RP from 08: Questions to ask photographers?

I'm meeting 2 photographers this weekend.....is there a list floating around somewhere that has questions that I should ask them at the appts?

Tia!

one's for sure .. find out if you have to them .. do you get to keep your proofs.. turn around time for proofs to come back .. ability to remove any imperfections that may appear w/out a fee

this is what i could find for now...

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!!

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?

Thank you so much for all those questions