Essential Questions for Your Photographer
Stop photo disasters before they happen by making sure you've posed these
query musts.
by the editors at Modern Bride magazine
Choosing your wedding photographer is a serious thing. We asked Leslie
Barton, a longtime wedding photographer from Los Angeles, CA, to tell us what to
ask when hiring a photographer.
- Will it be you taking the pictures? When you first go to a
photographer, he will show you a portfolio of his work. Find out if the book
you are looking at belongs to the same person that will be taking the
pictures. Make sure you meet the person that will be showing up on your
wedding day and that his name appears on the contract. Of course, he can have
an assistant helping, but he should be the one taking the shots. It's also
wise to have a back-up plan. Ask what happens if he gets sick? Ask to see the
portfolio of other photographers he would use in an emergency.
- How many shots are candids, how many are posed? Make sure you are
clear with your photographer about what you want. Do you want mostly
journalistic style shots or all formal shots? How many will be color and how
many black and white? Some photographers are better at one than the other, so
ask about his strengths and background.
- How many rolls of film do you shoot? The more rolls the
photographer shoots, the more photos you'll have to choose from. However, if
you're paying by the roll, Barton suggests talking about a limit, as it can
get pricey. Don't restrict him too much though. You'll miss the great shot of
Aunt Bertha dancing on the table. Set a ballpark number of rolls and expect
him to go over by one or two.
- Do you know the place? Your photographer should be familiar with
your ceremony and reception site. He shouldn't be surprised by any weird
lighting problems or if photographers aren't allowed to use flash. A good
photographer will take a trip to scout out the area before the big day. He
should also have some ideas about where to go for outdoor shots.
- When do I put the deposit down, and when is the whole thing due?
Haggling over prices after the fact can get icky, so nail down all the prices
ahead of time. Barton says "ask if there is a charge for overtime and travel
costs, whether you can hold off payment until you get the proofs and if you
can buy the negatives."