Photographer 'interview'

I was doing a search as I am trying to find a photographer and I saw alot of you say you 'interview' them.
What do you mean? I have no clue what to ask or look for. Can one of you help me out?
Also, I am planning a wedding from NJ and even though it's not too far it's hard to come to LI every weekend so I really look to you girls for advice.

Please advise on what to look for in a photographer.

PS... I want classy, fun pictures and am willing to spend the extra dime for good quality.

Here is a starter with 10 questions to ask the photographer.
1. Do you provide full-day coverage (from the bride's house until the newlyweds leave their reception)?
2. Do you work with an assistant?
3. Do you shoot in the photojournalistic style? And if you do, will you also do some traditional wedding photos?
4. How many photos do you generally take?
5. Do I keep my proofs or do I have to purchase them?
6. How soon after my wedding will I get to see my proofs?
7. Will you be taking digital photographs? Will they be available on the day of the wedding? Is there an extra charge for this service?
8. Do you take both black and white and color photos?
9. What is included in your basic wedding package?
10. What are the charges for additional photographs? Parents Album?

Make an appointment to see them. They all have their sales pitch...but...you need to see their work and get recommendations.

I'm using Ferlise Photographers in Levittown. Many people in my family have used them and were very happy. Their web address is www.ferlisephoto.com.

Do a LI Weddings Search on Photographers and see what all the other girls said about their photographers. Recommendations are so important.

Good luck!!!

I am using Marcy Studio in Brooklyn.

I wouldn't stress out too much about the 'interviewing' unless you are bargain hunting among photographers that people here don't have experience with. There are plenty of photographers around that have no tricks up their sleeves, and whose packages are straightforward such that you don't need to stress about asking the right questions! I planned from MA, so I can relate to your long-distance difficulties. On a well planned day you could visit four photographers -- tiring but efficient!

What I looked for in a studio -- I looked at proofs more critically then albums. Its a lot more telling to see all the photos instead of the 30 best. I looked for boxes of proofs where nearly all of the photos were good. I wanted two photographers - one who specialized in photojournalism, and one who excelled at formal portraits. I wanted to be surround by good personalities -- after all they would be sharing my wedding day.

That being said, I would wholeheartedly recommend Creative Compositions, and would be happy to answer any questions you have about their service. They are among the more expensive photographers on Long Island, but do the work to justify it!