What questions should I ask a photographer?

lisamarco

In the process of looking with my sister for one and wondering what questions are a must to ask?  thanks

Galaxy8227

I got a nice questionnaire from a fellow knottie, if you PM me your email I'll sent it to you when I get home tonight (on my home computer). 

ehathewa

I thought it was most important to see their pictures.  You want to make sure that the pictures look good and fit your personal style.  Some photographers are more traditonal, some candid, and some modern/artsy.  Make sure you get one that captures the day in the way you feel is most appropriate. 

abbygrace8

speaking as a wedding photographer-to-be (i'm an apprentice right now), these are ones i've found most helpful:

you need to aask if:
-an album is included in the price, or is that extra?
-does your photographer charge extra for digital negatives? (some charge up to $500 for the CD of your prints- if you run into a photog like that, run)
-do they have a maximum amount of time they'll stay? or will they come when you start your day and stay til you depart?
-does their price include an assistant? (you should really have two photographers)
-ask to see SEVERAL of their albums- a good photographer will have no trouble with that. an inexperienced one may only have two or three good albums
-do they mind travelling around with you? i.e. if you're getting your hair done at location A, you make-up at location B, and getting dressed at the church, will the photog go to all three places with you?
-do they charge extra for travel if the wedding is far from their home?
-will you be able to view the proofs online/ how long will they be up? will family and friends be able to see them too?

be aware that if they're a traditional photographer and do mostly posed phortographs with a few candids here or there, do not hire them if you want a more photojournalistic approach.

NillaWafer10

I agree with PP.  Blog pictures were the most important when deciding on the photographer.

aggiebug

go look  at the photography board.  there is a stickied post at the top with a looong list of questions to ask photographers.  Obviously not all the questions are relevant for everyone BUT it makes you think of everything that you would want to know.