Brides have so many things to think about we thought we would give you a quick reference for what you should be asking of the photographers you meet with and a little bit of why you should ask. Don't be shy about taking a list of questions with you (ok if you need a scroll for them all that might be a bit much). You will feel better about your decision if you ask beforehand and know you are making an informed decision.
Questions to pose to your potential photographer:
Who will be photographing my wedding and is this album an example of his/her work?
It is important to see the work of the actual person capturing your wedding day. You would hate to find out later that the images your saw were by someone no longer there, covering another wedding or a sample album put out by an album company and not even the work of anyone at the studio. Don’t be shocked this happens more than you would expect.
How many years has the photographer, covering my wedding, been photographing weddings on their own?
Technical ability, creativity and experience are important for great wedding images. Your wedding day is not the time to find out the photographer has been assisting for a year, but your wedding is his first on his own. Many photographers will make it sound like they are very cosmopolitan- ask to see proof books from the last 10 weddings they did on their own.
Were you hired to create these images? IE- are these from real weddings, hired bridal magazine shoots, paid commercial shoots or commissioned bridal sessions.
There are unfortunately some groups that promote photographers to hire models to shoot for samples. Shooting a model for your portfolio is nothing like a real wedding or wedding session. Be sure to see complete weddings in addition to some great images. You would hate to find out there were only 3 good images from the whole day. Many great photographers can blend their fashion magazine work with actual weddings just be sure to see both since your wedding most likely wont have a crew of 20 standing at the ready.
Were any of your images from a workshop with a professional?
This may sound really odd, but unfortunately there is a trend for new photographers to go to workshops, conventions etc and to shoot over the shoulder of an established photographer to build their portfolio. The professional is lighting, posing and running the shoot. So while they may have a great image it really isn't the photographer sitting before yous creativity or talent. You don't want to find out after your wedding that this is the case.
Do you carry back up equipment for everything you use and is it the same quality as your primary equipment?
Equipment can break or get damaged. Not often. But it breaks more often than you get married. Veteran Professionals will carry back up cameras, flashes, extra CF cards, lenses, brackets and basically anything they use to create the images you dreaming of.
We had a lens taken out by a rouge champagne cork once- nobody’s fault, but we just switched out and never missed a dance.
Are my wedding portraits printed on traditional photographic paper?
Even with digital the finished prints should be on traditional photographic paper for maximum lifespan and quality. Dye sub and inkjets may be trendy, but 20 years from now you wouldn’t want a faded wedding portrait hanging in your home. Albums that are not exposed to constant light have a little more latitude.
Do you work with an assistant, are they trained and what are they responsible for?
You don’t want to find out at your wedding that the assistant shoots the reception or the you are thinking the assistant also takes photos only to find out that they carry the equipment.
How long do you keep the negatives/digital files? Are they available for sale?
Keep in mind that while you may be able to purchase the digital negatives a photographer can not control the quality output of a lab you take it to. They aren’t being cruel, it is just out of their control.
If I buy the negatives can I do anything I want with them?
Usually photographers will grant personal usage rights if you purchase the digital negatives. This is not the same as copyright. Basically, it allows you to print images for your own personal enjoyment or say gifts for mom and dad. It does not allow you to sell the images or supply them to a third party for commercial use.
How much will EVERYTHING cost?
Ask about things like albums, travel fees, booking fees, creation fees, 2nd location reception fees, bridal portrait sittings, engagement sittings, special processing, rep-prints. Sometimes things sound affordable at first and end up a lot higher than expected.
How will you be dressed?
This may seem odd, but you want your professionals to blend and not stand out. Bright red shirts could be distracting. Keep in mind that expecting a photographer to wear a suit or gown might prevent them from working efficiently and grabbing that perfect shot.
Finally if you see a product that you like and your photographer doesn’t offer it- ask why.
Sometimes there are reasons we don’t carry products. For example I like the metallic album covers, but they do not wear well. In a couple months it looks like a brillo pad has been stored with your album. They now have some plastic alternatives, but they don’t thrill me. Could we order it- yes, if you really wanted it.
Some interesting questions we have come a crossed that we thought we might share:
We were at a wedding and we saw the photographer in buffet line ahead of guests- isn't that rude?
As a guest this would seem odd! The reasoning I would bet is that the only real down time a photographer gets is when the bride and groom are eating. Which is maybe 15-20 minutes. If they were to wait until after all the guests they would be out of luck. Now I know you are thinking why should they eat. What most people don't think about is that the photography staff may have been shooting since 10 am- it is now 4pm and this may be the ONLY break they've had all day and most likely have a few more hours to go. You don't want your photographer falling over from low blood sugar! 20 minutes out of 8 hours is more than fair.
If I'm paying my photographer/ DJ etc to work my wedding why should I pay for their dinner?
If you have a vendor working with you all day at some point food is an issue. Most of our weddings we have been asked to eat, but I'm perfectly content to hang in a separate area from the festivities to grab a bite. Keep in mind if you ask your vendor to leave the ballroom to eat you can't expect them to be responsible for things that happen during that time. So if Uncle Joe starts up some heart warming toast that makes everyone cry and we are excused to another room you may not have that image.
What is a vendor meal, the venue said I could do that to save money?
Sometimes it is a PB&J and bag of chips. Be sure to ask so you aren't embarrassed later when you find out that you just saved $10 but paid $20 for PB & J.
Why do photographers point that little thing at people? (thing being the scientific term for light meter)
Light meters can give an accurate reading of the amount and temperature of the light at that given moment. This can allow a photographer to make not only exposure decisions, but to make adjustments for artistic purposes.
Is it rude to show my photographer pictures someone else did... that I like?
Not at all. In fact if brides see things they like and share that with their photographer it can tell the photographer a lot about the bride. Your photographer may see a pattern in what you are drawn to. Just be sure that you have selected a photographer that can deliver what you are hoping for and remember that if what you love in the photo is the $25,000 rose arch- you should give that to your florist instead!
Now that you are armed with a wealth of information you can book your wedding photographer as an informed bride!
