When booking a photographer for your wedding do your homework. Here are a some questions to ask and tips to help you along the way.
Has this person photographed other weddings? Does he/she do this for a living or for fun?
Are the images that you are shown, what you would like to see? There are "buzz" words flying about everywhere about photojournalism, formal, classic candid, and so on. Do you want a mixture of black and white or only colour photos?
Is this the photographer that will be photographing your wedding or will they send in whomever is available. Don't be shocked, this happens more often than you can imagine. Be certain that you know which photographer is going to be there and that you see his/her work and meet with that individually face to face.
Is the photographer that you meet someone that you can get along with? Is the "chemistry" there?
Ask the photographer how he/she intends to dress? Is this person well groomed?
Do you work well with the other vendors? i.e.: coordinators, caterers, videographers-
The last thing you need is an egomaniac who talks because he/she has a mouth and is unable to work well with the coordinator and caterer. Sure you want amazing wedding images BUT time lines are crucial for your wedding to run smoothly. If your photographer schdules your photos for 45mins then takes 1:30min, they'll exhause you and the safe holding time for your food. Do you really want your guests snacking on the wedding favors while they wait for your photos to finish?
Can you work from a photo checklist that we create?- This really helps things along, create a shot list and give copies to your ushers who know persons on your shotlist. They can act as go-fers.......this way Aunt Agness doesnt get left out the group shots.
Yes your photographer is an artist but he/she doesn't know you as a couple,don't allow them to dictate the way you kiss or pose with each other. Decide where you want to have your shots taken and how you want them taken and communicate this to your photographer.
ADDITIONAL TIPS:-
Have you shot a wedding at my location before?
Do you have an assistant?
Do you have backup equipment and is it the same quality as the primary equipment?
What time will you begin and how long will you stay until?
When will the proofs be ready?
Do we get to keep the proofs?
Do you mark your proofs?
Where and how are your proofs marked?
How much extra for unmarked proofs?
Do we get to keep our negatives?
How long do you keep the negatives and will you sell them to us?
Do you use high speed film to expose natural light?
Do you have tele-photo and wide-angle lenses?