What didn't I ask: Photography
How do you decide on a photographer? Professional Photographers of America, a 14,000-member association for professional image-makers, has these suggestions.
What is your specialty?
Ask if the photographer's work reflects a journalistic, whimsical, or traditional style. Don't expect that the style will differ greatly for your wedding. Ask what percentage of the photos is candid and posed.
Can I see your samples?
PPA suggests asking to see albums that show complete weddings from start to finish. After all, you want your wedding album to include all the important moments of your big day.
Can I see a proof book or a disc from a recent wedding?
See what you're really buying - you may be viewing an unedited look at what the photographer shot, that may or may not have made it to a finished album.
What is your shooting schedule?
When will he or she arrive? How long will the post-ceremony photos take to shoot?
What equipment do you use?
Make sure the photographer carries an extra camera in case one malfunctions. The industry standard is a medium-format camera, which produces negatives almost three times the size of those from an amateur 35mm camera. That's important, because the size of the negatives can determine the quality and enlargement of the prints.
Do you work in digital or film?
A relatively new medium, digital enables photographers to deliver more photos, and more inexpensively, since film processing is not required. Ask if you will receive archival quality prints, and ask to see sample prints the photographer has made.
Film is a beautiful, traditional medium, but will require time for processing, and, depending on the number of shots, can be expensive.
Some photographers will use film for the traditional poses and digital for candid shots. This may provide a nice mix that is economical and efficient.
How long do you keep the negatives/digital files?
Some photographers will automatically allow you to keep the negatives as part of a package, and others will let you purchase negatives of photos you want later on. Those who specialize in digital may provide digital files of your photos on disks as part of your package.
Can I meet you in person?
Discuss your budget and any special requests. And remember, the photographer will be with you for most of the day. If you don't get along, it will show in the pictures.
Are you available for the times I need?
Choose a photographer who will take as many photos as necessary to cover the event. You may need photos that cover the preparations all the way until the first dances of the reception.
What are your credentials?
Select a photographer who belongs to professional associations. Associations keep their members up to date on the latest industry trends. Also, an association member will provide a qualified backup if he or she becomes ill and can't photograph your wedding.
Does your package include an album?
Many photographers will assemble the selected photos in an album for the bride and groom, and often for their parents. This is a lovely gift and a nice touch, so be sure to ask. Ask to see the album that comes with the package.
Who exactly will be photographing my wedding?
Will there be one photographer? More than one? Will the person you interview do the work, or someone with whom the company contracts?
What is your backup plan?
Is there backup equipment in case of failure? Is an alternate in place in the event of sickness or accident? Get this information in writing.
How soon will my photographs be ready?
Receiving proofs to review may take months. Ask for an estimated time period based on the photos your wedding will require.
How many exposures will you take?
This is an important question to ask, because limits may restrict the possibilities for your album. Around 100-250 exposures should be able to yield around 60 prints. This is a more important question for film photographers, since they will be concerned about using expensive film.
