How many proofs will you get? Will the proofs have their name stamped over it? How soon do you get the photos after the wedding? How many photographers? What sort of film used? What sort of lens/cameras do theyuse to get different effects? How many hours do the photographers stay for?
Show you some samples of the photographers (the ones you will have) work? The more the better.
What kind of album is included in the package? (inserts, matted? size?) How many pages/pictuers included? Are you charged more per photo or more per page?
How many enlargements included? How much do extras cost?
wacky
Posted:
Member since
Re: Going to Photographer tonight!
Essential Questions for Your Photographer Stop photo disasters before they happen by making sure you've posed these query musts. by the editors at Modern Bride magazine Choosing your wedding photographer is a serious thing. We asked Leslie Barton, a longtime wedding photographer from Los Angeles, CA, to tell us what to ask when hiring a photographer.
Will it be you taking the pictures? When you first go to a photographer, he will show you a portfolio of his work. Find out if the book you are looking at belongs to the same person that will be taking the pictures. Make sure you meet the person that will be showing up on your wedding day and that his name appears on the contract. Of course, he can have an assistant helping, but he should be the one taking the shots. It's also wise to have a back-up plan. Ask what happens if he gets sick? Ask to see the portfolio of other photographers he would use in an emergency.
How many shots are candids, how many are posed? Make sure you are clear with your photographer about what you want. Do you want mostly journalistic style shots or all formal shots? How many will be color and how many black and white? Some photographers are better at one than the other, so ask about his strengths and background.
How many rolls of film do you shoot? The more rolls the photographer shoots, the more photos you'll have to choose from. However, if you're paying by the roll, Barton suggests talking about a limit, as it can get pricey. Don't restrict him too much though. You'll miss the great shot of Aunt Bertha dancing on the table. Set a ballpark number of rolls and expect him to go over by one or two.
Do you know the place? Your photographer should be familiar with your ceremony and reception site. He shouldn't be surprised by any weird lighting problems or if photographers aren't allowed to use flash. A good photographer will take a trip to scout out the area before the big day. He should also have some ideas about where to go for outdoor shots.
When do I put the deposit down, and when is the whole thing due? Haggling over prices after the fact can get icky, so nail down all the prices ahead of time. Barton says 'ask if there is a charge for overtime and travel costs, whether you can hold off payment until you get the proofs and if you can buy the negatives.'
eroxgirl
Posted:
Member since
Re: Going to Photographer tonight!
who keeps the negatives?
thats all I can think of cause Sonicstef knows everything!
Sonicstef
Posted:
Member since
Re: Going to Photographer tonight!
Just want to add that there are so many MORE questions that should spring to mind when you are in the office. If your not there for several hours chatting, then you probably dont know enough.
Oh - and have it ALL in the contract!
alina
Posted:
Member since
Re: Going to Photographer tonight!
Stef's list is really extensive. I just wanted to add we've found that photographers either give you their photo packages before you meet with them or after. If they give you the list of packages before, you will have some of the questions either answered via that price list, or you will have new, more specific questiosns. Each of my photographer appointments lasted about an hour and a half (including looking through sample albums) and by that point most of my questions were answered. You may want to ask the photographers to email you their photo packages, this way you can prepare any questions a little bit in advance, and it makes for a more productive visit.
ss2002
Posted:
Member since
Re: Going to Photographer tonight!
I don't really have much to add to the great advice everyone offered above...but I wanted to wish you luck! I found photographer shopping to be a difficult task. Take notes, ask even the silliest question, get everthing in writing!!
Let us know how it goes!!
Thrilled
Posted:
Member since
Re: Going to Photographer tonight!
Make SURE - if you want them to come earlier or stay later than they normally do (most come from ceremony to cake cutting) - make sure you ask about their overtime policy. We got burned on that with one guy and had to back out of our deposit because we felt that he had been a little less than honest regarding the overtime. Not a big $$ deal but it was never even mentioned until after we gave him a deposit and we found that to be kind of shady. Then when we backed out, he offered to split the OT with us - in other words, go down to half price for the OT. Very sketchy and made us uncomfortable.
reallybehind!
Posted:
Member since
Re: Going to Photographer tonight!
i agree with alina, i only met with two photographers and they presented their package list right away, which pretty much answers everything. i was only at my appts for about an hour. maybe i'm not as thorough but i felt that i got all the information i needed. the two i saw pretty much had their presentation down pat, they know what questions people are going to ask, so they answer most before you even ask. and of course you can always call them back later if you forget something!
Betty
Posted:
Member since
Re: Going to Photographer tonight!
WOW I was going to answer but I think these ladies covered it all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sonicstef
Posted:
Member since
Re: Going to Photographer tonight!
Another suggestion: Ask the newlyweds about a vendor before booking. No disrespect to the brides to be but there is really no way you can get a 'real' assessment of a vendor until AFTER you have used them and are happy/unhappy.
Ronnie&Theresa
Posted:
Member since
Re: Going to Photographer tonight!
Thank you all so much...
Steph I did ask and I got attacked..
No way will I ask anything over there....!
I am so unprepared..
UGH!!!!
cw0904
Posted:
Member since
Re: Going to Photographer tonight!
Ask about b/w if you like that. I really am not a fan and I had him write in the contract we only want 1 roll of b/w. And write in how many rolls will be used for b/w.
Negatives-yes/no and how much? -engagement shoot -Cancellation policy -payment terms -what your add-on prices are if you decide to add more pics to the album. -additional enlargement prices after contract is signed -thank yous included -have the name of the photographer written in your contract. -Time starts, time ends on contract
Forgot to add -OT very important. When does it begin and how much per hour. -gratuities-who should get it and average given
Diane
Posted:
Member since
Re: Going to Photographer tonight!
good luck. You just have to go with your gut feeling when meeting with vendors. Sometimes you cant go by what others say, because everyone has different experiences, and likes and dislikes.
Marcela1654
Posted:
Member since
Re: Going to Photographer tonight!
The girls covered everything. I just wanted to say GOOD LUCK!! and let me know how it goes
Sonicstef
Posted:
Member since
Re: Going to Photographer tonight!
R&T: I thought you interviewed/booked Patken? (remembering the NW thread you mention above)
