Panic! Please Help Me!

[TATrisha]

Okay... so I'm starting to dabble in photography (in case you didn't guess )

ANYWAYS... I have my very first wedding consultation tonight! YIPPEE!!

 

However, being that it's my first... I'm nervous.

 

When you were choosing a photographer, what was important to you? What type of questions did you ask?

 

I know what I asked of the people I interviewed to photograph my wedding... but I'm weird! Ha! I guess I'd just like to hear what you guys all asked of your photographers.

 

Thanks!

[bumbles]

I looked so many pictures of my photographer and just loved her work. She was also professional, very friendly, and an easy person to communicate with in regard to ideas and questions. Aside from loving her photographs, the next biggest factor was that she conveyed a passion for her work, so I knew I could trust her for such an important day. Good luck

[Maura]

trish, looking back, there are so many questions i wouldve asked my photographer before making my final choice.

 

one thing that you should discuss with them whether they ask or not is what equipment you use and what your backup plan is in case something malfunctions. will you have an assistant with you, or will you shoot alone?

 

also, discuss with them the method of delivery of the photos. will you give them every single image you shoot on a DVD, or will you edit out some shots? how much post-production work (editing) will you be doing? (my TTD photographer told me that typically her work is 70% shooting, and 30% post-production) if you will be editing out shots, what will your policy be about seeing the "outtakes" ?(for example, some photographers stipulate in the contract you have to pay an additional fee within a certain number of days after the event in order to see them)

 

will you offer album making services afterwards, will you do a slideshow for an additional fee, gosh i can think of a ton of things i'd ask if i did it over again. i think the fact that your wedding has already passed will give you a lot of insight into what a bride is looking for. talk to her about your experience and the things you wanted/expected from your photographer and tell her what you will do for her.

 

what format will you shoot in, RAW or jpeg?

 

let us know how it goes!!!!!

[Bisha]

Wow Maura. I agree, I really WISH I would have asked all of that but, I guess the fact that both the photog I used back home and the one for my DW were people that I saw work with my friends work with I didnt even hesitate a second though!

 

I think it's important to show the type of work you do. Some like more traditional stuff some like more artsy. I guess if you can be flexible it's important to show that as well. Sorry, I wish I had more suggestions.

 

 

Good luck! let us know how it works out.

[twinkletoes]

Maura pointed out some good points that I used when selecting my photog. Off the top of my head, I think I also asked the following:

 

What timeline do you use? (as far as, before shots, etc)

 

Policies regarding proofs/negatives? (Do I get all of them - non-edited as well)

 

Policy regarding overtime charges?

 

What are the refund/cancellation terms?

 

What style of photography are you most comfortable with?

 

Is there a charge for having an assistant photographer?

 

What types of photos will I receive besides colored? (Black and white, sepia,etc?)

 

Hope this helps!

[TATrisha]

You guys are awesome! This is all helping!

Of course some of this stuff I have already thought of, but some of it I hadn't. Like poor Maura... without a first kiss picture! Blah. I know you had issues with your photographer seeing the unedited photos... I need to think about those things so thanks for bringing it to my attention.

[Yari]

How did your meeting go?

[Maura]

 

trisha, how did your consultation go?!

[DanielleNDerek]

I didn't see this yesterday. How'd ya do?

[beachbride08]

The pictures on your blog are great! Are you doing the photography on the side to start off or are you doing this FT?