Today we are talking about photographers! This is an extremely important vendor and you should be sure to make many different contacts in this field. More so for some than others, the style and price range for good photographers can vary widely and by several thousands of dollars.

You want to be sure you have a good selection of competent photographers to offer your clients in their price range and preferred style of photography (photojournalistic, formal, etc). Additionally, personality is a very important element here as the photographer will be privy to and responsible for capturing very intimate moments. Chemistry between the photographer and your client will be key as you want your clients to feel 100% comfortable with allowing this person to play such a vital role in their special day. There is nothing wrong with making a mental note or two should you encounter a vendor that has an especially jovial personality – perhaps they may not be the best suited to work with your client who is quite solemn and serious by nature.

Here are some questions and issues to consider as you  get to know the photographers in your area.

1. What is the photographer’s style — Posed and formal, relaxed, photojournalistic, creative, artistic, candid, traditional?

2. Does the photographer shoot in mostly color, black and white, or both?

3. Do you shoot in a digital format that can create both color and b/w versions of the same picture?

4. How many rolls/approximate number of images does he or she expect to shoot?

5. Will he or she have an assistant at the wedding? Will the assistant shoot, too?

6. Can we give the photographer a list of shots that we want?

7. Are we meeting with the person who will be taking photos at the wedding? If not, will we/they have the opportunity to meet with the photographer assigned to my wedding?

8. How long has the photographer been shooting weddings?

9. How many weddings does the photographer shoot in a day?

10. What kind of equipment will you bring with you? How intrusive will lighting, tripods, other equipment or assistants be?

11. How long will it take to get the client’s proofs?

12. Can they keep the negatives or can they buy them?

13. Are full-resolution digital files included? Can they make their own prints from these files?

14. What is the photographer’s rate?

15. What time will the photographer arrive and how long will he or she stay?

16. Is there an overtime fee?

17. What will the photographer and assistant wear?

18. Is the wedding album included in the fee? Are parents’ albums included?

19. Approximately how many photos are included in an album, and what layout will be used?

20. Can I look at a complete wedding album the photographer has shot?

xx,
Belle