Why White? » Interviews

Wedding Photography Interview: Essential topics Pt5

Why White — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 13:09:43 +0000

- What is typically the most budget-friendly way to have wedding pictures taken?

Perhaps the way to think when budgeting your photography is to not necessarily consider the most budget-friendly way, but to think first about the quality of photography you are wanting. Honestly, you get what you pay for and if you pay cheaply, you will get "cheap" wedding photography.

As your wedding is a one-time occurrence, you should hire a photographer who can actually handle the job professionally and get results which will thrill you. Anyone can document the day with a camera. Only a true photographer has the knowledge and skills to truly capture the mood, emotion, and beauty of the day.

So there is no real way to get good photography for cheap. You really do get what you pay for. There are photographers who may charge $1500 or even less. But you really have to be careful in how you spend your money on a photographer. We are all very different with very different visions of what we see as good photography. Keep this in mind as you look at potential photographers’ work before booking them.

If quality photography is not overly important to you, then anyone can probably do the job. But there are so many cases where the client spent little, got little back, and then was very upset with the results. They expected results which could only be obtained by hiring a true wedding photographer and instead got amateurish photos.

Another way to look at wedding photography charges and how to better consider photography in your budget is to look at the price ranges photographers charge—and why.

Next: What price range do wedding photographers charge?

Wedding Photography Interview: Essential topics Pt4

Why White — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 17:08:46 +0000

- Does a photographer like you to have picture ideas you would like him to take?

As every photographer is different, the answer to this question can really vary.

There are two main attitudes about this when coming to a photographer, especially if you come with specific pictures from other photographers. If the sample is from the photographer you are calling, he will respond well because it is his work. But if the sample is from another photographer, the reaction could be different.

With any photographer you consider, remember to trust the artistic vision of the photographer. Don’t expect the photographer to just be a button-pushing copy machine. The photographer should respond by being willing to listen to you, giving you what you want. Ultimately you both can work together to create images which will both be creatively satisfying to the photographer and be loved by you.

That's what a good photographer should and will do. Sometimes, photographers get so popular and well known their self-images get in the way and they forget that ultimately no matter who their customer is, the photography is all about the client, not the photographer.

If the photographer seems put off or too controlling about your wedding photography, maybe you should consider another photographer. A good photographer will take charge, but not take over.

Next: What is typically the most budget-friendly way to have your wedding pictures taken?

Wedding Photography Interview: Essential topics Pt3

Why White — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 08:08:11 +0000

Question: What's the best way to get a rapport between yourself and the photographer?

Actually, this is something you shouldn’t have to worry about too much. It is the photographer's responsibility to develop that relationship. If you have to work hard just to make this happen, the photographer is not a good people person and therefore should not be in that line of work.

On the flip side, you shouldn’t make it any more difficult on the photographer than it already is. The couple should relax and allow the photographer to do his job. This will help the relationship between couple and photographer. Be friendly, polite, and open to suggestions! Relax and go with the flow.

Next: Does a photographer like you to have picture ideas they would like him to take?

Wedding Photography Interview: Essential topics Pt2

Why White — Thu, 27 May 2010 08:06:06 +0000

Question: What does a photographer like you to have ready when you first talk with him?

This varies by photographer. However, it is helpful for any photographer to know your budget plan, to see whether it is even going to work for both of you. If the photographer’s starting packages run at $2000 and the couple only wants to spend $500, you obviously aren’t a good match.

Also a photographer will like you to have your expectations ready to discuss with him. What do you want out of him? You may have budgeted the amount of money the photographer charges, but are you asking for things the photographer cannot deliver? Don’t assume—ask plenty of questions and be ready to clearly discuss what you are hoping for.

Be prepared when you talk with the photographer. You don’t want to waste time in your or his busy schedule because you didn’t write down a list before hand. Plus, you don’t want to forget any important questions you had to discuss!

Next: What's the best way to get a rapport between you and the photographer?

Wedding Photography Interview: Essential topics Pt1

Why White — Sat, 22 May 2010 17:04:43 +0000

Essential topics to consider for your wedding photography!

An interview series, answered by professional photographer Tommy Peterson (T.H. Peterson Photography).

Question: What are important questions for you and your groom to ask a prospective photographer when you first set up an appointment?

Essentially, this question all depends on what is important to you. A good photographer, who is seeking to sell himself to his clients, should be willing to answer basically anything asked of him.

Gather a list of questions you want to ask the photographer before you contact him, and be prepared to have a conversation with that photographer. Most photographers want to speak with you as they are seeking to gain your business. Often you can get a good handle of what they are like just by having a good conversation with them on the phone.

Request to meet the photographer in person so you can see what his personality is like. Again, personality has so much to do in this line of work. The photographer needs to know how to make a bride and groom feel comfortable in front of him. It will translate into the finished product and will make the client much happier. Any good photographer should have some questions for you as well. Be prepared and open to share any thoughts or ideas you may have. It will help the whole process go smoother.

Ask if you can see examples of his work. Of course, every photographer should have a website. It is a necessity in this day and age, and if a photographer doesn't, people tend to not take him seriously. Asking to see a photographer's work is important because you can see if the quality of the work would meet your expectations.

Also ask the photographer how much experience he has. A photographer may have skill in photographing studio portraits, but does he have experience photographing weddings or even events in general? While studio photography takes much practice and ability, wedding and event photography takes a completely new level of skills which studio photographers may not have much knowledge of or experience with.

A professional will know how to consistently take excellent shots. Many people claiming to be photographers on the market today are just enthusiasts with a nice camera. It isn't the tool which takes the photos—it is the photographer. Only a professional will know how to manipulate the tool in his hands to take great images one after another.

Get names and numbers of former clients who are willing to speak about their experiences with this photographer. You can get a good grasp of what kind of job they really did this way. Any photographer can show you a few good images they have done. But wedding photography has a lot more to do with that photographer's ability to interact with his subjects, instead of just the photography itself.

Finally, ask the prospective photographer questions such as why do they like photographing weddings. I enjoy answering questions like this because it gets past the photography talk and it allows me to speak about what I enjoy most, which is people. I enjoy being around people and capturing their emotions. Being able share in someone's experience as special as marriage and then photographing it, recording it and cementing that into history for them forever is why I love photographing weddings. Finding out why wedding photography is a passion your photographer is always a great question to be able to speak about with clients. I would recommend any couple to ask this.

Next up: What does a photographer like you to have ready when you talk with him?