I’m sure you’ve been in the position of waiting for photos to be ready, whether they’re for a wedding, an album, or a magazine article. Sometimes photographers are so busy that it can take them weeks to get their work done. On the other hand, sometimes they’re just plain forgetful and don’t get back to you in time! Other times, it’s not even their fault—they might have had technical problems with their computer or camera gear that kept them from being able to deliver your pictures on schedule. No matter what the reason is behind the delay, there are ways you can politely ask when your photos will be ready without sounding pushy or demanding:
The best way to ask someone when the photos you are waiting for will be ready is by being polite and asking in a straightforward manner.
The best way to ask someone when the photos you are waiting for will be ready is by being polite and asking in a straightforward manner. Politely request an update on the status of your photos by saying, “I’m so excited for these photos! Can you let me know if they’ll be ready by this date? If not, can we look at other options?”
If you don’t receive a response from them, then it may be necessary to try again with another email or phone call.
If the photographer doesn’t give you an answer within 24 hours of your first request, then follow up by saying something like: “Hey there! I’m still interested in knowing when my photos will be done.”
In general, try not to leave it up to chance that someone else will help get things done for you; instead take an active role in making sure that things happen as needed by making reasonable efforts yourself.
How long it takes for your photos to be ready depends on the photographer.
Asking your photographer how long it will take for the photos to be ready is one of those questions that can get you a number of answers. The length of time given by a professional photographer is going to vary quite a bit, depending on several factors. These include:
- The photographer’s experience level. More experienced photographers are generally able to work faster and more efficiently than beginners, so they may be able to deliver your photos in less time than other photographers would need.
- The equipment used by the photographer and his/her support staff. Photographers with high-end cameras and lenses will usually be able to produce better results in shorter amounts of time than photographers who are using more limited equipment—although this isn’t always true, as some shooters prefer older methods or gear because they find them easier or more fun!
- How much experience the photographer has had working with certain types of clients (for example, if you have very specific requests about how you want your shots taken). Someone who specializes in portrait photography might know exactly what settings he needs to use for certain kinds of lighting conditions; likewise, an event videographer might have learned which angles work best at different times during an event such as an outdoor wedding reception where there isn’t much control over light sources like candles placed around tables.)
If you have alerted the photographer that you are on a tight timeline, it is appropriate to send a follow-up email or call.
If you have alerted the photographer that you are on a tight timeline, it is appropriate to send a follow-up email or call. This lets them know that they need to get back to you right away with any further information on when your photos will be ready.
- If they don’t respond within 24 hours, they probably don’t care much about your business and you should find another photographer who does care.
If the photos are needed for an upcoming event or publication, be sure to tell the photographer so they can schedule accordingly.
If the photos are needed for an upcoming event or publication, be sure to tell the photographer so they can schedule accordingly. Asking them in advance will ensure that they have enough time to create the best possible images and that your shoot is done on a day when weather conditions are favorable.
In addition, photographers may be busy with other projects or commitments during the same time period as your photoshoot. If this is the case with your photographer, it’s important to ask them whether or not they can work around their existing schedule so that you can get back to them with an answer as soon as possible.
Always be polite when communicating with a photographer about turning around your photos on deadline.
No matter how urgent the project or deadline, always be polite and respectful in your communication with a photographer about turning around your photos on deadline.
If you feel that the photographer is not giving you enough information or responding quickly enough to your queries, try being direct but not demanding. You can say something like “I just wanted to be sure that we are both on the same page about when I’ll get my photos.”
Remember, the best way to ask a photographer when your photos will be ready is by being polite and asking in a straightforward manner. If you have alerted the photographer that you are on a tight timeline, it is appropriate to send a follow-up email or call. If the photos are needed for an upcoming event or publication, be sure to tell the photographer so they can schedule accordingly.