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Interviewing Photographers

nehaliasz Posted:

Interviewing Photographers

I am planning on going to Duet, Patken and possibly North Island Photography when I come home so I can figure out who I'm going to use for our wedding. I'm assuming that I'll need to make an appointment for all of them instead of just dropping in. What I'm really not sure about is what kind of questions shouls I ask? I want to have a list and make sure I cover everything since I most likely won't have a chance to go back in person for at least 6 mos. Please help me out with this. Thanks!!

mrswask Posted:

Re: Interviewing Photographers

If you're getting video - make sure to find out about that package also. Find out if it's one photographer or two, if they're going to be with you the whole day - think about how many parent albums you may want. We also wanted to find out how much it was to add pages to the albums afterwards, things like that.

steph4777 Posted:

Re: Interviewing Photographers

Here are some questions that I got from someone here. They got it from the Knot.

Questions for photgraphers:

Your wedding pictures will define your memories of the big day for the rest of your life, so it's very important to choose the right photographer. To help you make the best choice, we've compiled a list of 16 questions to ask potential 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?


If parent albums are important to you, aks if those are included, ask whether or not you get the negatives, how may pics are in the albums, what sizes, how much for ordering extra photos - what size are the proofs and
does the photog stamp his name on the proofs- my photo shot over 800 photos and all my proofs were 4x6 so I kept all of them and they are regular size to give out, frame or keep myself. GOOD LUCK!!
wenndypoo Posted:

Re: Interviewing Photographers

That 's a great list - very comprehensive.

I loved loved loved North Island!
nehaliasz Posted:

Re: Interviewing Photographers

Thanks so much!!
lorimari Posted:

Re: Interviewing Photographers

A lot of girls on here have used the photographers you are visiting - do a search maybe on the review board and see who has pics from the photographers you want to see. It will help you get an idea of the style.

Also, ask for proofs of the most recent wedding - albums are always their best work so you want to see what they do during a wedding to make sure they take the shots/style are what you are looking for.

I think I am the most recent Patken bride - I used Vinnie and was EXTREMELY happy with him and their service. Here is a link to my proofs:
wedding pix

You are looking at fantastic photographers - I dont think you can go wrong with any of them!!!

Best of luck to you
Jen_n_Dale Posted:

Re: Interviewing Photographers

I had to make sure they wee insured before I was booked or the catering hall won't let them in.

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