Proofs

I have not booked my photographer yet (I have a couple of appointments this week), and I was wondering what the most important questions to ask are. Also, how many proofs should I expect to receive, is there a minimum/maximum number of photos that will be taken, or do I need to tell them how many I want. Thank you all in advance.

Questions

I would ask how many pictures they take. It usually depends on the package. I went with a pretty basic package and it was about 300 proofs. Also ask if you get to keep the proofs and or the negatives. Some places only give you proofs on the most expensive packages. Most places I know do not give the negatives, but some do and you should ask. How many photographers will be there. Does he price include an assistant (either another photographer or lighting assistant) also make sure you see the work of the photographer that you will be using. Sometimes they show you pictures of one photographer but then a different photographer shows up at your wedding (if it's a big studio w/several photographers). You can check out www.blissweddings.com They have a whole planner online and questions to ask each vendor. That might be able to help you out. GOOD LUCK!

Questions

Dear Annie, You're going about it all wrong. When starting to look for a photographer people tend to ask how much? and how many? You should ask yourself how you feel about the pictures. When you look at an album do you feel the way the bride's father did when he danced with his daughter. Were all the details that the bride spent a year putting together photographed? Don't pick a photographer because he gives you an extra $20 8x10. Your day is more important than reducing it to how many and how much.

Vendor Replies

I really don't think that a vendor reply belongs on this board. That's what the vendor board is for. Price does matter to some of us who are on a budget. That's my two cents. Sorry but that post really bothered me.

more ???'s to ask..

I also asked..if Black & whites are included..and ask what style of photography they do..do you like traditional, non traditional, photojournalistic, b&w, candids..sephia tones..etc. An important thing for us, was we asked how long it would take after the ceremony to do our formals..some told us an hour..some said 20 min...we want to be at most of our cocktail hour, so that was something important to us. Good Luck :)

more ???`s to ask..

I agree with Michelle, the B&W was a big thing for me too. And all the things she asked are great questions.

Vendor Replies

I agree that vendors should not be voicing their opinions on this board. Verdi happens to be a more expensive photographer and that could be why he made the comments he did. What I wanted: Figure out what you want and need. My mother did not want a parent book, but instead some 8x10s to display. I also wanted to give my bridal party 5x7s. I did not want a 16x20 of myself, but most places substituted and worked with what i needed. All places I went to gave the proofs (some in a book, some just as is), and I asked everyone about the negatives and all said you could buy them for $100-300 after 6 months-3 years. Some places stay only to the cake cutting. This wasn't really important to me, because I felt most pictures would be taken by then. You should definitely decide if you want b/w, photojournalism, to see each other before the ceremony before you go. Ask about second photographers and assistants...and make sure everything is on your contract. I fthere is only one photographer...they really should have a camera that shoots in 2 1/4 rather than 35mm. 2 1/4 allows you to switch films easy (color to b/w).

Vendors should only be posting on the vendor board! *NM*