10 Important Questions to Ask Your Photographer

As you look for a photographer, ask each one the same set of questions so you can make a good comparison. Each one will have a different personality, style and price.  Their answers will give you insight into who will be the best match for your wedding.

1.  What happens if your camera breaks? Do you have a backup?

It's important that your photographer has a "plan B." If a camera breaks and there's no backup equipment, you don't have wedding pictures. A photographer who doesn't have backup gear at his fingertips isn't a pro.

2.  Can I talk with other brides who've used you in the past?

Make sure to talk with a few other brides to find out what their experience was like. You want to ensure your photographer is the right fit for your personality and your family. You also should ask around. Is the photographer known by the best florists, DJs, bridal shops and reception sites?

3.  What can you do for me?

That's a better question than, "What do you charge?" Price is important, but price isn't everything. A photographer who charges $500 wouldn't be a bargain if he only stayed for an hour and shot only a dozen pictures.

4.  What's included in the price?

Clarify what you'll receive: How many photographs? How many hours of coverage? Do you get to keep digital files or negatives?

5.  How many weddings have you photographed?

A beginner might offer a lower price, but do you want a beginner shooting your day?

6.  What's your style?

A popular approach is wedding photojournalism, which means lots and lots of candid pictures. A good photojournalist will take all the usual posed family shots, but that's just the beginning. But beware: Anyone can call himself a photojournalist. Ask to see portfolios.

7.  How long will the posed family pictures take?

If you're in a hurry to get to the reception, you don't want a photographer who requires two hours for that part of the job.

8.  Do you have any rules or restrictions?

Find out whether the photographer allows your guests to take pictures after the ceremony, and whether disposable cameras are allowed at the reception. It's your wedding, not the photographer's. If the person seems to be putting his wishes or needs ahead of yours, run.

9.  Will you send us a detailed contract?

Professionals will put everything in writing, so there are no misunderstandings.

10.  Finally, ask yourself: "Do I like this photographer?"

Look for a photographer you're comfortable with. Is the photographer pleasant? Easy to talk to? Personable?
Remember, you aren't hiring someone to simply take pictures, but to tell the story of your special day.

~ Jan Thiessen

Jan specializes in wedding photojournalism and has more than 300 weddings under his belt.  

web:  www.photosbyjan.com
blog:  http://photosbyjan.wordpress.com/
phone:  888-447.6699
email:  jant@photosbyjan.com

Jan Thiessen is Ialways happy to talk about weddings. If you have questions, you can email me at jant@photosbyjan.com, or you can call 888-447.6699. I'm glad to help.   ~ Jan Thiessen www.photosbyjan.com

Read more articles to help you plan your State College area wedding.