Photographer Checklist: Courtesy of Simply Designed
When I read this article featuring a Photographer Checklist from Heather at Simply Designed, I knew I had to share it with you here.
Photo by Brian and Jessica Photography from Jess and Tim’s Philadelphia Wedding
Something I tell EVERY ONE of my couples to always make sure you are working with people that you feel comfortable with. That applies to coordinators, DJ’s, videographers and especially photographers. To help with your “interviewing” process, here is a list of 10 topics to discuss with your potential photographer
To help with your “interviewing” process, here is a Photographer checklist of 10 topics to discuss with your potential photographer (directly from Simply Designed):
10. Samples
Do you have samples of your work I can see? Do you have a completed product exactly like we will receive that shows us one wedding from start to finish? Is this sample from the actual photographer who will be at my wedding or someone else on your staff?
9. Image Preservation
What steps do you take to protect my wedding photographs and how long do you archive them? Can I come back in 5 or 10 years and get more photographs or replace my album if something happens to it?
8. Equipment
Do you use professional-quality cameras capable of capturing great images in all lighting conditions, or do you use consumer-level cameras? Do you have backup equipment if something happens to your camera or lights? Can I have black-and-white photographs or can you add special effects if I want to? Do you bring additional lighting equipment if it is needed?
7. Collaboration
Will I be working with you or someone else on your staff? Do you work with an assistant? What is the process for reviewing, selecting and editing the final images for the album, enlargements, and print sets?
6. Deliverables
In what format do you deliver the proofs? What is included in the price? What additional options or products are available and how much extra for those items?
5. Time
What is the maximum amount of time I will wait to see proofs? Once I’ve selected my pictures, how long will it take for final delivery of all printed products?
4. Quality
Do you print the photos yourself or do you use a professional lab or a consumer hobbyist photofinisher like one of the big box stores or shutterfly/snapfish? Are the images guaranteed against fading for my lifetime or beyond?
3. Style
What is your artistic style? Do you shoot traditional poses, or have a more photojournalistic approach, or is it mixed? Do you like to shoot in the studio or at different locations, as well as on the wedding day? Can I see examples of an entire wedding day shoot to see how you might tell a wedding day “story”?
2. Experience
How long have you been photographing weddings? How long have you been in business? Can you provide references? Can I view some of your albums? How do you manage distracted or uncooperative subjects or guests? How will you make us feel comfortable in front of the camera?
And perhaps the most important thing you need to discuss with your photographer…
1. Assurances
How do you ensure my satisfaction? What are your backup plans in the event you’re late or called away by an emergency? What happens if there’s an equipment failure, or some other unforeseen issue? Do you carry liability insurance? Can I get all of the points we’ve covered in a written contractual agreement?
Do not take “no” for an answer to that last question! A written contract signed by all parties protects you and the photographer, and does more to ensure your wedding photo bliss than any other action or decision you can make. Also remember that you and your partner need to be completely comfortable with your photographer, if at anytime you don’t feel like the relationship is working let the photographer know. I hope this helps with your search, and congratulations!
Thanks, Heather and Happy Planning, everyone! By the way, if you are looking for beautiful custom-made invites or stationery for your upcoming event check out Heather’s site! She’s ahh-mazing!
