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Interviewing your photographer

You are engaged and planning the details of your wedding.

Photography is an extremely important part of your wedding celebration. Once the big day is over, you will want your memories preserved for a lifetime. Now it's time to find the perfect photographer.  There are many ways to begin your search.  Attend local Wedding Festivals, search the internet, read local wedding magazines, etc.  Once you have a few you want to meet, it is time to ask them some vital questions.

Here are some important questions to ask any wedding photographer:

Experience Level - Has this person photographed other weddings? Does he/she do this for a living or for fun?

Photographic Style - Are the images that you are shown, what you would like to see? There are "buzz" words flying about everywhere about photojournalism, formal, classic candid, and so on.

Truth in Advertising - Is this the photographer that will be photographing your wedding or will they send in whomever is available. Don't be shocked, this happens more often than you can imagine. Be certain that you know which photographer is going to be there and that you see HIS/HER work and meet with that individually face to face.

Personality - Is the photographer that you meet someone that you can get along with? Is the "chemistry" there?

Appearance - Ask the photographer how he/she intends to dress. Is this person well groomed?

Price Range - Although, the last thing you want to do is shop by price, is this person within your budget? If not, is he or she worth the price difference? Make sure you understand what everything costs, including reprints and albums.

Delivery - How long does it take to get your proofs back, your finished album, your bridal portrait, etc.?

Offering - Whether it's a la carte or a package, do you understand what you are getting? Is there any room for changes and will it cost to do so? Sometimes the packages are fixed, sometimes they can be customized, in any case, ask. How much time will he/she spend? What if you need more time? Make sure that you know what's coming.

What about deposits and payments? What does it say about cancellations and the photographer not being there? If the photographer protests, ask him why? This is one area NOT to take lightly. You could be disappointed for a long time.

References - A personal reference is always the best and people love to talk. Get a list of references from the photographer and check them out personally. A photographer who doesn't have references or is afraid to give them to you may not be the person that you need to hire.

OTHER QUESTIONS YOU CAN ASK:

• Have you shot a wedding at my location before?
• Do you travel?
• Do you attend the rehearsal?
• Do you have an assistant?
• Do you have a studio or do you work out of your house?
• Do you have backup equipment and is it the same quality as the primary equipment?
• What time will you begin and how long will you stay until?
• Do we get to keep the proofs?
• Do you mark your proofs?
• Where and how are your proofs marked?
• How much extra for unmarked proofs?
• Do you have tele-photo and wide-angle lenses?
• Do you work well with the other vendors? i.e.: coordinators, caterers, videographers.
• Can you work from a photo checklist that we create?
• Are they are a member of any associations or groups specific to the industry?
• What styles do they specialize in? Do they do any creative shoots?
• Can other people take photos while you are taking photos?
• Are the digital files available on CD/DVD? If so, are they high resolution?
• What associations do you belong to?
• How do you handle the formal photos?

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Ideas for a Perfect Bridal Shoot

You have selected your wedding photographer and now it's time for your bridal shoot.

So many questions to answer and it isn't even your wedding day yet! Here is some advice for the perfect bridal shoot.

Bridal Shoots usually occur at least a month or two before your wedding date.

The location of your bridal shoot is one of the most important decisions you can make. Find out ahead of time if your photographer does studio or location shooting or both. If both, check out their favorite places to shoot. Get with your florist to make sure you have a bouquet the day of your bridal shoot. Some offer this with your wedding flower package. Most brides have their hair done before their wedding day. This will be a perfect time to see how your hair dresser does as a dress rehearsal for your wedding day. Schedule your bridal shoot right after your hair appointment.

If you want some adventure, find a beautiful place that has meaning to you.

Misty, seen here on a cliff, grew up in the area and climbed these rocks many times as a child. Having her bridal shoot done here was something of a dream come true.

Parks and other public locations may require photography permits, so beware of that extra cost.

Karen, seen here on the roof of the Westin Poinsett Hotel, only had to pay a $50.00 donation to the hotel's favorite charity for roof access. Her wedding reception was held at the hotel.

Bed and breakfasts and wedding venues make wonderful locations as well. Call ahead and ask how much a photos session is at their location. Usually it is very reasonable or free if you are having your wedding there later.

Ask your photographer to make sure they get some non-traditional as well as traditional shots. Having both to choose from is a must!

Factor in the weather and time of year. Being in a beautiful garden before the flowers have bloomed will rarely give the impact you were looking for.

Spring summer, fall winter; be prepared for the environment. For spring and summer shoots, bring water. Bring your coat for the fall and winter shoot. You will be glad you did.

Emily, see here on a couch with a view, asked for some creativity. We delivered! Sometimes a simple highway will do. Make sure you and your photographers hit it off well and have the same view of what your shoot will be like. You better get along well; they will be with you for hours on your bridal shoot day and the day of your wedding.

For the wedding day, make sure you have an easel for display of your portrait at the reception. Borrow one from the venue or photographer if need be. Keep it covered until after the wedding if your fiancé isn't allowed to see you until the wedding time.

About the Author:
Dana & Michael, Photographers
Touch of Grace Photography

Dana and Michael have been photographers together for years. We love shooting weddings, family and events of any type. Dana loves specializing in family and children’s photography, while Michael loves his weddings and events. Together for any photo shoot as Touch of Grace Photography, we make a perfect team to cover the light and emotion of any assignment. If you are crying at a wedding, cheering for your team, or wanting lasting family portraits, we capture the moments so they last forever.