Questions to ask a budget wedding photographer...

[gbc]

Hey guys. So I

[Sheiky]

Also, an added plus is that the photographer is giving me all the RAW files after the wedding, so I can play around with post production myself. Most other pro photographers won't do that.

That's a really nice thing.


Honestly with expensive photographers it's not always you get what you pay for, but that's another deal []


I don't think there are really a lot of questions, since I figure you already have some answers like: getting the RAW data after the shoot.


I would suggest that you ask the photographer if he want to do a try out shoot with both you and your future-wife. That way you can see what his/her style is and it also helps to improve the communication between you two and him/her. Which is very helpful on the big day.


As for now I have shot two weddings and for both I had a try-out shoot before the wedding. It helps you(the photographer) to see how the dynamics between the couple are. What shots work and what shots don't work. And obviously it helps you to see what the couple likes, since you have some material to show.


Also it really helps to ease the moment. When the couple is comfortable with you hanging around, it will all be easier on the big day. Both of you will know what to do so it doesn't take too much time and you won't get angy photos []


So that would probably be my main concern. What equipment he/she uses...well I wouldn't really care, unless you are very anxious of it...junk like sony, nikon etc [:P]


I'm not sure if you plan on doing much flash-involved shots. If so you might want to see what's going on there. But other than that, also don't push him/her out of their comfort zone.


1 more question: where are you located? [A] Volunteer here [:P]


Good luck,


Jan





Ps: you could ask some of your friends to do some snap-shots from time to time? There are a number of times during a wedding when the guests have nothing to do. You might want to use that in your advantage. I'm also not sure if you have the photographer the entire day or just for the special shots?

[NFLD Stephen]

Personally, I would make sure YOU know exactly what shots you want. Ie. poses, group shots, "speciality shots" (wedding cake, rings, flowers, etc.). If you

[Kayaker72]

In addition to the advice above, I would encourage your shutterbug friends to snap away, but not interfere with the Pro. I would also make sure that you get what you are expecting from the Pro. Specifically, that it will be him/her that shows up and with adequote gear. The back story is from a wedding I was at last fall where the Pro that showed up wasn

[HDNitehawk]

So... anybody have any suggestions on questions I can ask this person when I meet him, to kind of suss out what I can expect? I've seen his portfolio of course, but what else should I try to find out when talking to him in person? What lenses he carries, etc.

I think if you posted the link to his website and portfolio here you would get comments about his work.


I would ask the gear and lens question, and I think you should. I would ask just to make sure he isn't working with junk. A craftsman works with the best tools he can get that do the best job.


----> This is the most important. REFERENCES. Ask to call some of his past clients. Even the ones he thinks are the most high on him, may not be. A couple of good referrals is worth more than anything.

[gbc]

Thanks for all the suggestions! I was definitely considering asking the photographer to do a quick test-shoot when we meet.


I got a reference for this photog when he shot a friend

[iND]

I am a wedding photographer


What I need form my client is:


Pick a style from the portfolio.


Set a time line for events, (very very very important)


I always shoot with a second photographer, we both have 3 cameras.(never go with a single shooter if you can help it)


Let me see the venue for the wedding and the reception ahead of time


Listen to my lighting suggestions


Your best memories are the bride getting ready, the groom getting ready and the after wedding off site shots.


Leave time for shots between the end of the ceremony and the reception for off site photos (leave an hour)


Calculate plenty of travel time, let the guests eat before the bride and groom arrive.


Keep the posed family shots to a minimum.


Strongly consider if there is a tight timeline to have the bride and groom take shots together BEFORE THE CEREMONY


this is becoming much more popular, and you will love these shots.


Let me have input into the reception set up, placement of the cake especially


Feed me


Let me use some discrete flash during the ceremony,


have me come to the rehearsal


meet with me ahead of time, to do engagement shots so we can get to know each other


Trust my instinct, I am an artist and I will get you a great album


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