TOGS

Hi Lauren,

Sorry, I'm not a lady, but I'll happily try and answer your question!

Honestly, I'm not sure that there is any question you should need to ask, more, if you're booking a professional, you should generally be told the information you need, pretty much without prompting!

It's more about getting a feeling, that the person you're booking is genuine, you feel is going to do exactly what they say and that you feel comfortable with. I think you'll just know... If you don't feel that the person you're talking to will do the job they promised, or you just don't get along with them, see some more!

I'm sure that there will be awhole bunch of other people along in a second saying, ask about insurance, how many pictures etc, however, I generally feel that by the time you get to an appointment you should already know, or be comfortable that the photographer you're looking at is capable of doing what you want.

I'd just make sure that you get anything that is agreed down in writing, including delivery times, number of pictures, how many photographs in an album etc.

If you are going to ask about insurance, be sure to actually see the certificate! It always amazes me that people ask "Do you have insurance" I say "Yes" and they just believe me! Personally, if I was going to ask the question, I'd want to see the proof!

Pete x

I wrote an over complicated list of things you could think about!

https://mariannesphotoblog.wordpress.com/2013/03/29/101-for-marrieds-to-be-part-2-ive-found-a-potential-photographer-what-questions-should-i-be-asking/

Hahaha sorry Pete but thanks so much for answering , I didnt think there should be too much to ask and they should cover it but wanted to make sure and lack of questions to ask was making me nervous lol like i hadnt done my research

so thanks

I pretty much agree with Pete too, I'm sure when you meet with them, you will get a feeling on whether they are the right person for you - they should start off by talking and introducing them to your portfolio, perhaps explaining their style and their approach on the day, tell you how many images to expect on the day etc etc and it will just lead off from there and they will probably talk you through everything.

Things I always get asked is how many photos they will receive, how long I've been doing photography, what format they will receive their files in and things like that. You can always ask things like their plan in case of emergency, whether they have insurance and things like that.

I personally would say the meeting is very much about seeing how your personalities get on etc, and whether they are everything you expected them to be and believe they will deliver a professional service and the type of service you want. You will probably know when you meet the one you want, it will just be a gut feeling! Some people I meet with, I instantly "click" with and we get on like a house on fire! So I'm sure you will know when you meet the one you want. Good Luck

Not going to add the quote here as it will take up a lot of space but Petes reply is a perfect answer as by the time you have got to any meeting stage all that should be left is to see those whole weddings that you saw on their website in real life. So that way you can narrow it down to 2 or 3 photographers who you want a face to face with, otherwise you are just going to watse your time with an endless supply of non-starters

All above is good advice......One thing "left field" to throw in is to ask which type of "off camera flash system" they use...........?

Truth is that you don't always need a system such as this although it is a useful tool in the camera bag....

Peter

Not much point unless they know all about the different methods otherwise they will have no idea if the answer is a good one or bad. What about show me samples that are not a beautifull sunny day, that is easy I want to see how you cope in the rain, cold, dark, indoors

Thank you everyone for your answers

here is my check list of what ive looked into so far , can you tell me if i'm missing anything before my meeting please as that would be sooo helpful

I've checked out - Style of photography and there albums plus viewed full wedding days online

Prices - they seem within budget although I plucked my budget from the air so dunno if im getting a good price or not

I actually did briefly meet one couple Im going to see at at wedding fair and they seemed lovely and all the email etc have been prompt and friendly replies from all ones ive short listed

Ive made sure all give you a disk / memory pen with the pics as this is what i wanted / all include editing as i want them quite enhanced

I have no idea how many pictures I can expect to want at all ...?? Im looking at a full day from prep to first dance , and my budget is around 2000 ( could go more if needed ) how many should i except

Ive not asked about insurance but the ones ive looked at look genuine , so ill ask them

Bill, my point was to simply see what the reply was.....Most togs good or bad have a spiel for delivering what they want to say. There are questions that they expect and know how to answer them......my suggestion is one that doesn't hold a lot of relevance, although will be "left field" enough for the couple to guage the togs delivery of the answer.IYSWIM....

If you have 2k to spend then you should be able to pick someone exceptionally talented.

In this price range you can throw your net pretty much as far as you like, you don't just need to consider local togs.

Perhaps check out places like Rock My Wedding, Love My Dress etc etc, and look at the real weddings.

Most will be in your budget, so just pick the ones who's work you love the most.

The togs in this range are not likely to be Cowboys, so I wouldn't be overly pedantic about asking for insurance numbers etc.

Lastly, when it comes to the number of images supplied etc, accept what you would be happy with. Personally I value quality over quantity and would be happy with 200+ but everyone is different.

The most important things are that you like them, and love their work!

Ah now I see yes good idea