photographer search

chloeandjames1111

i'm planning to meet with jessica from jessica love photography in columbus....anyone have any info, has used her, or general info about what to ask a photographer? it's our first meeting! thanks in advance!!

GApeachOH

I am working with Megan Rutherford of MNR Photography. I will endorse her ANYDAY! She is a dream to work with. Has really helped us out and gotten the photography to a tangible price with custome packages.

Questions to ask:
1. Do we have all rights to all published and unpublished photos?
2. What comes in a package?
3. What if we only need certain things out of a package, can we custom-make a package?
4. How many hours are included in the package?
5. How many photographers are used on the day of?
6. Is an engagement shoot included?
7. Is there a discount for future shoots such as: Bridal Potraits, Boudoir, etc.?
8. How many photos are included in each package? 200, 500, unlimited shooting?
9. How much do the books cost? (Wedding Albums)
10. Can we work out a cost effective way to pay off the package we choose, i.e. payment plans, if necessary?
11. What forms of payment do you accept?
12. Not to ask but to consider, does the photographer JUST bring their BEST work, or a compilation of all photos? Anyone can show you their best work... Not everyone will show you their best shots and shots that a bride and groom have picked.
13. If it doesn't work out, can they refer you to someone who will work with you? (Rude, but necessary. Megan did this for us, too)
14. Does the style of the photographer work for you? (Do you want all posed, all candid, or a combination of both? Classic photos, vintage-like photos, or modern photography? Do you want to show certain parts of your relationship off?)
15. Will they shoot a "First Look" session? And capture the most important moments of the day?

I would not settle with a photographer. Photography is an important part and it lasts a lifetime.  And don't let them tell you what you think you want to hear. If you feel pushed now, you will definitely feel pushed on your wedding day. That's what I loved about Megan, she was sweet, and didn't push us into anything.

Have a set photography budget. Determine it by deciding how much you can save in 9- 10 months from when you sign the contract. That is typically when photography comes due.
I would look into Megan too!
http://www.mnrphotography.com/
That is her webiste, it's not clicky, but check her stuff out.
And remember, always try to get the minimum that you need.
We got:
$1500 package including:
All rights to print and photos on an HD DVD
6.5 hours of photograhy (8 hours originially but we decided we didn't need it since our wedding and reception is short.)
Free Engagement session
"First Look" photography
A Guest Book, custom-made with our Engagement Session photos in it
$30 left over credit for whatever!

That's all we needed! Good luck!

FutureMrsG2013

This site is actually right off of my photographer's website, but it's super helpful!
http://www.hunterphotographic.com/10-questions-for-a-photographer/

chloeandjames1111

wow, thanks so much! that was so very helpful.

one thing that i've realized is that i'm not going to skimp on photography.

eisel12

I bought a book at Barnes & Noble that has been really helpful with interviewing vendors (and TONS of other stuff).  They had several book choices, and they were all around $20 -30, but it was totally worth the money because it lists out questions to ask each vendor, and there was a lot in there I never would have thought for.  Plus all kinds of other planning tools, advice, etc.  It's definitely a good investment!