Questions for the Photographer?

Please help. I know it's been asked before, but I did a search, and I can't find it.

I am meeting with my first photographer Wednesday night and I'm not sure what I should ask.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

Main concerns for me was how many proofs, how many pictures to an album, what sizes are the pictures, what do the proofs come in, ( Patkens come in a little album, I think)..ask if they have an engagement session, ask ther style, for example traditional, photojournalistic, ask how many hours they arrive before the wedding, how long they stay for, try and negotiate the negatives...hmmm..I think thats it, you can usually negotiate in prices..best of luck, take your time, look through all of their work, get what works best for you and your budget!!!

Try to get as much as possible in writing. Are you going with a studio or an independent photographer? If you are going with a studio, make sure that the person you meet with puts their name on the contract so they can't stick you someone else the day of your wedding. If you want B&W's, see if they'll throw a roll in for free & find out how many pics are on a roll. Our photog said he would throw in a roll of B&W & I just got my proofs back & there are only 11 B&W pics. I was furious but my DH had a good point. He said we actually never asked how many pics there were on a roll. Ask about parent albums, bridal party pictures, etc.

Also, if you do negotiate the negatives, find out whether or not you will still need a letter from the company authorizing you to make prints. My SIL had to do that with her negatives.
GL!

Here's a list I got from the Knot that I saved:

Your wedding pictures will define your memories of the big day for the rest of your life, so it's very important to choose the right photographer. To help you make the best choice, we've compiled a list of 16 questions to ask potential 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?


If parent albums are important to you, aks if those are included, ask whether or not you get the negatives, how may pics are in the albums, what sizes, how much for ordering extra photos - what size are the proofs and
does the photog stamp his name on the proofs- my photo shot over 800 photos and all my proofs were 4x6 so I kept all of them and they are regular size to give out, frame or keep myself. GOOD LUCK!!

If you are going with a small company that has only one or two photographers, ask what their contingency plan is in the event the photographer couldn't make it.

Some Questions...May have duplicates...

How many rolls of film does your package price include? How many shots are on a roll? (Do not assume 36 pictures to a roll – medium format photographers may only get 10-15 shots per roll) How many rolls do you typically shoot for a _____ hour wedding?
How much are additional rolls of film? (Some photographers will charge an outrageous price for rolls in excess of your package)

Do you work with an assistant holding a second, synchronized flash unit? If not, how do you eliminate shadows? How do you separate people with dark hair from the background?

Who is the owner of the negatives and image copyrights after the wedding? If it's not us, how do we get reprints? How much does a 4x6 print cost? How much does an 8x10 print cost? When can we have access to these negatives?

(If digital) May we have the RAW (or if Nikon, NEF) image files? (RAW/NEF files are the digital equivalent to negatives)
May we have 2 or 3 usable copies of every picture you shoot? If not included, how much? May we have all pictures scanned to CD?

Who will actually be doing the shooting? Are we looking at that person's portfolio? May we meet that person?

Have you disclosed ALL fees? Are there hidden charges that will surprise us later?
Do you have insurance? [Many wedding venues require that photographers provide proof of insurance for $1,000,000 per occurrence. Also: lack of an insurance policy may mean a lack of experience shooting weddings]

What type (brand and model) of camera do you use? What lenses do you use? What backup gear do you bring? Please show me. [Note: if digital, see 'Notes on Digital' below]

How do you keep yourself organized? [Note: Ask this question and then keep quiet - - you'll want to hear a rock solid, confident answer here. Photographers are artists, and artists are often disorganized. To shoot a wedding properly, you absolutely, positively must be organized.

How do you meter light for formals? Do you use the meter built into the camera or an external light meter? [Note: there is a right answer and a wrong answer to this question. Using an external light meter is much, much more reliable and less risky than using the meter built into the camera for formals.]


More helpful information on selecting a photographer in NYC:
Watch for burn-out. Imagine a play with the same cast, working with the same script 6 days a week for 15 years. Unwatchable, right? Similarly, wedding photography is an art - - be sure to select an artist, and make sure she loves what she is doing and not just going through the motions.

Notes on digital:
If the right camera is used, digital has just (early 2004) come of age for color work. However, for black and white, old fashioned film absolutely produces better and classier results.

Digital should be less expensive: there are no costs associated with film and processing.
The right digital camera is everything: insist on no less than the current state-of-the-art 12 megapixel images - - this is necessary for high-quality crops and blown up images.

Currently only TWO professional digital cameras exist with these specs: the Canon D1s and Nikon D2x. These cameras are expensive - around five to eight thousand dollars.

If great black and whites are important to you, be sure that your digital photographer is shooting his black and white on traditional black and white film. Black and white images created from digital images are almost always flat, grey, and mediocre.

Avoid Snobs. Some of New York's more established photographers have an attitude. Avoid them. A pompous attitude does not make a great photographer. Pick someone who you'd like to have a cup of coffee with, and who'd probably enjoy having a cup of coffee with you.

Versatility is key. Check the photographer's portfolio for his/her versatility. Does she shoot indoors and outdoors? Does he use interesting and varied backgrounds? Lighting techniques? Is he afraid to take risks?
Don't let your photographer do your album. Wedding photographers generally delegate the wedding album assembly to an employee making $8 - $15/hr. Do you think they'll put the same amount of effort into your album as you or one of your artistic friends would? For a complete guide on how to create a great wedding album, purchase The Photographer's Guide to Wedding Album Design and Sales by Bob Coates, available at amazon.com for $29.95.

Notes on Black and White Film:
There are two types of Black and White Film: Traditional and 'minilab process'.
Traditional Black and White film is more difficult and expensive to process, but it creates much higher quality images.
Wedding photographers should be using Traditional film, and most do. However, I've heard of an increasing number of wedding photographers cutting corners by using 'minilab process' black and white film.
There are three types of 'minilab process' black and white films available in USA: Kodak TCN-400, Kodak Portra BW, and Ilford XP2. These should be avoided.
There are many types of traditional black and white films. The most common in USA are: Kodak Tri-X and T-MAX and Ilford Delta and HP5.

Chemistry is everything. You'll be spending every minute of the most emotional day of your life with this person.

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Posted by jessicasims

Hi,

I agree that Agentagel seems to be a bit behgind the times - some of the best photographers out there these days use digital cameras, no flash, and use the in camera metering systems - they stay out of the way, they are unobtrusive and they create some of the most beautiful candid shots ever.

These people are experts at what they do - you shouldnt ask them so much stuff about their craft. The only thing you need to see are results.

1. Look at their work - is it in a style that you want - do you like what they do.

2. If so then meet with them, do they appear professional. Thats all you need to knwo about them.

3. Read their contracts - make sure you know what exactly they will do...

4. And finally ask their advice, what can I di to make sure we can create some beautiful pictures, how can we help, what do you need to know.

At the end of the day, if you are not a 'price' shopper but are shopping by quality of finished product, ie their portfolio, then who cares how they produce it, all you need ask is that they do the same for you....

If you are going to haggle over rolls of film then you are going to only get the cheapo photographers that like to undercut. You wont get quality.

Other points - I know from my husbands camera that RAW is an optional format that some pros use - many of the top ones just use JPEG - and some of the best use one camera, one lens, and no flash...dont assume that the guy with thye most equipment is going to produce the best pictures, thats not usually the case...

You get what you pay for in the weddings world I'm afraid... hope this helps...

Jessica

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Wow! You got engaged in '98 and are getting married in 2011?

My only concerns were 1. Who is shooting my wedding (since I went with someone who has their own studio, this wasn't an issue) and 2. Did I get along with that person and feel comfortable with them. I barely asked any of these questions as they mostly provided all that to me.

I do agree though, about getting as much as you can in writing.

old.. but a post people are still reading!!!

i am the same i am trying to get some photographers in a price range based on what they offer and the samples i see online..if i like what see online..then when i visit NY, i want to see who i am more comfortable with... photographer/photographee relationship is very important for good pictures!!! the more comfortable you are with the photographer the better they can shoot YOU... the more comfortable you are the better the pics.. and the photographer play a roll in that!

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Posted by nov2004bride

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Posted by jessicasims

Hi,

I agree that Agentagel seems to be a bit behgind the times - some of the best photographers out there these days use digital cameras, no flash, and use the in camera metering systems - they stay out of the way, they are unobtrusive and they create some of the most beautiful candid shots ever.

Jessica

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Wow! You got engaged in '98 and are getting married in 2011?

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Thanks for noticing that! Both of those people only have 1 posts...hmmm...And from the name of the first one I can make a guess which vendor that original post was from...

For the record, those questions are not my questions. Those questions are from a well reputed photographer who is able to answer all those questions positively. So yes it is doable. Every photographer has their own style - those were just things that he suggested to look out for as an informed consumer.
http://www.aaronrichardcohen.com/list-of-questions.htm

I didn't go with him because he primarily does digital and we wanted film but talking to him was very informative.

Sounds like a spieal from I photographer I met with, at least if you are going to be a vendor posing as a bride dont repeat the same things you say in your sales pitch someone will recognize it and expose you.