38 Questions To Ask your Maine Wedding Photographer
38 Questions to ask your Wedding Photographer - ANSWERED
It’s the biggest day of your life. You have a million questions. I read this article from Here Comes the Guide and thought they were excellent questions I could share with you!
The Basics
Do you have my date available? NOTE: Obviously, if the answer is NO and you're not willing or able to change your date, don't bother asking the rest of these questions.
**We’re currently booked for 1/2 of the 2019 year, and beginning booking into 2020*
How far in advance do I need to book with you?
Truthfully, as soon as you can! We’ll have better time to plan and help you however we can!*
How long have you been in business?
Since 2013
How many weddings have you shot? Have you done many that were similar to mine in size and style?
I’ve photographed over 30 weddings & elopements all over the United States
How would you describe your photography style (e.g. traditional, photojournalistic, creative)? NOTE: It's helpful to know the differences between wedding photography styles so that you can discuss your preferences with your photographer. For descriptions of the various styles, click here.
Classic, photojournalistic, & heirloom
How would you describe your working style? NOTE: The answer should help you determine whether this is a photographer who blends into the background and shoots what unfolds naturally, or creates a more visible presence by taking charge and choreographing shots.
Under the radar. Low key and as unnoticeable as possible for the utmost authenticity!
What do you think distinguishes your work from that of other photographers?
My care for the in-between moments
Do you have a portfolio I can review? Are all of the images yours, and is the work recent?
Right here on the site!
What type of equipment do you use?
We all use digital high-res top of the line camera equipment. Emily, Christie and myself use Nikon, Kasey uses Canon, and we’re building our hybrid equipment line. Rebecca photographs with a 35mm Olympus and a 120mm Mimaya as well.
Are you shooting in digital or film format or both? NOTE: The general consensus seems to be that either format yields excellent photos in the hands of an experienced professional, and that most people can't tell the difference between film and digital images anyway. However, film takes longer to process than digital.
See above ^
Do you shoot in color and black & white? Infrared? NOTE: Photographers who shoot in a digital format can make black & white or sepia versions of color photos.
All of the above. I do NOT do sepia. lol. Or de-saturated anything. Not our style at all
Can I give you a list of specific shots we would like?
I don’t guarantee them, but I do guarantee we will all bust ass to get them. Also, with four of us, it’s difficult to miss things :)
Can you put together a slideshow of the engagement session (along with other photos the couple provides) and show it during the cocktail hour? What about an "instant" slideshow of the ceremony?
I certainly could if you would like it!
What information do you need from me before the wedding day?
Location, timeline, vendor names, family, wedding party, significant individuals, portrait wish list.
Have you ever worked with my florist? DJ? Coordinator, etc.? NOTE: Great working relationships between vendors can make things go more smoothly. It's especially helpful if your videographer and photographer work well together.
I’m confident I probably have!
May I have a list of references? NOTE: The photographer should not hesitate to provide this.
No hesitation - here are hundreds
The Shoot
Are you the photographer who will shoot my wedding? If so, will you have any assistants with you on that day? If not, who will be taking the pictures and can I meet them before my wedding? NOTE: You should ask the questions on this list of whoever is going to be the primary photographer at your event, and that photographer's name should be on your contract.
I prefer to photograph with my entire team, but there are special occasions where it’s just one of us with an assistant. We don’t EVER - absolutely EVER photograph without an assistant.
Do you have backup equipment? What about a backup plan if you (or my scheduled photographer) are unable to shoot my wedding for some reason?
I have a constant 3 back-up photographers ++++. Additionally, we all have a lot of equipment between us. No worries about any of that
If my wedding site is out of your area, do you charge a travel fee and what does that cover?
Depends on the location! That’s definitely a custom question!
Are you photographing other events on the same day as mine?
More than likely NO
How will you (and your assistants) be dressed? NOTE: The photographer and his/her staff should look professional and fit in with the style of your event.
We generally wear all black. No jeans unless given instruction to. Quiet shoes, and all of our gear. We’re very ninja-esque
Is it okay if other people take photos while you're taking photos?
As long as they’re not an obstacle, yes. However, we very adamantly recommend a digital-free ceremony. THere’s nothing worse than trying to take the portrait of your first kiss and Aunt Debbie has her iPad in the middle of the aisle.
Have you ever worked at my wedding site before? If not, do you plan to check it out in advance? NOTE: Photographers who familiarize themselves with a location ahead of time will be prepared for any lighting issues or restrictions, and will know how best to incorporate the site's architectural elements into the photos.
Highly likely: YES if in central Maine
What time will you arrive at the site and for how long will you shoot?
Depends on the package, of course. Up to 10 hours!
If my event lasts longer than expected, will you stay? Is there an additional charge?
Yes, and yes there is!
Packages, Proofs and Prints
What packages do you offer?
Individual photographers or full team
Can I customize a package based on my needs?
Absolutely - we book in hourly as well
Do you include engagement photos in your packages?
Typically, yes!
What type of album designs do you offer? Do you provide any assistance in creating an album?
We do velvet covers, lien, leather, hard cover - the works!
Do you provide retouching, color adjustment or other corrective services?
We don’t just provide it, we do it all by hand.
How long after the wedding will I get the proofs? Will they be viewable online? On a CD?
You’ll receive your finalized wedding gallery via digital gallery in 6-8 weeks from the day of the wedding
What is the ordering process?
Either in-person or privately through your gallery!
How long after I order my photos/album will I get them?
Generally no more than 3 weeks!
Will you give me the negatives or the digital images, and is there a fee for that?
No, we will not. It’s not an option.
Contracts and Policies
When will I receive a written contract? TIP: Don't book a photographer—or any vendor—who won't provide a written contract.
The contract and a retainer is required to book your wedding date. We don’t photograph anything without both
How much of a deposit do you require and when is it due? Do you offer a payment plan?
Depends on the wedding package and if you’re doing an in-house payment plan or not. We offer payment plans up to 48 months!
What is your refund/cancellation policy?
No refunds. If cancelled within 6 mo of the date, half is still required. If under 90 days, full payment is still required.
Do you have liability insurance?
We have all of the insurances! haha