures of (which is nothing, lbh but some people don't like pictures of people smoking or drinking), locations I want to go to (We have a drive map all planned out for ease when it comes to wedding party driving around the city), and I have a back up plan if it rains with a route we'll take.

I also gave my photographer a pinterest to give him ideas. I have a Harry Potter wedding and I'd love to do some wand battle scenes and act a little silly in some photos. I just also wanted to give him a vision of maybe what direction I'd like him to go in during certain parts -- like getting ready, the ceremony, fun pics with the bridal party.

Not all photographers need this, but if you want a certain look or if you're expecting something, you need to come out and say it. You need to be vocal. I'd say it's kind of weird you haven't spoken much at all. Yet, as I mentioned... I don't know if they're just ceremony/reception photographer or if you have the ability to go around to other photo locations.

I wouldn't panic as photography is something that can change within the moment, but maybe getting a bit out in the open before the wedding might be easier for your vision!

Daughter's photographer did go to the venue with her once early in the planning, but beyond that he had her send him detailed lists of specific groupings that she would want photos of/with (we have a huge family), and other specific unusual shots. In the weeks leading up to the wedding all their communication was via email (actually, I think it was with all the vendors at that point). He also asked her to appoint a "photo wrangler" -- someone who would know all or most of the players, who would be responsible for making sure the right people were in the right photos (so photographer or his second shooter weren't trying to figure out who was a missing from a group). Daughter asked two aunts who were more than happy to be her wranglers and she supplied them with the same shot list she gave the photographer. That helped big group photos move pretty quickly. Another thing photographer asked was for daughter to send him examples of any specific shots she wanted. Her venue has a HUGE selection of real wedding photos, and there were a couple shots daughter loved and definitely wanted. For example, she wanted the photos of her dress taken with it hanging at the top of the double staircase, and she wanted photos of her taken from behind pushing open the double doors leading to the ceremony space patio. (If you don't have examples from your venue, you could find examples you like on Pinterest, etc., and send those.) Her photographer knew in advance what she was looking for on those specific shots, and he did a fabulous job recreating them for her! At the same time, she hired him because she loves his work, so she didn't micromanage him. (She didn't have to tell him she wanted pictures of first look or with the wedding party, he knew that.) He did an amazing job of utilizing the venue -- so much so that when daughter sent a link for the final gallery to the venue coordinator, she couldn't believe how many shots he got that she'd never seen before in her 10+ years at the venue. Good luck!

This is why she gave you the list. So you can write down all of the specific shots you want to get. As long as your timeline matches up with hers, I don't think there's any problem. My photographer and I email back and forth whenever I have a question, and she has said many times I can reach out to her anytime I'm confused about something, or have questions. But otherwise, she stays out of my way. She knows planning a wedding is a huge task, and she is there for me without being in my face all the time.

So, if you want an in-person meeting with your photographer, just tell her that. I'm sure she'll do her best to accommodate you.

My photographer has not been to my venue and she won't go before. Her first time seeing it is the day of and her first half hour (not a paid half hour) is for walking the property and what not. We have emailed back and forth for the last year WHEN I have specific questions but other than her reaching out to me for those preferred shots and questionnaire all contact is initiated by me. I don't mind this. I don't think theres a lot we need to talk about other than those few questionnaire questions! I am also 9 days out from my wedding. Good luck!