What results can you expect? The reason you want photography done is that you are seeking a result. Photographers should be able to show the results that they have achieved. If the buyer is happy with the results, then other questions - availability, cost - can be asked. The most important thing is getting the results you need.

Simply put...
Look at their portfolio. If they have an array of pictures that turn you on then they will be able to make you happy... as long as the price meets your budget. Make sure they're is a contract involved to cover your butt, and read that contract. Photogs can be like mechanics. They have a skill that most don't and can try and manipulate you for an added "look". Let me know if you have any more questions.

When you speak with the photographer do they ask questions as to what YOU want / need? Are they in a rush to have you sign an agreement or do they ask questions to get to know you. The better a photographer knows his / her clients the better the photography and the working relationship between the two.
Also, is the photographer insured, bonded, have a business license? All of these are important for the client as the client may become responsible for a photographers liability. Many venues require the clients vendors to be insured. I provide photography for events (business, family, organizations, etc) and many of the venues require I provide them with a certificate of insurance and have them as a named insured.
Look at the photographer's work. Is their style of photography what you're looking for? Try to match the photographer's specialty with what you're looking for. Some photographers claim to be specialist in ALL areas of photography (look at some of the claims: Specializing in: Weddings, Portraits, Pets, Sports, Photojournalism, Seniors, Macro, Food, Travel, etc, etc. One, two or maybe three but ....
What costumer service does the photographer provide? Do you get your phone calls and emails returned in a reasonable time?
Budget is important, can the photographer work within your budget, does the photographer offer "terms", payments, packages, discounts?
Does the photographer have a back up plan including back-up equipment (cameras, lights,etc). I've been on assignments where my camera, lens and flash have become disabled and fortunately I carry back up of all. It is necessary.

Hope this helps.

Paul
2 Windows Photography, Inc
www.2WindowsPhotography.net
www.FotoProNet.com

I was hired for a job by a client looking on here for a photographer. Her questions were as followed:

1 Our party is a Black & White Affair...Atire would you be able to dress in them..

2 So I know you have done a birthday party before would you be able to provided me with the shots you took from that party....??

3 Ask me any questions that you might have

4 can you please advise me on the kind of camera you will be using as well as do you have a backup should something happen to your main camera

5 I will need you from 6 pm til around 10 pm

6 How many years of experience do I have

7 what are the costs

8 What is the turnaround for the pictures

9 Do you print the pictures or do you have a lab

10 Why should I hire you for this job

11 Do you have any previous work to show me

I hope this helps

Sarah
Nava's Photography
https://www.facebook.com/navasphotography

Yes you need to make sure they are reliable and will show up for the job you are hiring them for. You should also ask do they have insurance and how do they back up their work. Make sure they photographer is flexible and can customize packages to fit your budget needs. Is the photographer a bore or can they interact with people, if they are personable your pictures will be better. You also want a photographer that has quick turn-around and can make any changes you desire with photo-retouching...and that has everything to do with equipment.

Vanessa
Photography by Kurt
www.photographybykurt.net

I believe that finding the perfect photographer for you is a process. Before contacting anyone look at their portfolio. These days every photographer has an online portfolio. Some may only showcase a few images and others will showcase whole weddings. Can you picture yourselves in the photos they are showing? Is the work something that reflects a current fad or are they beautiful classic images that will stand the test of time. You have to know that style that you like and the way you want your wedding captured.

The next step would be to contact the photographers that have work that draws you in. Find out if they have your date available and when contacting a photographer give them a little detail about what you have planned so far, this way the photographer should be able to show you examples of their work at a venue if they have worked there in the past. If the photographer hasn't worked there in the past, don't count them out. A true professional photographer can walk into any venue, any place on the planet and find beautiful light that will make you look your best. Be honest about your budget up front. If photography budget is $1,000 and the photographer starts at $3,500 they are probably not going to be able to customize a package to your needs. If your budget is $1,000 and their packages start at $1,500 they may be able to work something out just for you.

Along the same lines is asking yourself how do you want your wedding day images presented? Are you looking for a photographer that shows up, photographs your wedding and then burns the images to a disc? Are you looking for a photographer that is there in the process leading up to your wedding day to help with a day of schedule, to photograph an engagement session, multiple photographers day of the wedding, and prints or an album as a keepsake for years to come? You have to know what you want and is important to you.

Pay attention to how the photographer responds to your request. Are you treated special or like just another number? From there I believe that personality is a huge issue. Do you click with the photographer? Do you feel comfortable with the. (having an engagement session with help this process). But before you get there a certain level of ease with your photographer must be felt. During your consult most of the conversation should be centered around you and how you want your wedding day to be memorialized. It should be about how you want the day to flow and those expectations can be met and exceeded.

At that point ask about years of experience, insurance, back-up equipment, a plan if something happens to the photographer, how the photographers will dress during the wedding, how quickly you will receive your images, are the images retouched, what are the proofing options and any other special requests you may have.

If you still are not sure, you can always find reviews online and ask for a contact from a former bride that can tell you all about the process she experienced.

If they can meet all of your requirements and your personalities click, move forward with booking. In most cases be prepared to put down a 30%-50% deposit and keep in mind that the good photographers with experience book up fast.

I hope that helps. Please feel free to contact me if you have additional questions.

Kind regards,
Carla Kasera
~ Stehman Photography
www.stehmanphotography.com
www.facebook.com/stehmanphotography

I am a professional photographer but I am also a consumer. I try to bring my own personal experiences to my business to help make it better. That being said, what I look for first in any professional is customer service. For me, this works whether I am looking for a photographer or a dentist. I wouldn't use a dentist who even if they had graduated from a top dental school who treated me like a was just another patient sitting in his/her chair. I want customized service that is tailor made for me and my needs. Of course I am talking about professionals and not amateurs. Look at the quality of the photographer's work but then spend some time talking with them. See how willing they are to accommodate you and your needs.

Chris Marsh @
www.PhotoplayNc.com