Big Day Tomorrow!

Tomorrow, my mom and I are taking a road trip to Connecticut to talk to 3 photographers and to go try on dresses. Whew! We'll be busy!

I feel a little unsure about photographer-shopping. I'm not really sure what I'm looking for. I'm way more interested in a photg's style/personality than I am in albums - at this point, I don't even know if I want professionally made albums. Any advice on what I should be asking these people?

I found this for someone else...im just copying and pasting...


'I found a list of a ton of questions someone posted....I updated it so it didn't have her hall in there etc. You obv don't need to ask all of these...but it's good to go through some of these things in your head when looking at the websites too since im sure some of the answers to these questions are on there. HTH

Do you shoot digital or film
How many cameras do you use
Do you bring any backup equipment? What will you do if you are sick and unable to shoot the wedding?

Photos/Negatives/Film
How many exposures will you take at my wedding? Is there a limit on the number of exposures or your time?
What is the size of the proofs? Do I get to keep all of them?
Do you get the negatives? When? Is there a fee?
How long will you keep the negatives?
Do I get the hi-res files? Check the size/resolution of the files or ask what's the biggest image size ull be able to print from the files.
Do you shoot in black & white, color or both?
If you shoot with a digital camera will the prints be of archival quality?
If you shoot with black and white fillm, do you do your own developing?
How soon after I place my order will the photos be ready?

Albums
Who exactly will be photographing my wedding?
Make sure the albums u look at match the photographer u will be using
Can I meet with them?
Can I see a complete album from one wedding you/he/she photographed? In particular, look for ones for your hall.
Do you have examples of pictures taken in low-light conditions - i.e. candlelit ceremony
Cas I see the album that comes with my packages?
Ca I see a proof book from a recent wedding you/the photographer did?
How many pages in parent album
Are album pages acid-free/archival quality?
Do we have choice of album, page & border styles?
What is the cost of additional albums or pages?

Philosophy/Experience
Do you bring an assistant or additonal photographer? Who will shoot the actual pictures?
Describe to me your philosophy and approach to wedding photography.
Do you prefer photojournalism, candids, or portraits
What is the balance between posed and candid shots?
Are you familiar with the RH? If not, will you be willing to come an look at it?
Have you worked in multi-room settings before? How do you work in this kind of environment?
Have you worked at weddings with videographers (maybe mention yours)?
How will you dress for the wedding?
Will you work off a prepared shot list? What is your typical shooting schedule?
Do you know good places at our site to shoot?

Fees
Do you charge additional fees for travel time?
What deposits are required, by when and in what form?
What's the cost of additional hours?
Are there any additional charges?
Do you have liability insurance?
Do you guarantee your work - what if we're not satisfied?
What is your cancellation or postponement policy?
Can you please provide me with 3 references to contact?'

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Posted by DavaDay

I'm way more interested in a photg's style/personality than I am in albums - at this point, I don't even know if I want professionally made albums. Any advice on what I should be asking these people?

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OMG i feel the same way.. i feel like if they are going to give me the proofs then i can just have something put together either online or do it myself. i dont need anything fancy ijust want the picture!!!


Good Luck tomorrow!! that is so exciting!!!

Irene, thanks so much for copying that list for me! It'll be nice to have a list of questions in front of me that I can refer to so I can make sure to ask all 3 photographers the same things, so that I can compare them fairly.

I know none of you are getting married in CT, but I'll see if I can think of any relevant info for you guys when I get back!

no problem...picking our photographer took us like 3-4 months!

on my list i also had 'do u only shoot one wedding per day' and as i was like prepping i was like thats a silly questions how would a photographer do more than one wedding...and forgot to take it off my list and actually asked someone

the answer i got at the place...we have 4 main photographers...3 are allowed to get booked and the 4th stays in the office as a back up. i didnt realize that...and i guess it applies to photo 'companies' rather than like ppl who are solo and have assts.

that could also be something to think about.