photogrphy questions

we are just starting to look at two different photographers. what questions should we ask them? what should be included in packages. what are good price quotes?
if you wouldnt mind could you share your packages with price quotes and who you are using?

thanks girls!

when it comes to photographers - i think you neeed to decide what style you want and then see if you can find a photographer who can do what you want at a price that you're willing to pay. Everyone has a different idea for their wedding pictures. And most photographers will work with the packages they offer to find somethign to suit you.
good luck.

you have FM!

it really depends on how much you want, and what style photography... they all vary

you probably want to include a 5x7 or 8x10 for each set of grandparents, and a 5x7 for each in the bridal party

I would tell you my package but I booked over 2 years ago...so I am sure it is out of date...

but this is what I did:

I figured out everythign that I could possibly want...
8x10s (for parents grandparents and such)
5x7s (for BMs and GM)
what I would want in our album (we booked for 40...and ended up with 63)
how many proofs
how many b/w
negatives
e-shot (which we never did)
do you want a bigger pic? I didn't want a very big pic of us...so I ordered only an 8x10...but I think an 11x14 would have been nice too...
parents albums or needs...

then I wrote it all down...and my photog just copied it right over onto our contract...

Ask how much extra pages/photos are AFTER the wedding! I know a lot of girls who underestimate their photo needs and then get hit with huge charges after the wedding when they want to add pages to their albums or get more copies for family/friends.
Also- how many proofs you are getting- do they shot in b&w, color, high-speed. Is there a time limit on ordering your album/enlargements? If so, why? what is the delay charge?

anoother option - if you're looking to save money...although non-traditional...is to order less thank you pictures. we only ordered 30 - for immediate family and friends. I know that there are brides out there that are completely against this...but I usually throw the picture away when I get the thank you ....not right away, but a month or so after becuse I have no place to put it!

Just a thought

and dont' feel obligated to get the video from that photographer if that is too expensive for your budget! it is acceptable to go with different companies for those things!

Good luck!

thought of something else...

if there aren't 2 photographers...you should make sure that they shoot in 2 1/4...that way the film cartridges can be removed before the roll is up and put back in...

this way you can get b/w and color...at any time

I also only sent TY cards to close family and friends- but not to save money. I just didn't feel like wasting money on photos that would be tossed after the 2 weeks on the frig. The wallet size TY photos are not going to eat up really any of your photo budget anyway. Not all brides/groom give parent albums either. Some give 2 8x10s instead or something like that.

I think photos are the last place to try and save money really. They will outlive us. Our great grandchild will look at them. Give a less expensive favor, or perhaps have a smaller centerpiece in order to get the best quality photos possible.

here is a list of questions i received from another bride. good luck!

1 Name

2 Address

3 Phone Number

4 Contact Person

5 Are you available for our wedding day?

6 Who will take the pictures on my wedding day?

7 How may cameras will you use?

8 What kind of cameras are they?

9 Do you use medium format?

10 Do you bring back up equipment with you?

11 How long have you been photographing weddings?

12 (Make sure that the photographer you choose is going to work your ceremony AND reception)

13 Have you ever photographed at our ceremony site?

14 Have you ever photographed at our reception site?

15 Have you ever won any awards?

16 Do you belong to any associations?

17 Can we see some of your previous wedding work?

18 Do you like to use candid shots or posed shots?

19 Will you tell someone that their hair is out of place or to straighten their dress or tie?

20 Will you tell someone how to position their hands, standing placement, etc?

21 Do you use black and white, as well as color film?

22 Do you know how to diffuse lighting and use soft lighting?

23 Can you take studio portraits?

24 Are bridal portraits included in your packages?

25 Where are bridal portraits taken? Can we have them taken at preferred locations?

26 Will you preview the site ahead of time?

27 Can you attend the rehearsal?

28 What kind of equipment/setup do you need?

29 When should we reserve your services?

30 DO you require a deposit? How Much

31 When is the deposit due?

32 Do you allow installment payments?

33 When is balance due?

34 What prices do you charge for you services?

35 What packages do you offer?

36 What do you wear to the event?

37 Are proofs available for purchase? How much

38 Are negatives available for purchase? How much?

39 How much will it cost for additional copies, additional options?

40 How much time?

41 Do you charge for overtime of additional hours?

42 How many pictures will be taken?

43 Style of photography?

44 Do you take B & W pictures?

45 Is there an extra charge for B & W?

46 What do extra pages in album cost?

47 What do reprints of work cost?

48 How many photos in an album?

49 Parents albums?

50 When will the proofs be ready?

51 When will the album be ready?

52 What if we are not satisfied with your work?

53 Do you guarantee your work?

54 Is there a cancellation fee?

55 What if you become injured or ill prior to our date?

56 How do you coordinate with the videographer?

57 How will you dress for the wedding?

58 Can you give us a list of references?

59
60 After meeting comments:

61 Will we feel comfortable working with this person?

62 Are the sample photos well framed?

63 Is the lighting appropriate?

64 Are some photos overexposed? Underexposed?

65 Can you see details?

66 Do the people seem relaxed and natural?

67 Did his references have a positive experience?

68 Did he fill their orders promptly?

your question list was awsome. i printed them all out. i never would have thought of half of them.
one question though- whats the difference between digital and traditional shots?