Wedding Photography Interview: Essential topics Pt1

Posted on 22. May, 2010 by Why White in Interviews

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?

Tags: wedding photography