Questions for a photographer???

2gr8kidz

Good Morning,

I need some help regarding what to look for in a photographer? What questions should I ask? Thank you for your help, I appreciate it.

noodle_oo

Make sure you really think about the style that you want in a photographer.  Sometimes people think they want photojournalistic but then they miss the nice formals.  You want to think about what you really want first before you start talking to photographers.

I'd take a look at some photographer's blogs.  Note the photos you like and what makes them special to you.  Are they pretty portriats?  Detailed shots?  Candids?  This will help you figure our your style.

Here's a post I saved when I was looking for photographers (wish I remember who posted it!  it was great advice!):

p.s. and when I say "do your homework", I mean make sure you see weddings they have done in the past, and look at all the photos they took at the wedding.  (Don't just rely on their "best of" portfolio with only their favorite photos.  Take a look at the full set that the bride & groom received.)

Ask yourself--are all the photos well framed, in crisp focus, with good color balance (not bleached out, too dark/shadowy), etc.?  

Think of the wedding details, or go down a list you pull online of "must-take photos".  Did they capture the ring exchange, the kiss, the bride & groom's faces during the vows, the cake cutting, the centerpieces, the first dance, etc?  These moments come and go quickly and it takes skill to capture each one in their best light.  

In the formal portraits, are all the bridesmaids looking in the same direction, with their bouquets at the same height?  

Are there candids that capture the joy of more spontaneous moments?

...hanging out on message boards for over a year, I have heard brides complain about all of these things after the fact.  That's why I am bringing them up.

Areden

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_massachusetts-boston_questions-photographer?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:89Discussion:d65bfac6-84e1-40ca-bcf4-468744733dc3Post:8ed329b0-283d-473f-8f0f-5b84b3db903c">Re: Questions for a photographer???</a>:
[QUOTE] p.s. and when I say "do your homework", I mean make sure you see weddings they have done in the past, and look at all the photos they took at the wedding.  (Don't just rely on their "best of" portfolio with only their favorite photos.  Take a look at the full set that the bride & groom received.)
Posted by noodle_oo[/QUOTE]

-- /> Ask for previous client directories, so you can see the exactly what they deliver to the client.  Any legitimate photographer can snag a few good shots out of 500+ for their 'best of' albums they'll show you.  When you ask to sese the directories, you'll see the full breadth of their work.

-- /> Also ask if they shoot in jpeg or raw format.  Raw is preferable, as jpeg already condenses certain details out of the photo before it's even stored in the camera.

jacquikev

Ask if you can give them a "must capture list". See if they have shot at your venue or if they do scounting visits to the venue before the wedding to find the best shots. See if they will give you a past client list you can e-mail about. Also post on here there name. If you lucky someone on here might have used them and can tell you the good and the bad about their experience. 

ShaboAE

I have a huge list of questions for a photographer... but it's on my other computer at home. Send me a private message with your email, and I'll send you the word doc, or I can put it directly in the email if you don't have MS Office.