20 Questions to ask your Wedding Photographer

Photo Credit: Fifoto Photography

1. What style of work does your photographer specialise in?

This is a crucial question. If you've got your heart set on an informal, reportage-style of photography, don't choose someone who specialises in traditional posed shots and family line-ups. Likewise, if you're looking for a photographer who offers digital special effects such as retouching or hand-colouring, make sure this is an option before you book.

2. What qualifications do they have?

Qualifications aren't essential for taking great pictures, but it's always reassuring to know your photographer has the necessary skills needed to shoot really creative pictures and to handle tricky weather conditions such as low light, harsh sunlight or dark skies.

3. Will the person you meet at the initial consultation be the person taking your pictures on the day?

It's important to form a rapport with your photographer if you're going to feel relaxed in their company. Ask who will be taking your photographs, and make sure you meet them before signing a contract.

4. Do they shoot digitally or on film?

Some photographers swear by film, while others have converted to digital, so ask your photographer why they prefer their chosen format. Bear in mind that photographs shot on film will need to be individually scanned if you want them to be uploaded to a website or saved onto a CD - and this may add to your final bill.

5. Do they offer a pre-wedding shoot?

Some photographers will offer you a photoshoot ahead of your wedding. This will give you and your photographer the chance to develop a rapport, will get you accustomed to being photographed and will help your photographer discover under which circumstances you look your best.

6. Have they taken photographs at your chosen wedding venue before?

Always choose a photographer who is familiar with your venue, or who is willing to waste precious time on the day searching for the perfect spot for that romantic pose.

7. Are they available to show you any testimonials and photographs from other recent weddings?

There's nothing like praise from other couples to make you feel confident in your chosen photographer. Equally, it's important to take a look at other people's photographs so you can check you're happy with the photographer's style, and point out any shots you particularly like (or dislike).

8. Do they offer black and white as well as colour photography?

If your photographer is shooting digitally, this won't be an issue, but if they're using film, you might like them to have one camera for those atmospheric black and white shots and another for colour shots of details such as the flowers and cake.

9. Do they offer different photography packages for you to choose from?

Most photographers will offer a number of packages. If none of them suits what you want, ask whether they'll give you a bespoke quotation. For example, if you're on a tight budget, you might choose to have a photographer just for an hour or two.

10. How long will they stay?

Ideally, you should look for a photographer who covers individual elements of the day, rather than setting a time scale. Decide whether you want them there to capture everything from you getting ready right through to the first dance, or perhaps just from the ceremony to the cake-cutting. Setting a time scale is risky if things run late and they start billing by the hour.

11. Do they charge for transport?

If your photographer is local, this is unlikely to be an issue, but if they're travelling any great distance they may charge an amount per km. You might even need to provide overnight accommodation, so be sure to confirm this before booking.

12. Will they require refreshments?

If your photographer is spending any length of time at your wedding, it's only fair to assume he or she will need to be fed. While a sandwich might be sufficient if they're only there for a few hours, consider offering a main course from your wedding dinner if you've booked them for the entire day.

13. Will they offer a discount for a weekday wedding?

Wedding photographers are in greatest demand on Saturdays, so some might be willing to lower their prices if you're getting married mid-week, even if they don't advertise the fact. Don't be afraid to ask!

14. Are they happy to work alongside a videographer?

While your photographs are an essential memento, a video will enable you to listen to those vows and speeches for years to come. The only problem can arise when a photographer and a videographer both want to stand in the same spot to capture those magical moments. If you're planning on having your day filmed, make sure you tell your photographer they will be working alongside a videographer.

15. How many pictures will you receive?

The number of photographs you receive often depends on the package you've chosen. Generally speaking, digital photographers will take more shots than a photographer using film, so you'll have a wider selection to choose from.

16. Who will own the copyright?

Most photographers will retain the copyright to your images so that any reprints not included in your package will need to be ordered through them.

17. How will the final set of photographs be presented?

Most packages will include some kind of album, so ask to see an example of what your photographer offers. The easiest way for friends and family to see and purchase your wedding photography is on the internet. Many photographers offer this service as well as providing an album, but it's always a good idea to check.

18. Are they insured against mishaps?

None of us likes to think of the worst-case scenario, but there is always a chance something might go wrong with the camera or the film gets damaged. It's important to find out whether your photographer has professional indemnity insurance, and exactly what this covers.

19. When will you need to pay?

Unfortunately, you will need to part with your money at some point, and you need to know when. Expect to pay a deposit when you book and the remaining balance just before the big day or after receiving the photos.

20. When will you see your pictures?

The first thing you'll want to do when you return from your honeymoon is look at your photos. Ask how long it will take to put the images online and when you will receive the actual prints.

Source: http://www.weddingandweddingflowers.co.uk/

byBest Events

in Wedding Photography, Weddings

11:04 PM

20 Questions to ask your Wedding Photographer

Photo Credit: Fifoto Photography 1. What style of work does your photographer specialise in? This is a crucial question. If you've...

Read More

Picture Perfect

From fairytale weddings to throbbing parties, from stylized portraits to captivating location and commercial photography, FIFOTO will be there to capture each event, face or place with a smile. Established in 2005 by Fiona Lim, the brand is synonymous with distinct quality and professionalism.

The team at FIFOTO is a unique one. Comprised of a group of young urban individuals who come from the corporate world, the FIFOTO team fervently pursues a passion and shoots with a vengeance. The bi-product of this lethal combination is a fresh and vibrant take on life, captured through every photo, with every assignment.

Today, FIFOTO is an established photography studio and has made its mark in the Malaysian photography and wedding industry. All thanks to the continuous support of clients, friends, family, a dedicated team.

byBest Events

in Fabulous Finds, Wedding Photography

11:31 PM

Picture Perfect

From fairytale weddings to throbbing parties, from stylized portraits to captivating location and commercial photography, FIFOTO will be the...

Read More

Choosing the right eye for your wedding

Some couples take photography for granted and don't quite spend enough time looking for the right photographer to capture every precious moment, that loving look exchanged between the couple and the reactions of guests among other things.

The right picture instantly takes you back to the happiest day of your life. Capturing your nuptials the way you envision starts with choosing a wedding photographer who is professional and experienced.

Below are simple tips to hiring a wedding photographer who will provide you with memories you will treasure forever.

1. Start Searching Immediately

Hiring a wedding photographer is one of the first things you should do, because the best professional photographers book their schedules a year in advance. If you want outstanding pictures, start searching for your photographer when you have decided on the date. A wedding photographer's peak season is Saturdays during the spring, as this is when many couples get married. If you will be celebrating an "in-season" wedding, book your photographer at least six to twelve months in advance.

However, if your plans call for an out-of-season wedding or wedding on a Sunday, there is a good chance your chosen photographer is free. Six months will likely give you adequate time to find the photographer of your dreams.

2. Search Everywhere

Good wedding photographers have a reputation of success, and therefore are relatively well known. They should be the easiest to find. Start your search by asking for recommendations from friends and family who have held weddings prior to your event. Ask if they liked the photographer. Look at their wedding album.

Additionally, other professionals involved in your wedding day festivities will likely have worked with photographers in the past. Ask for recommendations from your wedding planner, venue manager, caterer, baker, florist or limousine driver.

If all else fails, BEST EVENTS can help you weed out the amateur photographers from the professional ones.

3. Look at Wedding Photo Samples

If you have a list of photographers from which to choose, peruse their Web sites to begin eliminating candidates from your list. Determine which photographer will meet your budget as well as your needs. Consider how well they perform in different settings/environments. For example, if you are throwing a beach wedding, it makes sense to find a photographer who is stronger in filming outdoors.

Think about the tone that you want your photos to express. Are you and your fiance serious and traditional, or do you prefer a more light-hearted and playful theme to your wedding photographs?

After narrowing your selection of wedding photographers down to about three, make appointments to interview the candidates. During the interview, ask to see samples of past work.

Likely, the photographer will have two or three wedding albums available for show. Make sure you see at least one album of an entire wedding, from start to finish. After examining all of the photographer's work closely, request to see another set of photographs from a recent wedding. This will enable you to see both his best work-from the pre-selected albums-and her average daily work.

First, examine the basics of the pictures-such as color, clarity, exposure, graininess and composition. Then determine the photographer's style; does she shoot photos that are adventurous and unique or are they standard and ordinary? This will also help you determine which style you prefer.

Pay attention to the photographer's ability to capture the emotion of the day. Does it appear that he has the personality to make his subjects comfortable and happy? Or is she the type of photographer that seemingly takes pictures without much passion.

Come away from the interview knowing the quality of the photographer, his overall style, and if she will adjust her style to your individual taste.

4. Gauge Their Professionalism

While not all amateur photographers are created equal, the best way to ensure you receive a quality wedding album is to hire a seasoned professional with a solid background from which to draw.

During your initial interviews, find out how many weddings the photographer has shot. He/she may have been a professional photographer for 15 years, but only doing weddings for the past year. Remember, wedding photography is much different than any other type of photography.

Along with the number of years he/she has been filming weddings, ask how many actual weddings she has photographed. This will give you a better idea of how experienced the photographer has become.

With such experience comes not only the knowledge of how to photograph a wedding, but also how to act during the ceremony and reception. For example, how will he dress and how will he act to your wedding party and guests?

Finally, find out if the photographer has shot at your wedding venue before. If he has, he may know of places to get good shots or ways to capture moments the best.

5. Discuss Wedding Photography Equipment

Although you may not be a professional photographer yourself, you should know what type of camera and equipment your photographer will be using during your event. You may find that you are more particular about it than you think.

For example, there are advantages to both digital and film that you may want to consider. Both produce high quality images, but some say film produces better pictures when enlarged. Others contend that digital pictures are easier to manipulate and produce.

In the end, if the photographer uses a digital camera, make sure it takes images of at least 8 megapixels or larger. If film is the photographer's preference, make sure they use professional grade film instead of consumer quality film.

Just like every photographer should bring along an assistant to help him during your wedding, every photographer needs backup equipment in case his original equipment fails. Flashes, lenses and cameras should all come in multiples. Extra batteries, film and memory cards are also a must.

6. Determine Costs and Sign the Contract

While you want to make sure you book your photographer for the date of your wedding immediately, make sure you read over the legal details of exactly what you will get before signing the contract.

First, negotiate price. Contrary to what you may have been told, everything is negotiable, including price, packages and wedding proofs. This means knowing exactly what type of service and what package of photographs you will be getting.

Then make sure that the photographer you want is the photographer you will get at your wedding. Some larger companies may do a bait and switch. Also, find out what part of your wedding day will be covered and how many hours you have with your photographer. This means communicating with the photographer about the details of the event, when and where the ceremony will be held as well as the reception and what types of photographs you want.

In all, the contract is in place to remind both you and the photographer of the services you agreed upon.

Following these simple steps will ensure you hire the photographer to meet your needs and receive a wedding album to treasure for years to come.

Photo credit: FIFOTO

byBest Events

in Ask Best Events, Wedding Photography

11:17 PM

Choosing the right eye for your wedding

Some couples take photography for granted and don't quite spend enough time looking for the right photographer to capture every precious...

Read More