Questions to Ask a Wedding Photographer

Will he/she be taking the photos at your wedding?
Absolutely. I shoot all weddings and bring only my BEST photographers along!

Are they are a member of any associations or groups specific to the industy?
Only the National Photography Association – I try to spend more time shooting, and learning than attending social functions related to my work

What styles do they specialize in? Do they do any creative shoots?
I’m comfortable shooting any style you’d like, but I prefer to stray away from Olan Mills – style work. See my website for a variety of my shooting styles.

What type of camera will the photographer use?
Equipment list is as follows (updated regularly)
Nikon D200 Camera Body x 3
Nikon D90 Body
Nikon D80 Camera Body
Nikon D40 Camera Body

Nikkor 70-200 2.8 VR ED IS Lens
Nikkor 17-55mm 2.8 ED Lens
Nikkor 50mm 1.4 ED Lens
Nikkor 18-55 3.5 G Lens
Tamron 17-50 2.8 Lens
Nikkor 35mm 2.8 Lens

Multiple Flashes x 7
3 Pocket-Wizard Wireless Triggers
4 Alien Bee 1600 Watt Studio Strobes
3 Alien Bee 800 Watt Studio Strobes

Software I use:
Adobe Photoshop CS4, Adobe Illustrator CS4, Adobe Lightroom 2, DXO Optics Pro

Does the photographer use an assistant? Is there an extra charge for this?
Depending on what you choose for your Custom Wedding Package, I will use multiple assistants, however – I will always have at least one.

Will there be backup equipment available? And what happens if the photographer is ill?
We have more equipment than necessary and I have 4 Photographers who I trust unequivocally to cover for me if I’m in the hospital.

Can other people take photos while you are taking photos?
Only AFTER I’ve gotten the group shots I need . . . they can shoot all the candids they want, but you have HIRED me to do the best job I can possibly do documenting your wedding, and I need 100% participation from your wedding party, which means not distracting you with other cameras flashing at you while I’m trying to create a well crafted, beautiful image.

Has he/she worked at your event locations before? How did it work out?
Lighting issues and restrictions on using flashes may come up as a surprise once you are at your event location. If your photographer checks out the location beforehand, he will be prepared for these surprises.

Should your event last longer than scheduled, will they stay? Extra charge?
Depends on what we have agreed upon prior, but make sure and ask this question when you sit down with a prospective shooter!!!

What types of photos will be taken (B/W, Color, Antiques, etc..)?
You should know what type you want and if the photographer is willing to take more of what you want.

Will they accept of list from you, for specific photos to be taken?
Make sure the photographer is willing to accept a list of your must haves!

What attire will they and their assistants wear?
We wear Dark Colored clothing and stay professionally dressed – blend in with your attire

How long after the event will the proofs be ready?
Proofs will be ready GUARANTEED WITHIN THREE WEEKS, sometimes as soon as 3 Days

Will they give you the negatives or what is the charge?
For me, it depends on what we have agreed upon price-wise for your particular wedding, but PLEASE make sure and ask this question so there are no necessary surprises!

If you’d like, here’s a copy of this document “Questions You Should Ask Your Wedding Photographer” in ADOBE PDF format