Questions for your Vendors Part III-The Photographer

First and foremost I must apologize that it has so long between posts! Life has been super hectic with the end of school, graduations, acceptances to Graduate school, birthdays, holidays, vacations, new jobs, you name it; it’s happened!  WOO..and it seems like the end is no where in sight! L

So, with much anticipation and without further ado, I give you the top five questions to ask your photographer:

1.       How long have you been in the industry/What are your qualifications?-  Alright, technically this is 2 questions but they are both similar and very relevant.  Photography is one category that you will want to splurge on, and because you’re spending LOTS of money, you want to be sure you choose a photographer that fits your needs!  Photos are the ONE thing (well one of the things, hopefully you’ll keep your husband too!) you will keep for YEARS and show off to friends, or family, or to reminisce about that day, you want to make sure you get quality shots! Make sure you hire a PROFESSIONAL! No this does not include cousin Joe who likes to submit photos to Ellen’s “What’s Wrong With These Photos, Photos” (google it!)!!!  Meet with your top 3 choices for photographers and look over their porfolios and get to know them.  Then choose the one that you liked most based on photography style and personality, you don't want to hire a photographer that will be a stick in the mud at your wedding! If they can't have fun, how are they supposed to capture the fun in your photos?

2.       Do you have a back-up/partner?-If you are hiring a photographer that typically works on their own, it is HIGHLY important to verify if your photographer has a back-up plan if for some reason they are unable to make it on the date of the wedding (illness, family emergency, etc.) If they don’t have a specific plan, it may be wise to make one that fits both your needs.  Once you have worked out the details, be sure to get everything in writing, either in the initial contract or in a supplemental contract.  You may also want to make an appointment to see the work of the back-up/partner to ensure you like their work/style etc.

3.       Do you charge for multiple locations?- If you plan on taking pictures at locations other than where your ceremony and reception are being held, ask about travel fees and how they would like to work out meeting you or following you to the other locations.  This may also be a great time to set up a schedule of the day to help things stay organized and ensure everyone is on the same page about meeting times and locations. (BONUS!: you can make copies of the schedule for the bridal party and parents so they know what your plans are/where you’ll be throughout the day!)

4.       When will we receive our pictures?-This is one of those questions that is not extremely important but could be if you plan to use some of your pictures for your “thank yous.”  It is also nice to have a time frame in order to purchase albums, and other photo gifts for parents or the bridal party.  Ask if touch-ups/editing is included in the package price as well! Some photographers will charge extra!

5.       How will we receive our pictures?- With all sorts of different technologies available today, you have a variety of options to choose how to receive your pictures.  Some photographers will give you 4x6 prints of each photo; some give you a CD, others a flash drive, and others will take beautiful pictures of your big day and then head on a two week vacation, and have to “make room” on the camera for their personal pictures, therefore deleting your favorite shot of you stuffing cake in your grooms face…cough, cough, cousin Joe..HIRE PROFESSIONALS!  It is important to ask about copyrights as well.  Most photographers copyright their work, making it difficult, if not impossible for others to use the images without permission, even if you are the subject of the photos!  If this is the case with your photographer, ask if you will receive full rights to print, edit, and copy the photos they take of you.  This way you won’t run into any trouble when creating an album, ordering extra prints for loved ones, or using the prints for unique photo gifts like those from Shutterfly.com.  P.S. they have GREAT prices on albums at Shutterfly! Same quality and professional look from the photographers for less! This is how we plan to order our albums!

Well I think that just about covers it!  If you think of something, feel free to share it in the comments! Or if you have an outrageous photographer story, share that too!

Have a GREAT day and happy planning!