Does your photographer need to visit your venue before the big day?
“Hello Rob,
Will you swing by our wedding venue before the big day?”
Will you swing by our wedding venue before the big day?
A question that pops up every now and then.
I bet it's not always top-of-mind for brides and grooms, but something they read in those '100 Questions to Ask Your Photographer' features on wedding blogs and magazines.
When I started out, I thought checking out venues before the wedding day was top-notch—stellar customer service.
But reality check: for me at least, visiting a venue beforehand doesn't sway how I end up capturing a wedding. I might scope it out on a sunny day, but come the wedding day, the weather and, more crucially, the light can play a different tune.
What's happening on the wedding day—weather, light, people, vibes—that's what shapes how I'll shoot it. An empty venue on a day without that buzz doesn't do much for me.
It's like judging a restaurant by how it looks in the daytime but never actually tasting the food!
If I had to spill the beans, maybe checking out a venue beforehand could help me find cool spots for portraits, but it's not a game-changer in my wedding photo playbook.
Pre-planning too much can murder creativity. It's like following a recipe to the letter instead of jazzing it up with different flavors and techniques. Plus, things can change on the day, so flexibility is key!
Instead, I make sure I roll up to an unfamiliar venue in plenty of time on the wedding day itself to suss out the scene before I dive into your photography. That's when I pinpoint spots for group shots and portraits. At least that way, I know what the light is like or likely to be on that day.
I get it; for some couples, it might ease their minds. But with 14 years worth of weddings under my belt, visiting a venue beforehand won't move the needle on the photos I deliver.
If there's one question you should throw at your photographer, it's about their experience—not just in years. There are incredible photographers with only a few years under their belt. What matters is knowing your photographer has the experience with different venues and locations, handling various situations, and thriving in different conditions—that's gold.
A seasoned photographer knows how to roll with the punches and adapt to whatever comes their way, whether it's a sudden rainstorm or a last-minute change of plans. That kind of flexibility and creativity is what makes for truly memorable and stunning wedding photos.
And let's be real, that's what you're after, right?
About the Author
Rob Dodsworth is a photographer in Norfolk, photographing the little moments.
Drawn to photography by his love of meeting new people and, when it comes to wedding photography, the prospect of eating fruitcake all year round, Rob takes photos of ‘people being people’.
Capturing the quirky, in-between, funny, joyful moments, Rob has been in the game since 2011.
Familiar with Norfolk’s top wedding venues and equally comfortable shooting across the UK and beyond, Rob delivers authentic images of your cherished memories.
