Questions
to ask a potential photographer:
1. How many weddings have you shot?
How long have you been in business?
Find
out how many weddings the photographer has shot. He/she may have been a
professional photographer for 15 years, but only doing weddings for the past
year. Remember, wedding photography is much different than any other type of
photography. With such experience
comes not only the knowledge of how to photograph a wedding, but also how to
act during the ceremony and reception. For example, how will he dress and how
will he act to your wedding party and guests? Finally, find out if the photographer has shot at your
wedding venue before. If he has, he may know of places to get good shots or
ways to capture moments the best.
2. What type of equipment do you
use? Do you have back-up equipment?
Although
you may not be a professional photographer yourself, you should know what type
of camera and equipment your photographer will be using during your event. You
may find that you are more particular about it than you think. For example, there are advantages to
both digital and film that you may want to consider. Both produce high quality
images, but some say film produces better pictures when enlarged. Others
contend that digital pictures are easier to manipulate and produce. In the end, if the photographer uses a
digital camera, make sure it takes images of at least 8 mega pixels or larger.
If film is the photographer's preference, make sure they use professional grade
film instead of consumer quality film.
Just like every photographer should bring along an assistant to help him
during your wedding, every photographer needs backup equipment in case his
original equipment fails. Flashes, lenses and cameras should all come in
multiples. Extra batteries, film and memory cards are also a must.
3. Can I see your portfolio?
Would
you hire a baker without trying a sample (or 12) of their cakes? This might
seem obvious, but many brides take it for granted that a photographer with an
established business must ooze talent. Sometimes, that's not the case. Most upstanding photographers publish
digital portfolios online, which will help you weed out the less-than-stellar
candidates. Be sure to take into consideration the diversity of their shots,
their use of lighting and how comfortable the photos' subjects appear. A truly
talented photographer can get even the stiffest brides to loosen up for the
camera.
4. When will I see the photos or proofs?
The
Digital Age has made us into very impatient people. Factor in a bride who wants
her photos yesterday, and you've got the potential for a major post-wedding
meltdown. While you're
interviewing photographers, find out when you can expect to see your proofs.
Most pros will post them on a password-protected Web site within a month or so
of the wedding. If a quick turnaround is very important to you, get the
photographer's commitment in writing, and remind him of your agreed time frame
immediately following the wedding.
5. What Products Do You Offer?
I'm
going to go out on a limb here and guess that you're not interested in
purchasing a set of 20 coffee mugs emblazoned with your bridal portrait. Still,
it's vital to examine your personal photography needs compared with your
vendor's capabilities. For example, don't select someone who can't produce
photographer thank-you cards, if that personal touch is something you have your
heart set on. Most photographers are happy to work with your individual
requests, ranging from mounted portraits to traditional albums, but it never hurts
to see their product list and pricing ahead of time in case you want to buy
something not included in your wedding package.
6. How Do You Strive to Provide Excellent Customer
Service?
OK,
so this question isn't specific to photographer. In fact, it can be applied to
pretty much any business-related situation throughout your life. Anyone who
hems and haws about giving out her cell phone number or e-mail address, or who
makes light of other clients' "silly emergencies" might not take your
concerns seriously, either. Ask
your photographer candidate how long you can expect to wait for a reply to your
questions. If you're a typical bride, anything longer than one business day
just isn't going to appeal to your organizational sensibilities. Whatever you
do, honor your instincts and run for the hills if she strikes you the wrong way
at your initial meeting. First impressions tend to be pretty accurate, so if
you find her to be annoying, elusive or noncommittal, chances are good that the
same qualities will trouble you throughout your working relationship.
7. Can I Check Your References?
Run,
don't walk, if a photographer declines to provide you with references. If she
does give you a list of names and numbers, do your due diligence and talk to
these former clients before signing on the dotted line. Previous brides can
dish on the things they loved, hated or felt ambivalent about in regard to
their vendor. Since
most of the contacts she provides you with will be satisfied customers, make an
effort to ask around among your friends and family, and check to see if anyone
has reviewed her services online. Good news travels fast, but bad news is even
speedier, so anyone with a tale of woe and disappointment is usually going to
be willing to dish details.
8. Why Are You a Photographer?
Hint:
If his response is "The pay is good, and the brides are smokin' hot,"
he might be lacking the passion for his craft that you certainly want reflected
in your wedding photographs. Otherwise, the answer doesn't really matter, as long
as you get the succinct impression that he enjoys his work, particularly
interacting with other people and providing a top-quality finished product.
These
questions might seem over-the-top to some brides, but when you're 90 years old
and looking back on your wedding album with tears of joy in your eyes, you'll
be thankful that you made the extra effort to hire just the right professional
for the job.
Questions to Ask Yourself:
1. Do I feel a connection with this
photographer as well as his/her photos?
2. Are our personalities a good
match?
3. Am I comfortable with this
person’s work and communication style?
