Photographers

How many hours?

How many photographers are included?

How many pics will be included in your album? I didnt really think about it at the time and am only getting 30 pics.... and now thinking about it, I'm going to have to add on later bc my album will prob only be like 7 pgs :(

What type of photography are you looking for? I wanted more of a photojournalistic pics

i asked how long we have em,how many,what kind of pics,i wanted alot in black n white
how many albums
do we keep proofs

ask if you get the proofs or if you have to pay extra for each proof printed. I see NW's now who didnt realize they didnt get their proofs printed and only get a disk and if they want their proofs they have to pay for each one they get. I was given a high res disk PLUS all my proofs in a box were given to me. So ask about this. Make sure you get the copyrights to the pics, this is very important.

Ask about free e-shoot, most photographers do this but here and there some won't. Also ask if you can do an outside location bc some do it in the studio and if you want outside location you have to pay extra

how long are they with you the day of, usually its about 10 hours, if you want it longer you pay extra by the hour so ask about this and how much would it be for an extra hour.

If you are interested in 2nd photographer ask about this too.

Ask to see the different styles of albums they have, and the prices if its included or separate and how many pics you can get onto an album

ask how many pics they guarantee. Most will do lets say 800-1200 and some more. But i see NW's now who say they only got back lets say 300-400 and didnt realize they'd get back that little. Do they touch up your photos and if so how many. What percentage of b&w's will they do or photoshop, and would you have to pay extra to do this

The other ladies covered most of the important points, but DEFINITELY ask about payment schedules and cancellation policies. Knock on wood of course, but God forbid there be a family emergency, you know, sometimes things do happen.

And in terms of payment schedule, when final payment is due was very important to me. We crossed on photog off our list of consideration completely (and we saw 6!!!) because they were the only one who had final payment due 2 months prior to the wedding. That doesn't sit well with me, I would never pay in full for a service not yet rendered, if they already have your money, really what's the incentive to show up?

I would definitely ask them if there will be a website set up so you can browse your photos online before you get your proofs. This way you can send the link to people. Also ask how long this will take to be up and running so maybe you can peak at them on your HM.

Definitely ask about payment schedules. Our final, final payment isn't due until we actually pick up our albums, which is nice. Also, ask if they include thank you card photos in the packages.

Definitely ask about what type of albums they do. Traditional or coffee table?

Good luck.

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Posted by FutureMrsM

FH and I are meeting with photographers tomorrow... Is there anything I should know or be sure to ask?????

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Here are some more questions you can ask:

Questions we asked photographers:

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?