What to ask photog?

akstanl

We are finally meeting with a photographer this weekend and I am very excited about it. What should I ask? What is good to know? What, if anything, do you wish you would have asked that you didn't?Thanks!!

kclepire

I pulled together a list of questions that I brought to each photographer meeting.  It really helped us make sure to ask the questions and put down the answers because after meeting with a few they will blur.  Post your email and I can send it to you.

regina_s

i would love that list as well! meeting with a photog this thursday. regimeow at hotmail.com - tia, very much!

jnickers98

Ask to see a complete wedding album, not just the best few pictures from each wedding.  This will also give you an idea of their style.

akstanl

Thank you everyone! My email is akwra at hotmail dot com

kclepire

YGM!

hkiesling

Ask if you get rights to all the photos or have to buy each picture through the photog, what's included (extras, editing, hours, albumn, photos, e-shoot, after-shoot), do they have insurance, how long will it take to get your photos, deposit amount, back-up system, andif they delete any of the photos or if you get all of them. HTH

Muffers

Perfect timing- I was just going to ask the same question! kclepire- would you be willing to share your list of questions with me, too? sares25@hotmail.com Your help is appreciated! THANKS!

akstanl

What a great list kclepire, thank you! Thanks everyone for the advice, I will definitely be using it this weekend when we meet with our first photog.

leggwilliams

Can I get that list too? I'm meeting with photographers on Sunday!wial0604 at stcloudstate dot edu

dolllean

Love list too. kdaline73@hotmail.com

flower_lover

Here are some questions I'd highly recommend, based on MN Knotties whose photographs have been badly botched:1. How long will it take for you to get the photos to me after the event? Can we add that language to our contract?2. What compensation do you offer if the photographs are not ready on the promised date? Can we add that language to our contract?3. Can you promise to deliver a full set of untouched photographs, in addition to any that you touch up? Can we add that language to our contract?4. Do you automatically tint all of the photographs? If so, what color? Can we forgo that if we want? If so, will you add that language to our contract?5. What happens if you go out of business before our wedding? What type of compensation will we get? Can we add that language to our contract?6. What happens if you are sick or have an emergency the day of our wedding? What compensation/back up plan is in place? Can we add that language to our contract?7. How long have you been in business?8. Is your business growing?9. If your business is rapidly growing, what assurances can you give us that you won't take on so many clients that you cannot give us personalized attention? Are you willing to add language in our contract that you will guarantee quality?10. What happens if your camera breaks on our wedding day?11. Do you carry insurance?12. What happens if all or some of our wedding photos are ruined? Do you offer compensation? Can we add that language to our contract?13. How do you feel about other family members taking pictures over your shoulder?14. Do you have a tentative schedule/timeline that you follow for weddings?15. What techniques do you use to get young children to cooperate during photos?16. Do you have a list of "must take" photos? If not, can we provide one? Can you guarantee you will take all of the photos on our list?17. Can you provide 3 references from weddings you have photographed in the last year?....I think that's it. As you can see, it's important to (1) get EVERYTHING IN WRITING. If you don't, you will only have yourself to blame if something goes wrong. (2) it's not just about finding a photographer you like, it's about finding out how well they are equipped to handle unforseen emergencies. Most parts of your wedding are fleeting, but the photos are something you will keep forever, so IMHO it's important to get someone who will do a good job!

hkiesling

It warms my heart to see Knotties brave enough to ask to amend their vendors' contracts. Keep it up!