Wedding Forum - Questions to ask when looking for a...

you should go with an idea of what you want to tell them and work from there

Hi ya babe there is a thread with loads of questions for your photographer somewhere?
I will try and find it and bump it up for you :-)

ohh thanks hails x

HMMMM I can't seem to find it But I did find this ON LINE:-)
Hope it helps and sorry its a bit long lol

You’ve put so much time and effort into planning your wedding you’ll want every special moment captured for your photo album. But how do you know which photographer is right for you? Whether you’re considering any of our Certified By The Guide wedding photographers or another professional, you need to do your homework.

Here are the questions you should ask those photographers who’ve made your short list, to ensure that the one you ultimately choose is a good fit for you and your wedding.

Questions to ask the photographer:


The Basics

1.Do you have my date available? NOTE: Obviously, if the answer is NO and you’re not willing or able to change your date, don’t bother asking the rest of these questions.

2.How far in advance do I need to book with you?

3.How long have you been in business?

4.How many weddings have you shot? Have you done many that were similar to mine in size and style?

5.How would you describe your photography style (e.g. traditional, photojournalistic, creative)? NOTE: It’s helpful to know the differences between wedding photography styles so that you can discuss your preferences with your photographer. For descriptions of the various styles, click here.

6.How would you describe your working style? NOTE: The answer should help you determine whether this is a photographer who blends into the background and shoots what unfolds naturally, or creates a more visible presence by taking charge and choreographing shots.

7.What do you think distinguishes your work from that of other photographers?

8.Do you have a portfolio I can review? Are all of the images yours, and is the work recent?

9.What type of equipment do you use?

10.Are you shooting in digital or film format or both? NOTE: The general consensus seems to be that either format yields excellent photos in the hands of an experienced professional, and that most people can’t tell the difference between film or digital images anyway. For more info on the two formats check out the following:

11.Do you shoot in color and black & white? Both? Infrared? NOTE: Photographers who shoot in a digital format can make black & white or sepia versions of color photos.

12.Can I give you a list of specific shots we would like?

13.Can you put together a slideshow of the engagement session (along with other photos the couple provides) and show it during the cocktail hour? What about an “instant” slideshow of the ceremony?

14.What information do I need to provide you before the wedding day?

15.Have you ever worked with my florist? DJ? Coordinator, etc.? NOTE: Some vendors have great working relationships that help things go smoothly. It’s especially helpful if your videographer and photographer work well together.

16.May I have a list of references? NOTE: The photographer should not hesitate to provide this.



The Shoot

17.Are you the photographer who will shoot my wedding? If so, will you have any assistants with you on that day? If not, who will be taking the pictures and can I meet them before my wedding? NOTE: You should ask the questions on this list of whoever is going to be the primary photographer at your event, and that photographer’s name should be on your contract.

18.Do you have backup equipment? What about a backup plan if you (or my scheduled photographer) are unable to shoot my wedding for some reason?

19.If my wedding site is out of your area, do you charge a travel fee and what does that cover?

20.Are you photographing other events on the same day as mine?

21.How will you (and your assistants) be dressed? NOTE: The photographer and his/her staff should look professional and fit in with the style of your event.

22.Is it okay if other people take photos while you’re taking photos?

23.Have you ever worked at my wedding site before? If not, do you plan to check it out in advance? NOTE: Photographers who familiarize themselves with a location ahead of time will be prepared for any lighting issues or restrictions, and will know how best to incorporate the site’s architectural elements into the photos.

24.What time will you arrive at the site and for how long will you shoot?

25.If my event lasts longer than expected, will you stay? Is there an additional charge?


Packages, Proofs and Prints

26.What packages do you offer?

27.Can I customize a package based on my needs?

28.Do you include engagement photos in your packages?

29.What type of album designs do you offer? Do you provide any assistance in creating an album?

30.Do you provide retouching, color adjustment or other corrective services?

31.How long after the wedding will I get the proofs? Will they be viewable online? On a CD?

32.What is the ordering process?

33.How long after I order my photos/album will I get them?

34.Will you give me the negatives or the digital images, and is there a fee for that?


Contracts and Policies

35.When will I receive a written contract? TIP: Don’t book a photographer—or any vendor—who won’t provide a written contract.

36.How much of a deposit do you require and when is it due? Do you offer a payment plan?

37.What is your refund/cancellation policy?

38.Do you have liability insurance?


Questions to ask yourself:

1.Do I feel a connection with this photographer as well as his/her photos? Are our personalities a good match?

2.Am I comfortable with this person’s work and communication style?

3.Has this photographer listened well and addressed all my concerns?

Check references. Ask the photographer for at least 5 references, preferably of couples whose wedding was similar to yours in size and/or style. Getting feedback from several people who have actually hired the photographer in question can really help you decide if that person is right for you.

sorry lol

make sure you do your research on what type of photography you want. a lot of photographers now do the americam bridesmaids on one side and groomsmen on the other. personally i hate that shot especially if you have more bridemaids than grooms men. looks odd.

also query about reportage, its the most natural photos that make the day, there are some beautiful ones my dad has taken (he's a photographer and has done around 30 or more weddings) and they where caught on a whim. look up photos you like, and give them an idea of what you want. formal is great but can be very stiff, you know, fake smiles etc, also look at photo albums, see if you can do it cheaper, buy the photo disk and get an album done yourself, they have some quality albums that won't cost you £1000's of pounds to have put together. maple framing are good for albums my dad uses them!


just remember to ask and research what you want. show him/her different photos of things off the internet, and give them a clue on the style you want.

A wedding i was a bridesmaid at recently took no indiviual shots of the bridesmaids, no full group shots of the bridesmaids and hardly any of the families. plus his special shots left a lot to be desired, the bride is happy with them, but i wouldn't have paid him fully for what he did. just because someone has a fancy camera doesn't make them a photographer, its about taking the risk and doing something different!

sorry forgot! brains in a tizz today, had some bad news!

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welcome

bump for mrse2b

Thanks Griff :)
xx

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Copied and pasted in from another thread:

Talk to them as people. Are they interested in your wedding? Do they enjoy what they do? Or are they just after your money? You know what I mean-those who think it's a chore, those who moan "can't go out this weekend, got a bloody wedding" etc, etc,

Take a good long look at their work.Once you see their work, it should really excite you, it should really "talk" to you.
Also their work should have a feel of "vibrancy" about it. If they just look like snaps taken in a rush, then alarm bells should ring! Also look at the price. You do get what you're paid for in this world, so the cheapest isn't necessarily the best.

Ask about what you will get for your cash. Will you get a DVD slideshow? Will you be getting an album of your day? Most will charge extra for this but please, don't skimp on anything. Our wedding, for example, our biggest outlay is going on the photographer, and what she wants, she will get! lol

Will they be with you for the while day? (i.e. from getting ready right through to first dance and beyond) If this is the case, you should expect about 1500 or so shots.

To a degree, take no notice of those who have won awards for god knows what else-all they prove is that someone else of stature likes their work more than anyone else, so once that happens, There's only one way the price is going to go-and that is northwards! Be warned!:-) If you *do* find an award-winning photographer that you genuinely like, and are thinking of booking him/her, then *ask what the price would be had they not won such awards.*- and don't be afraid to ask-it's your money, and they want your business.

Most professional photographers (good ones!) tend to shoot on their own, with the occasional second shoot apprentice working alongside. Will the person you're seeing be the one shooting your wedding? If not, ask why? Not happy? Vote with your feet.


If you look at their portfolio, and you get the hairs on the back of your neck stand up, then you have your man!
(or in our case, woman!)

Also a good photographer will have the ability to take one single shot that will capture you're entire day without even looking at the rest of the shoot. But while your looking for your photographer, one thing you *must* do is; HAVE FUN:O))) You'll be amazed how enjoyable it is once you get going, trust me:o)

I've put a link on your wall with details of the girl who we're using. Hopefully that should point you in the right direction.

HTH

Clive

Actually Simon, I think it's perfectly reasonable to ask if your photographer has a complaints procedure. Whilst none of us want our photographs to be awful, sometimes things can happen and we are just looking for some reassurance that there is a procedure to follow should anything go wrong.

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aww hails ur a ledge! been looking for something like this for a few days! thats spot on xXx

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Brill! Thanks x Hails x

Thanks hun. I have asked already as that's one of the things I wanted, no point in meeting people who don't agree to that and I will defo be checking whatever contract they give us x

Bumping to the top of the page :-)

first of all i would check out their website, then when you go to see them see if you feel comfortable with them, check their studio out looks at their photos imp ask them how much it will be to have copy rights of the disc as they add on extra £££ if you want it after the wedding many people get confused if their having a photography package and it says the discs inc it doesnt mean its the copy right always ask xx

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just found this,. its an old one but seems to be useful :)

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