Whenever I meet with clients, I try to be as prepared as I can for their questions. Below, I have collected ten questions that I have either been asked in some form or another, or think are worthy questions to ask someone who is to be responsible for documenting such an important day.
Here are the questions I found, and my answers to them, in no particular order.
1. How Would You Describe Your Photographic Style and the Essence of Your Pictures?
A photographer may prefer posed and formal to relaxed and photojournalistic or they may be creative, artistic and more candid in nature. Whether you are looking for traditional photos or something out-of-the box, your photographer’s style has to match your personality, your style. I prefer to shoot in a photojournalistic, candid style when capturing the events of the day, though I am aware of the rare opportunity to photograph people who are rarely in the same room, so I take that chance to do a small collection of those posed/formal photos that so many people like to have.
2. Do You Shoot in Black-and-White, Color or a Mixture?
I shoot digitally (specifically RAW), which offers the advantage of easily converting a picture from color to black and white, saturating the colors, or casting a tone on the photo, whatever the spirit of the image calls for. Also, by shooting digitally, I can create many versions of the same photo for you to choose what you like best.
3. Do You Correct Your Photos?
Most wedding photographers, particularly those who shoot digitally, can fix their photographs, removing imperfections such as wrinkles, blemishes or even double chins. Find out if your photographer has that capability and if they charge extra for the service. I will color correct each and every photo and will clean up errant leaves or the occasional stray hair, but will charge an extra fee for extensive touch-up work.
4. Do You Personally Photograph Every Wedding You Book?
If your prospective photographer’s answer is no, insist on seeing the actual photographer’s work so there are no surprises. I photograph all the weddings I book, and If I hire a second shooter, I will always give you sample images and provide contact information.
5. Do You Work Alone or with an Assistant?
For me, it depends on what you are looking for. At a minimum, I prefer to have one person photographing close-ups of the ceremony while another photographs the overall scene. Most times, having a second shooter is necessary if you are looking for a full day of coverage, including photos of the bridal party getting ready.
6. Have You Worked At My Ceremony/Reception Site Before?
If the answer is no, the best photographer will happily participate in a site visit with you to learn about the rules and to scout out the best locations to take your photos. I will travel to the site alone or, preferably, with you to see the grounds through your eyes, to learn the intricate details that led to your decision to marry/celebrate there.
7. How Do You Choose What to Shoot? Can I Give You a Shot List?
Only you know just how important each guest is in making your wedding day what it is. Providing a list of specific shots ensures that the pictures you want are taken. Whether it’s the standard bride, her mother and grandmother picture or a posed portrait of the entire family or something more off-beat like the groomsmen lifting the bride, I will work with you to develop a plan for the day that matches your unique personalities.
8. How Much Direction Do You Give? Will You Pose My Wedding Day?
Some photographers take a strict photojournalistic approach to a wedding, dryly documenting the day’s events, while others spend most of their time prompting you to dance, kiss, pose or wave. Still others, like myself, give only minimum direction during the formal shots, stopping only to arrange people for the maximum effect. I pride myself on catching genuine reactions and behaviors of you and your guests, to best preserve the moments of the day.
9. Do You Allow Guests to Take Pictures While You Are Shooting?
In every wedding, there is always a small percentage of people standing behind a photographer, taking photos. Unless the bride and groom prefer that they do not, most photographers won’t prohibit others from taking photos. I only request that anyone I am photographing only pays attention to me until I am finished to avoid members of the group looking in different directions at other people’s cameras.
10. Do You Have a Complete Wedding Album/Gallery I Can View?
Anyone with a decent amount of skill can take a few great shots of a ceremony or reception, so be sure to ask for sample work that represents what you would get for a whole day of photography. I showcase my “greatest hits” at www.iamwhatisee.com and I have complete wedding galleries at http://clients.iamwhatisee.com/Weddings to give you a sense of what I would provide for a whole day of photography.
