Questions to ask photographer?

I'm going to meet with my first photographer tomorrow (I'm so excited!), but I want to be prepared and ask them all of the right questions. Any suggestions? I blank out easily!

Re: Questions to ask photographer?

How long have you been in business?
How long have you been photographing weddings?
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?
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 portraits available?
How soon after the wedding will the proofs be ready?
What other services do you provide?
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?
What album styles are available?
What sizes of prints are offered?
Do you offer mini gift albums for reletives?
What is the cost of additional prints?
How many photographers will be assigned to my wedding?
What time will they arrive/ depart?
How many portraits and how many candids will you shoot?
Are the proofs included in a package, or can they be purchased?
How many months advanced notice is required to reserve a photographer?
What is the approximate cost?

Are special mountings available, and at what cost?
How will the photographer and crew be dressed

Re: Questions to ask photographer?

You are the best! Thanks!

Re: Questions to ask photographer?

See if you get to keep the negatives. I found some photographers will not give them to you, some want you to buy them from them a year later, and some include them in the package.

Re: Questions to ask photographer?

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Posted by kel2004

See if you get to keep the negatives. I found some photographers will not give them to you, some want you to buy them from them a year later, and some include them in the package.

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or in a digital case, the dvd. I know some photographers like to hold on to them for a few years, (thinking that your are going to produce your own pictures )

Re: Questions to ask photographer?

I'm very nervous because on the one hand, I have heard this photographer is very over priced, but on the other hand I LOVE their work. I'm afraid I am going to slap down a deposit just because Ilike what I see. Argh! Thank god JT is coming. He's the voice of reason!

Re: Questions to ask photographer?

I asked mine why they preferred digital over film, what do they do in case of an emergency, how they handle tought situations and to describe their particular style. What moments do they capture, what elements do they believe make a good shot? How long to get proofs and then album?