11 Questions You MUST Ask Your Photographer
July 27, 2007 by Katie
Filed under Little Tips, Resources & Checklists, Wedding Vendors
Photographs may be the best thing to look back on once the wedding is over. It’s important to get exactly what you want! Ask these questions to photographers as you interview them. We give you some idea of what to look for in their answers.
Do you specialize in color or in black and white?
You want a vendor who can do both, but someone who specializes in what you want the most of. Say you have your heart set on black and white photography? Pick someone who specializes in that!
Do you use digital technology?
Digital cameras allow the photographer to do a lot of special effects and some other unique things. Using digital is also another way to stay green. Less chemicals are needed to develop your photographs!
What is your style?
Whether it be traditional or photojournalistic that you prefer, make sure you see examples of both. You may love the story-telling style of photojournalism, but traditional formal pictures are also a great thing to look back on.
May we see your portfolio?
When you ask this, make sure you see an entire wedding, not just the best shots from a number of different weddings. You want to see his work from start to finish, not just “The Best Ofâ€.
How do you charge? Do you have package prices or charge by the hour and for prints?
This will depend on the photographer. Make sure what they offer fits your budget!
How many hours are included?
Keep in mind when scheduling that often photographers start shooting 90 minutes prior to the start of the event. You want them to capture all the important moments, like the ceremony, the first dance, and cake cutting. As the party winds down, they probably won’t be needed.
How many pictures will be taken?
Again, this depends on the photographer. Some take unlimited pictures in a given time, other shoot simply a number of pictures, no matter how long it takes. With a photojournalistic style, go for time, not number of pictures. You don’t want to miss a great photo op. just because you passed your 300 picture limit!
Who keeps/owns the negatives?
Photographers make their money off of selling you prints. If they give you the negatives, you’ll be able to make prints yourself. While this might seem like a good deal, it might mean the photographer is somewhat inexperienced or is charging you too much in other places. Look at all the aspects of the photographer before making your final decision.
What types of cameras will be used?
This will vary from photographer to photographer. Using the most up-to-date equipment is important, unless you are specifically going for a vintage of film-only feel.
How long after the wedding will we get to see pictures?
Make sure you have a length of time written in the contract. Without it, you may never see you wedding photographs again!
Will the pictures be available online?
This is a great way to share your photographs with your family and friends. This may also allow the photographer to sell more pictures to those wanting to purchase some.
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Craig on Fri, 5th Dec 2008 11:12 am
One of the most important questions to ask is whether or not your
photographer carrys backup cameras AND lighting equipment. It
doesn’t take much for one of these to fail at the worst possible
moment. A skilled veteran photographer will always plan for the
worst case scenario.
Craig
http://www.lusterstudios.com