Help with 1st meetings with Photog.'s?

I will be going with my daughter to some initial appointments with photographers. I've searched on previous posts and there are so many good suggestions on what to order and what to include in contracts... it's a little overwhelming LOL!

Are there some basic decisions daughter and FI should make before we go, like film vs. digital (which is better?), have albums made vs. print your own pics from proofs or a CD, etc.? Should they know in advance what style of album they want?

Or is it better to just go in and let each photog. explain from the beginning?

Any help greatly appreciated!

Nowadays there doesn't seem to be a big difference between film and digital. FH and I initially wanted film but the digital pics are of such a high resolution it doesn't matter. Plus special effects are easier to do with digital and if they're easier to do, they're also cheaper--bonus!

We also thought we wanted a traditional album and some places were great about it and had nice choices. The majority, however, pointed out that any special effects we wanted, like black and white with a splash of color or panoramas would cost a lot more in a traditional album so it would just make sense to go with digital where these things could be done easily.

This could all be bologna but it's what we were told across the board, pretty much. hth

Good luck!

you can ask for a mixture of digital or traditional. . .i went with all digital

most places do the special effects at no cost so i would ask to have that included

make sure you get ALL the proofs and it is on the contract

make sure there is no limit to the number of pictures taken

make sure there is no 'hourly charge' since most places dont do this

*this is all from personal experience so others could have had different experiences!

I think there will always be fans of film vs. digital. I had two photographers - one shot in film, the other in digital. The only thing I can say about film is that I think it stands the test of time in an album. We have albums in my family from weddings and Bar and Bat Mitzvahs(all obviously shot in film) that are anywhere from 16-50 years old and have not faded one bit. I know if digital technology has been around long enough to anticipate how it may look years from now. Sure when you hold up the proofs next to each other, you cannot tell the difference. Photographers have cameras with many megapixels that produce incredible shots. The advantage to digital is that you will get more shots because the cameras are faster. Some old school photographers will only shoot in film.

I will tell you this though. the first photographer we went to tried to convince us that nobody gives out tangible proofs anymore and would charge us extra if we wanted them. I would never have booked a photographer that didnt give us proofs we could lay out on a table as part of the package. It is very hard to compare one picture to another.

I received this from another bride about questions to ask your prospective photographer.
Hope it helps!

After you find a few you like via recommendation or checking out websites go to see them in person.

Be sure to ask:

How long have you been in business?

How long have you been photographing weddings?

Film or digital?

If digital can we have the large format digital files?

Are you a member of any professional organization?

Can I see the portfolio of the photographer that will shoot my wedding?

Are the dates I need available?

How many weddings will you shoot that day?

What type of deposit is required, and until what date can it be refunded?

What kind of equipment do you have, and can you shoot in any light available?

What types of packages are available?

Is there a standard wedding package?

Are bridal portraits available?

How soon after the wedding will the proofs be ready?

Will they be color corrected & touched up?

Can we have B&W, sepia as well as color photos?

What other services do you provide? Engagement session?

Who, specifically, will photograph the wedding?

May I speak with him/her?

Do you do negative retouching?

How long are the negatives retained?

Are diffused lighting, soft focus, split framing, multiple exposures, etc. available?

How long will you stay at the Ceremony/ Reception?


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Questions from the knot re: photographers

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?

Wow, thanks so much for the input ladies!

Some studios offer 2 photographers plus a lighting assistant, others say no way, all you need is one great photographer!

Any thoughts? Each decision seems to be so hard!

TIA

The type of camera does not effect the way the image will hold up over time when printed (if it were digital or film).. The paper and ink used, have more an impact on the life of the photograph.

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Posted by Goldi1021

I think there will always be fans of film vs. digital. I had two photographers - one shot in film, the other in digital. The only thing I can say about film is that I think it stands the test of time in an album. We have albums in my family from weddings and Bar and Bat Mitzvahs(all obviously shot in film) that are anywhere from 16-50 years old and have not faded one bit. I know if digital technology has been around long enough to anticipate how it may look years from now. Sure when you hold up the proofs next to each other, you cannot tell the difference. Photographers have cameras with many megapixels that produce incredible shots. The advantage to digital is that you will get more shots because the cameras are faster. Some old school photographers will only shoot in film.

I will tell you this though. the first photographer we went to tried to convince us that nobody gives out tangible proofs anymore and would charge us extra if we wanted them. I would never have booked a photographer that didnt give us proofs we could lay out on a table as part of the package. It is very hard to compare one picture to another.

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