Photographer Questions

babycow · 08-02-2007, 06:09 PM

What are some questions to ask prospective photographers? Any advice on what to look for in one. Pictures are at the top of my list of important wedding things, but we aren't the type to spend extravagant amounts so some of the super fabulous photographers are out of our price range, yet I still want beautiful artistic pictures of our wedding. Are there packages that are better for the price, i.e. include cd of all pics, prints, slideshow? TIA

robindepaula · 08-02-2007, 07:39 PM

Don't let sticker shock listed on most of the photographers sites scare you off - many will build a custom package specifically for you based on your needs. I do it all the time.

You'll want to see a diverse portfolio of theirs to make sure that they are capable of delivering the style that you love - weather that be tradtional or photojournalistic.

Make sure exactly what you are getting - some photographers do prints, some albums & some do the disc. It's ultimately what's most important to you. Slideshows are a great addition to all packages. I put these together & the brides love them. Also, online proofing is such a must have these days in the world of digital photography - this is great for family & friends to be able to view your big day.

You can get great photographs of your day even though you can't afford some of the big names out there. There are so many up & coming photographers out there that are very similar to the high $$ photographers.

Hope this helps!
Robin

Quote:

Originally Posted by babycow

What are some questions to ask prospective photographers? Any advice on what to look for in one. Pictures are at the top of my list of important wedding things, but we aren't the type to spend extravagant amounts so some of the super fabulous photographers are out of our price range, yet I still want beautiful artistic pictures of our wedding. Are there packages that are better for the price, i.e. include cd of all pics, prints, slideshow? TIA

dinogomez · 10-10-2007, 10:30 AM

A good photographer should be able to adapt to your needs, style, look and feel not the other way round. As for packages we all offer different alternatives, just think of what's important to you and ask to see if your prospect photographer offers it.

d!no

Be Photography LLC · 03-02-2008, 08:37 AM

hmm.... good questions to ask...... there are about a million! - If you search theknot.com there are some photography articles in there that give you alot of suggestions on what to ask. -- Just be 100% sure about what you are getting for the price you pay. -- A lot of photogs in my area like to say they release the rights to their images..... only they do so 1 or 2 years down the line (so youve already bought all the prints thru them). -- there are a number of other ways they can try to get more $ out of you.... read the contract carefully.

- But most importantly -- be sure it is a style of work that you like!! - If you are looking for something really traditional, dont hire someone who shoots as a photojournalist..... and vice-versa!

Kristie O · 03-02-2008, 11:21 AM

hello, i would ask to view a whole wedding shot by them and there are plenty of photogs that hand over the disc for you to make prints up right away. i would also read their reviews/comments on blogs and even ask to be able to contact some of their brides.

Autumn · 03-02-2008, 12:03 PM

you've got some great advice so far.. here's my two cents:

I would encourage you to shop around for the perfect fit - someone who matches in terms of style, personality, and cost

for style: you really want to find a photographer whose work moves you, whose style matches what you're looking for

for personality: you're going to be spending your entire wedding day with your photographer so you need to find someone you mesh with - someone who you feel comfortable with and who can put you at ease throughout the day

and cost: with so many different price points out there, you're bound to find someone within yours. shop around and ask about customizing a package that fits what you're looking for.

michaelwachniak · 03-04-2008, 05:53 PM

i would suggest Wedding Photographers - WedFog: Wedding Photography Demystified right off the bat. An amazing resource for future brides and grooms. Lots of real questions from real people, and examples of contracts and price lists and 'what to expect' :)

babycow · 03-05-2008, 06:01 PM

I guess I should update, although this would be great advice for others needing photographer info. I'm going with Vanessa Vargas as my photographer, she has done at least one other wedding from this forum, the Lamberts. I love her style and her pricing was very budget friendly. It has been great to work with her so far.

michaelwachniak · 03-05-2008, 09:02 PM

Congradulations, I hope your day is absolutely perfect! :)