Posted by lmt245
Hi ladies..
I am meeting with a photographer on tuesday...what questions should I ask?! I am SOOO excited! I loved their website!
Here are some questions you may want 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?
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?
HTH
