Meeting with photographers

metalkp

So I'm starting to meet with some photographers. I'm just wondering how these meetings usually go in your experiences. Did you bring your fiance with you or first go by yourself and then schedule a subsequent meeting with fiance, parents, etc.? What information do they need from you? What kind of questions (other than pricing) did you ask them? And did anyone ever decide to hire one and sign with them on the spot, or do you just set up a second meeting?Thanks ladies!

eggplantgirl

I brought my fiance, except for a few meetings that he couldn't make it to because of work, because I wanted to make sure he had a rapport with the photographer and that we all clicked.  If you like their portfolio, ask if they will show you an entire wedding (i.e., not just the "best of") shots -- it will give you a better sense of their work.  Obviously get the details about the package:  what is included, how many hours, 2nd photographer, proofs or a proof book, high res files (are the high-res files large enough to print large images, or just 4x6?  Some photographers say they include "high res" but the images are only large enough to print 4x6), what style album, how many pics are included in the album, have they shot at your venue before, how do they handle portrait sessions, will they accept a "must-take" shot list from you, what is their backup plan if they get sick or cannot make it (my first photographer cancelled on me a few months before the wedding because she got pregnant after I booked her and was due 1 month after the wedding), are the parent albums "duplicates" or can each be individualized.  Etc.  I liked asking what their approach to portraits was, because I interviewed a lot of photojournalist-style photographers and some seemed annoyed about the portrait part -- that clued me in that they weren't going to take the time to do the portraits carefully enough to get good portraits for my mom and dad and other family members who cared about them. 

moonlitmama

i did tons of online research 1st (NYMagazine online has good wedding references in every category btw) narrowed it down to a couple that fi and i liked the most and were at our price point; emailed our fave 1st for more info and to see if he was available on our wedding date. we met - he had a great energy and we loved his FULL ALBUMS (pp mentioned this and its a really-really good point) and booked on the spot. i'm always amazed that people have time to meet several photogs and THEN have several interviews with there top favorites before chooosing... wish i had that kinda time - and then i'd like chill out on the beach instead ;-)but seriously - maybe check references too (don't know if that is common)? he/she may have great albums but maybe get some feedback from previous clients on the logistical stuff - like professionalism - timeliness etcetc?

eggplantgirl

Yes, agree with what PP said -- try to get references from someone who already used the photographer.  Mine was listed in NY Mag but I didn't know anyone who used him.  His photos were great but he was a horrible pain in the a** to deal with after the wedding (not responding to emails, late deliveries, not color correcting photos that came out too yellow, etc.) -- things that NY Mag doesn't tell you but a prior client would!

leebeenyc

My fiance only made it to one meeting and he felt he saw enough to not go to any more meetings.  I had a pretty clear idea of what I wanted so he felt it was better I decide on my own.  I met with a lot of photographers and each meeting went slightly different.  I do think asking them how much time they want if your photographing before the wedding is important.  Get an idea if they do posed as well as photojournalistic if that is a style you like.  I always asked about how many shooters, if they were familiar with my location, and basic questions about their style.  I also asked if they had any photos from my location just because then I could see their creative eye on my location.  I didn't sign my photographer on the day I met him but called him the next weed to sign him up.  I still had two more photographers to meet.  I didn't have any follow up meetings with any photographers I met.  I think that is everything.

leebeenyc

I forgot to say look at photographers blogs if they are available because it gives you a better idea of how they shoot at every event as opposed to the picked out great shots.  I know that helped make my decision.

ema629

We went to several interviews and asked tons of questions. We went with Ryan Brenizer. He does photo journalistic style work, which is what we were looking for, and he didn't balk at all when we asked him about more traditional shots for the family. He truly loves what he does and has a great quiet energy. From his photos you can tell that he has an uncanny knack for blending in enabling him to get amazing shots. One big thing that we loved about him is that you hire him for all day, no 5,6, or 8 hour limits, no looking at his watch. this was great as we are taking all of the family photos before the ceremony. He will hire a second photographer if you'd like. You own all of the pics and will get all images in files in hi-res on DVD -- no watermarks. Check out his website and blog, they really give you a good feel for his work. We booked him on the spot.

metalkp

Thanks for the advice ladies. First meeting did not go well at all. Fingers crossed for the next one. I will also be calling one or two others today.