Questions for Your Wedding Photographer

Questions for Your Wedding Photographer

The ones everyone asks and the one you should be asking instead!

Time and again in a consult with potential clients, they come in with their binder or spreadsheet with articles titled “Questions for Your Wedding Photographer” that they have gotten from places like theknot.com.  Of course wanting to do due diligence they want to be sure to ask questions because hiring a wedding photographer is a big deal and let’s face it; it can be quite daunting!

So I am going to answer all the questions here and most any full-time professional will be able to answer these is a very similar way.  What then?  Then we all still look the same.

But what we really need to do is get on to the question that really makes a difference.

So here are my answers to the list of questions (and why they think it’s important)  found here:  httpss://www.theknot.com/content/questions-to-ask-wedding-photographer

 

What style(s) do you specialize in?

Mostly photojournalistic (read: emphasis on telling the story through photos) with a touch of portraiture for documentation purposes.

Will the photos be retouched and color balanced? Is that done before I see the proofs?

All images are color-corrected and edited to my unique style.  Images in the album or wall art are also retouched.

How many weddings have you shot, and how many do you do in a year? Also, what’s your favorite part of a wedding day and time of year to shoot? Why you want to know: You only have one chance to get amazing wedding photos, so you’ll want to hire someone who knows how to get those shots under pressure (read: someone who shoots weddings for a living, not your old college roommate who takes pictures as a hobby).

I have been photographing portraits since 2003 and currently do 90% wedding work.  My favorite part of the wedding day is usually when the groom sees his bride.  My favorite time of year to photograph is harder to pin down.  I love them all!

Do you shoot both digital and film?

I began my portrait career in the days of film but use digital now.

What exactly is included in your packages?

Whatever you want can be in your package.   Every time I came up with a list of packages there were always additions and exclusions.  Rather than trying to fit a square peg in a round hole, let’s create a package for your day…not someone else’s.

How many hours of coverage do we get? What is the charge for overtime?

Again, what do you want covered?  Don’t really know?  That’s ok.  Before we create your package we will do mock timeline of your day to see how much coverage you really need.  I bet you’ll be surprised!

What is the deposit and total fee?

The retainer is 30% of your package and is due to secure your date.

Will you be my actual photographer, or will it be one of your associates?

I will be your photographer unless something extreme happens that prohibits me from being there (I got food poisoning once on a Friday night…blech!).  If that is the case, I will send a colleague to make sure your day is covered.

Do you have backup photographers who will shoot the wedding if you’re sick?

See above

Will there be a second shooter or any assistants? Is there an additional fee for each (if applicable)?

I do bring an assistant and that is included in your collection.

How long after the wedding do we get to see the photos?

I am generally ready to set up an appointment for you to view your proofs and album layout within 3 weeks.

How do you coordinate with my videographer? How do you envision working together?

As professionals in the wedding industry, I anticipate working with videographers to get you the best result from each of us.  It is important to know from you which you prefer to take precedence should a choice need to be made in a given situation.

How many weddings do you do a weekend?

I only photograph one wedding a weekend.

Have you ever shot at my venue(s) before?

While I have photographed at many area venues, I, of course have not photographed them all.  In the cases where I haven’t, I will do a site visit prior to the wedding day and you and your fiancé are welcome to come along so we can plan together.

Will you follow a shot list? Or do you prefer to have free reign to capture the festivities how you see fit?

Yes and no.  If you have a specific shot or two that you want, by all means tell me.  From there I will photograph your day as it unfolds rather than orchestrating a bunch of shots.  I much prefer to make the photography about the day rather than the day about the photography.

What type of paper will you use for the prints and album?

Archival, heirloom quality prints and albums that will stand the test of time.

What are the restrictions for sharing photos online or for publication? Do you own the copyright to the photos?

You are welcome to share images online.  I will provide you with a set for that specific purpose.

Do you bring your own lighting?

Of course!

What will you wear?

Professional yet practical attire with the intent of blending in to the surroundings.

 

OK, now on to the questions that really make a difference.

Be confident that your memories will be captured perfectly

Contact

Fine Art Wedding Photography