Girls I need help! I may book tomorrow....

I am going to see a photographer who was the first one I saw last month. Since meeting with them, I have met with 3 others...I want to go back with the intent of booking...just wanted to make sure they make a good deal for me.......

My question is.... now that I am ready to put things on paper...what is important for me to know about before I book????

Do I need to ask about lighting, equiptment etc.????

Please help!!!! I feel like an idiot!

1. What's the photographer's primary style -- traditional, candid, or posed? (Go for someone whose forte is your favorite style.)

2. What's the photographer's philosophy about shooting weddings? (This question will give you an idea of the shutterbug's expertise and passion for his work.)

3. Does the photographer shoot in color, black and white, or both?

4. How independent is the photographer? Does she prefer that you describe exactly what you want, or would she rather have free rein to capture the festivities on film? (This point determines how you two will work together.)

5. Will the photographer you talk with be the one who actually takes your wedding pictures? (This is crucial! Each photographer's style is unique.)

6. Has the photographer shot many weddings? (Experts say a wedding neophyte is a risk. You want someone who's experienced with wedding mechanics and won't miss key moments.)

7. How many weddings will the photographer shoot on your wedding weekend (or even on your wedding day)?

8. Is the photographer open to a list of must-take photos (pictures you definitely want shot)?

9. How does the photographer determine price? By the number and kind of prints you think you'll want, the hours the photographer spends on your wedding, the developing time, or a combination of the above factors? How many rolls of film will be shot, and how many proofs and final prints will result? Are packages available? Can you get a price list?

10. What kinds of cameras does the photographer use? (This will acquaint you with the photographer's experience and knowledge.)

11. What kind of lighting and other equipment (such as tripods) does the photographer use? Does the photographer bring backup equipment in case of emergency?

12. Does the photographer develop his own film? How long does he keep negatives? Can you buy your negatives from the photographer?

13. Ask yourself: Does this seem like a person you could tolerate throughout your wedding day? You'll want to feel very comfortable around your photographer. Rapport is important with all wedding professionals, but it's crucial here!

14. Carefully examine each photographer's past work (the book). Be sure you're looking at work shot by this particular photographer, not by other professionals who work at the same studio.

15. Notice whether:

photos are framed and centered well

photos are over- or underexposed

lighting is effective

details are visible

people look comfortable and relaxed

16. Call references and ask:

Were you satisfied overall?

Did the photographer get the shots you wanted?

Has the photographer responded promptly to orders?

1. What's the videographer's style -- artsy, documentary, or direct (interviews with wedding guests)? (Then ask yourself: Does this jibe with what you're going for?)

2. Has the videographer done many weddings before? What's his or her story-telling approach when it comes to taping a wedding? (This clues you in to experience and philosophy.) Ask to view samples of his/her recent work.

3. Has the videographer won any awards? Is he/she a member of any national and local videography associations?

4. How does he or she coordinate with a wedding photographer? Has the videographer worked with your photographer before?

5. Has he/she ever shot a wedding at your ceremony and/or reception site? If so, can you see the tape?

6. How many other weddings is the videographer doing on your wedding day or weekend? (Make sure there are no time constraints.)

7. Will the videographer you're speaking to be the one who will be shooting your wedding? If not, make sure you speak to whoever will actually shoot.

8. What types of cameras, tapes, and microphones will the videographer use? How new is the equipment? Ask him/her to explain how certain effects are achieved and to outline the benefit of using certain technologies. You may not catch all the techno-speak, but it helps to have a sense of what's what.

9. Ask about editing equipment. Request an explanation of the technological process.

10. How bright a light do they use? (If shooting requires the room lights to be on all evening, much of the romance and ambiance of your event may be lost.)

11. Will a backup camera be on hand for the event?

12. How does the videographer charge for services? Are there packages? Request a price list.