Photographer Questions

Hey ladies! I'm starting to research photographers and would like to start setting up some interviews. I just wanted to know if you guys can give me some tips about what kind of questions that really need to be asked. What did you want to know when you met with your photographer? Any help would be appreciated! Thanks!

Good question. You are getting married on my birthday!

I didn't really have any set questions when I met with photographers. With me, it was mostly about my budget, their photos, and if I felt comfortable. We met with a few different photographers, looked at their work, and spoke with them. We met with one photographer, who's work we liked, but I was very uncomfortable with him (felt like I'd probably end up arguing with him at my wedding over what I did/didn't want). So I think it's the experience, in addition to their work, that is what influenced me the most.

HTH!

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Posted by mattandjess2013

I didn't really have any set questions when I met with photographers. With me, it was mostly about my budget, their photos, and if I felt comfortable. We met with a few different photographers, looked at their work, and spoke with them. We met with one photographer, who's work we liked, but I was very uncomfortable with him (felt like I'd probably end up arguing with him at my wedding over what I did/didn't want). So I think it's the experience, in addition to their work, that is what influenced me the most.

HTH!

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ITA! It was important for me to have a good vibe with the photographer, so I can trust him and feel comfortable in front of the camera.

That being said, I did want to know if/how I got my proofs (hard copies, CD, etc.) since I plan on making albums myself for our grandmothers and as thank-yous for my BM's. Also, after my first photog meeting, I learned to ask whether or not the parent albums are smaller clones of mine, or if they can choose their own pics, bc that's important to my parents and inlaws. It really depends on what you want/need. See if their packages are customizable, or if things can be added on if you change your mind later.

Hey,

I didn't use alllll of these but this is the list I worked off of. Most important thing is to make sure they'll have a backup photographer for you day-of! Money back is nice but you can't recreate the day to get the pics... Hope this helps!

Are you a full-time photographer?
How long have you been a wedding photographer?
What kind of equipment/film do you use?
Is there backup equipment?
Who will shoot?
Photojournalist photographer?
What if s/he is sick?
What time do you arrive to setup your equipment?
How many hours they will be with you? How much per extra hour?
Number of weddings per day?
Are you open to a list of must-take photos (pictures you definitely want shot)?

Proofs:
How MANY proofs do you guarantee(it should read something like a MINIMUM of XXX amount of proofs). Be wary if they won't guarantee a specific number - everyone we saw said minimum of X amount but you could get as many as Y amount. Just make sure you have a minimum in there. You would hate to go in thinking you are getting 500 proofs then to only get 300.

Whether you get your proofs to keep - do they come in an album or box?
Do I get a high res dvd/cd of all my photos which are
printable in addition to your proofs?
Are there water marks on the pictures? Will I have the rights to my own photos?
Will I need a letter from you authorizing me to make prints?


Engagement Shoot:
a) WHEN it has to be done by
b) WHO will shoot them
c) WHERE you can take them

Album:
What kind of album do I get? (slip in or what type)
How many photos will I get in the album?
a) is it number of photos or pages of photos
b) how many per page do you get - (some places say 50 pages but it is ONLY one PER page)
c) what size can you get in the album

Will I be able to see a preliminary layout?
Who will print the album?

Photos:
Percentage of black and white?
Do you use black and white film when photographing in black and white?
Percentage Photoshopped?
Do I get to pick which ones to Photoshop?
Touch ups - Are they included? Make sure that is in your contract!!!
Cost to print extra photos?

Video:
What format is video shot in?
Who is doing video?
Video (DVD) and raw footage
How many hours? Overtime price?
How long will it take to get my video?
Highlight reel/trailer included or extra?

Miscellaneous:
Attire?
What are your policies regarding delivery times?
What are the refunds/cancellation terms?
Do you have insurance?

Pricing:
Payment schedule:
Is gratuity included in the price?
Are there any additional charges not mentioned? (i.e. travel)
Thank yous included? Amount ?
What TYPE of thank you that you will receive (slip in, photo printed on card)?

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Posted by Eunified

Hey,

I didn't use alllll of these but this is the list I worked off of. Most important thing is to make sure they'll have a backup photographer for you day-of! Money back is nice but you can't recreate the day to get the pics... Hope this helps!

Are you a full-time photographer?
How long have you been a wedding photographer?
What kind of equipment/film do you use?
Is there backup equipment?
Who will shoot?
Photojournalist photographer?
What if s/he is sick?
What time do you arrive to setup your equipment?
How many hours they will be with you? How much per extra hour?
Number of weddings per day?
Are you open to a list of must-take photos (pictures you definitely want shot)?

Proofs:
How MANY proofs do you guarantee(it should read something like a MINIMUM of XXX amount of proofs). Be wary if they won't guarantee a specific number - everyone we saw said minimum of X amount but you could get as many as Y amount. Just make sure you have a minimum in there. You would hate to go in thinking you are getting 500 proofs then to only get 300.

Whether you get your proofs to keep - do they come in an album or box?
Do I get a high res dvd/cd of all my photos which are
printable in addition to your proofs?
Are there water marks on the pictures? Will I have the rights to my own photos?
Will I need a letter from you authorizing me to make prints?


Engagement Shoot:
a) WHEN it has to be done by
b) WHO will shoot them
c) WHERE you can take them

Album:
What kind of album do I get? (slip in or what type)
How many photos will I get in the album?
a) is it number of photos or pages of photos
b) how many per page do you get - (some places say 50 pages but it is ONLY one PER page)
c) what size can you get in the album

Will I be able to see a preliminary layout?
Who will print the album?

Photos:
Percentage of black and white?
Do you use black and white film when photographing in black and white?
Percentage Photoshopped?
Do I get to pick which ones to Photoshop?
Touch ups - Are they included? Make sure that is in your contract!!!
Cost to print extra photos?

Video:
What format is video shot in?
Who is doing video?
Video (DVD) and raw footage
How many hours? Overtime price?
How long will it take to get my video?
Highlight reel/trailer included or extra?

Miscellaneous:
Attire?
What are your policies regarding delivery times?
What are the refunds/cancellation terms?
Do you have insurance?

Pricing:
Payment schedule:
Is gratuity included in the price?
Are there any additional charges not mentioned? (i.e. travel)
Thank yous included? Amount ?
What TYPE of thank you that you will receive (slip in, photo printed on card)?

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I feel like most of these questions they should answer but this is a great list!

Thanks ladies!

I don't know much about the technical side of photography but FH asked if they shoot in RAW format because apparently that is the best way to edit. Because he knows his stuff, our photographer is giving us all the photos in RAW (unedited) as well.
Most people dont want that, but to me the important thing was that I get ALL the photos edited on DVD to keep.

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Posted by jassy119

For the most part they will do all of the talking so dont stress about what questions you should ask. Just know what your must haves are.. # of photogs, eshoot, albums, etc and take it from there. I had a ton of questions printed out for ea appt and never referred to it. 1 thing to make sure of though is make sure u have the rights of your photos and you get them on a dvd or cd so u can print on your own if needed.

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Yeah, one of the places I had wanted to check out I heard through the grapevine you have to wait 3 years to get them!!

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Posted by MarryTheNight24

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Posted by jassy119

For the most part they will do all of the talking so dont stress about what questions you should ask. Just know what your must haves are.. # of photogs, eshoot, albums, etc and take it from there. I had a ton of questions printed out for ea appt and never referred to it. 1 thing to make sure of though is make sure u have the rights of your photos and you get them on a dvd or cd so u can print on your own if needed.

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Yeah, one of the places I had wanted to check out I heard through the grapevine you have to wait 3 years to get them!!

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Whaaaaat?? That is insane!

I think I know what photographer you're talking about!! I'm getting married at the Woodlands as well on 7/12/13 and they are one of their preferred vendors. I loved all of their pictures in the albums at the woodlands, but between the expensive costs and what I heard about how long it takes, I decided against them.

With the Woodlands, it's important that you choose a photographer who is familiar with the venue - there are so many hidden spots that you can take beautiful pictures at and you don't want to waste time looking around for a good spot. Also, I think it's important to go with someone who you have had a personal recommendation for. I feel so comfortable with the photographer I chose because my brother and sister-in-law used them. They are well priced and I've seen how amazing my brother's pics came out.

Hope this helps! I'd love to hear any ideas you have on how you plan to personalize the Woodlands. I'm always looking for ideas/inspiration!

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Posted by las1204

I think I know what photographer you're talking about!! I'm getting married at the Woodlands as well on 7/12/13 and they are one of their preferred vendors. I loved all of their pictures in the albums at the woodlands, but between the expensive costs and what I heard about how long it takes, I decided against them.

With the Woodlands, it's important that you choose a photographer who is familiar with the venue - there are so many hidden spots that you can take beautiful pictures at and you don't want to waste time looking around for a good spot. Also, I think it's important to go with someone who you have had a personal recommendation for. I feel so comfortable with the photographer I chose because my brother and sister-in-law used them. They are well priced and I've seen how amazing my brother's pics came out.

Hope this helps! I'd love to hear any ideas you have on how you plan to personalize the Woodlands. I'm always looking for ideas/inspiration!

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YES!!! Honestly, I LOVE their photos from what I have seen online, etc. The other preferred I really didn't care for. I don't think I would book with someone who has never been the Woodlands before.

If you don't mind me asking, who are you using?

Definitely keep in touch, I would love to hear about any ideas you have! I'm having a 'Secret Garden' theme throughout. Lots of skeleton keys and I want real vintage looking flowers.

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Posted by Shanti12

I don't know much about the technical side of photography but FH asked if they shoot in RAW format because apparently that is the best way to edit. Because he knows his stuff, our photographer is giving us all the photos in RAW (unedited) as well.
Most people dont want that, but to me the important thing was that I get ALL the photos edited on DVD to keep.

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My father does photo editing also. Lighthouse shoots in raw. That was one of our deciding factors between them and Duet.

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Posted by stormstryker

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Posted by Shanti12

I don't know much about the technical side of photography but FH asked if they shoot in RAW format because apparently that is the best way to edit. Because he knows his stuff, our photographer is giving us all the photos in RAW (unedited) as well.
Most people dont want that, but to me the important thing was that I get ALL the photos edited on DVD to keep.

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My father does photo editing also. Lighthouse shoots in raw. That was one of our deciding factors between them and Duet.

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I definitely did not know that. Thanks for the tips!

They actually say so on their website. That and hearing everyone rave about how wonderful they are made us go look at them. So very happy we did!

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Posted by Eunified
..........

Proofs:
How MANY proofs do you guarantee(it should read something like a MINIMUM of XXX amount of proofs). Be wary if they won't guarantee a specific number - everyone we saw said minimum of X amount but you could get as many as Y amount. Just make sure you have a minimum in there. You would hate to go in thinking you are getting 500 proofs then to only get 300.

..............

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Eek! This is a good point. My contract says maximum 1500 pictures....but no minimum! Should I be nervous??????????