Questions to ask when interviewing a Wedding Photographer

Will he/she be taking the photos at your wedding?

If not, you should meet the person who will be and ask him/her these questions.

Are they are a member of any associations or groups specific to the industry?

If the photographer is a member of an association, he is networking with other professionals and is most likely up to date with current trends and styles of photography. Members also have access to continuing education and other resources that non-members do not have.

What styles do they specialize in? Do they do any creative shoots?

You want to make sure the photographer is comfortable shooting the style you prefer. Communicate what style you want.

What type of camera will the photographer use?

You will get a sense about the photographers knowledge and experience.

Does the photographer use an assistant? Is there an extra charge for this?

Usually an assistant who knows and understand wedding photography is there and makes your photographer's job faster and easier.

Will there be backup equipment available? And what happens if the photographer is ill?

You want to be sure the photographer is prepared in case of emergency. Make sure your wedding photographer has adequate backup equipment of the same type and quality. Also, you want to know the backup photographer is someone you would want to photograph your wedding.

Can other people take photos while you are taking photos?

Some photographers will not allow others to take pictures at the same time he/she is. The other cameras flash may effect the photographers photo or may distract the people in the photo to look another way. The answer to this question may be important to you if you want others to freely shoot photos during your formal session.

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?

Sometimes the day can last longer than expected, and if so, is the photographer willing to stay and at what cost to you?

How many photos come in each package? What is the breakdown per photo?

You should have an idea of how many photos you want and what you are getting with the package.

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?

You want to make sure they will look professional!

How long after the event will the proofs be ready?

This could vary drastically, 2 weeks, 2 months, 6 months ,etc.

What type and how much assistance will they provide in planning your album?

It is nice to have a professional assist you in planning your album, it can be a bit overwhelming if you are not sure what you want.

Will they give you the negatives or what is the charge?

Photographers have the rights to their photographs and may not want to give up the negatives or digital full resolution files. It may be an added cost on the contract.

Does he/she have liability insurance?

You want to know if the photographer carries insurance to cover the cost if something goes terribly wrong.

Derek & Kristen

Nice overcast day this morning for photo shooting but mosquitoes were terrible. Derek and Kristen where an easy couple to photograph and I was honored they asked me to do their engagement photos. Their wedding date is set for September 18th this fall. Jaxon was a natural in front of the camera and so much fun to shoot.

My beautiful family

My wife and kidos are the most precious thing to me.  I'm so blessed to have them in my life. 

Going back to school!

Why am I excited about going back to school you say?  Well I never thought I'd be so excited either but the only reason is because its photography school!  Yup, enrolled in a 6 week course at Gordon Cooper Votech.  After that, the plan is to enroll at New York Institute of Photography, but I'm taking it one step at a time.

Over the few months I've developed a deep passion for photography (and deeply invested) and want to learn all there is to learn about it.   I wish I could say I developed a passion when I was young but that's not the case.  I was to busy doing what a young boy does....riding bikes, sports, girls etc.  I do remember being fascinated with my Dad's 35mm Pentax  and occasionally he would let me take a few pics with it.  This wasn't a point and shoot camera, it was your manual setting SLR (Single Lens Reflex) unlike most of today's digital consumer cameras.  So for a 7 year old it was quite daunting setting the aperture and shutter speed just right so that the light meter needle would be at the 50% range and then focusing manually on the subject. 

Cameras have come a long way since then but the basics are still the same to getting correct exposure.  Today's cameras have a host of effective and some not so effective features but companies have to add new features every couple of years or else you wouldn't upgrade to the latest and greatest right? Lenses is where your best investment should be if your just starting out.  They are never out of date and most generally hold their value.

My parents have recently passed down this 1976 Pentax for my personal use and I have to say its quite special to me.  My entire childhood was shot with this camera.  While its not my primary it definitely has its place for different situations.  The instant feedback of Digital cameras has spoiled me but I love getting back to the basics approach of this vintage camera.

Anyways, I'm super excited about going to photog school and looking forward to posting my experience with you for the next 6 weeks.

Cameron & Ashley Wedding

Well this was my first wedding shoot and I have to say with the help of my lovely and extremely hot assistant (my wife) and a few prayers to God, it turned out quite good.  The couple was such a pleasure to work with and everything went smooth as could be.  I really couldn't have picked a better first wedding.

I had confidence in my camera, lenses and other gear, it was just a matter of shot planning, being prepared and having confidence in MYself as a photographer and just having fun with the couple on their most important day.   As my good friend Justin Voight and fellow Photographer told me...."don't worry to much about your manual settings, just DON'T MISS THE SHOT"  Very wise words I have to say.  Thank you Justin for all your help.......I owe you a steak bro!