With one daughter just married and another planning her July, 2015 wedding, we have lots of wedding planning information floating around our house. I opened up the Nov/Dec 2014 issue of Bridal Guide and found an article with lots of good questions to ask your wedding professional. Here's my take on their questions for wedding photographers.
1. Do you have experience photographing weddings? How long have you been in business? Through my experience of photographing over 500 weddings, I know where I need to be to get that great shot. I also have skills, developed through time and training, that give you beautiful portraits in a timely manner. We will get great portraits and still get you to the party asap!
2. How would you describe your style? The very best way to see if your styles match is to meet with the photographer and view whole albums. A website is a great teaser, but you need to know how that photographer will tell the story of your entire day.
3. How and when do we create a shot list? I generally meet with couples before they book their wedding, when we photograph their engagement session, and again one month before their wedding. I have a general shot list, but we discuss every detail and note all the special people that we should photograph as well as the timing for the day. I find that 30 days before the wedding is perfect...most of the plans are set and the bride is still thinking clearly. Because we've discussed all the details, they can leave the shot list to me. No need to worry about that on their wedding day.
4. How long will you shoot? I have general guidelines depending on the package, but I don't go strictly by the hour. Who wants to worry about running late and missing some great moments!
5. What type of equipment do you use? A very important question! Having backup equipment is vital. I remember slipping at one wedding and slamming my camera on the pavement. While it was not damaged, I didn't take any chances since you can't alway tell by just looking at it. I immediately put that camera away and used my other camera.
6. What's your backup plan should you fall ill or otherwise not be available on the wedding day? I feel very fortunate to have met many awesome professional photographers through my membership in the Wisconsin Professional Photographers Association, as well as the regional association. One great benefit is that we help each other out in emergencies. I hope I never need to ask, but I know they would back me up if needed.
7. Do you have liability insurance? Accidents happen and you want to make sure you're not the one on the hook.
8. What the length of time for delivery of proofs? I hear it all the time..."It took six months for my photographer to show me my proofs!" I just don't get that! I know you're excited to relive your day, so I post your images online within one week of your wedding. After you've decided on your album portraits, finished albums are completed in around two months. Seems silly to wait much longer than that.
Your wedding is the biggest party you'll ever plan. Make sure you have beautiful portraits to remember it forever! www.kappelmanphotography.com
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