Wedding Photog - Questions to ask?

[ColleenSwerb]

We were going to use a family friend for our wedding photographer (is a professional), but some drama has erupted and my parents would prefer we went a different route (totally fine with Jordan and myself).

My only problem is that I don't know what sort of questions to ask them when I talk to prospective photogs this week!

Aside from prices, and making sure we get a DVD of the full res files, I don't know what else to ask. I have 2 that I need to talk to, both of whom do more photojournalist type work, which is they style I prefer. So I already know the style will work, which is the biggest concern of mine.

Just looking for any tips anyone can provide Thanks ladies!!

[Shawna]

How many hours of shooting are included in their package? Will they stay the entire time or leave when your allotted time is up? Do they prefer to do photos before or after the ceremony or both? How many total photos will they take? Do they have a checklist of photos they plan to do (like bride with bridesmaids & groom with groomsmen and vice versa, entire wedding party, bride with parents, groom with parents, etc)? Our photographer had a list to go by since we had such a large bridal party & family so she wouldn't miss any groupings we wanted.

That's what I can come up with at the moment, our wedding was 8+ years ago & our photographer was a friend of my mom's but she was shooting film back then. I would have loved to have all our photos on disk, I do have our proof album of 225 - 5x5 prints (plus our larger framed prints we ordered) so I just scan in whatever I want to use but having them on disk would be awesome.

[LeeAndra]

(01) deposit: how much? by when? final payment by? refundable?
(02) second shooter?
(03) packages? option for a la carte choices? how many hrs on wedding day? incl getting ready pics for guys/gurls? indoor and outdoor? open to possibility of offsite shoot? option to take bp pics before ceremony? incl entire reception?
(04) engagement pictures? bridal portrait session?
(05) misc. fees: travel fee (flat fee or based on mileage)? vendor meal at reception? etc.
(06) coming to rehearsal?
(07) portfolio? yrs of exp in photography? yrs of exp in wedding photography? ft or pt basis?
(08) recommendations from former clients?
(09) how many weddings scheduled in next yr?
(10) 'must have'/VIP list for photos? final mtg pre-wedding in person, via email, via phone, etc.?
(11) example contract?
(12) turnaround time on pics? incl DVD w copyright release, but for unlimited printing or some exceptions? DVD mailed or must be picked up at studio? post-processing done by photo(g)s or assistant?

[DawnMarch]

Hmmm, here's a few:

First, you'll want to find out what their usual approach to the day will be. Are they going to be there for the whole day from the trip to the hair salon (or whatever) to the end of the reception, or do they only include the actual wedding, or somewhere in between.

How much posed photography will there be and when will it occur? [sometimes the couple doesn't want any posed, which is fine, but often the couple's parents get ticked about that!]

What are back-up provisions if you are sick or cannot make it?
How many shooters will there be? (often it's 2 -the main photog and a second/assistant shooter)
What are your policies if we are unsatisfied with the photos?

What does the package include? Some photographers will do a quick slideshow of the wedding to actually show at the reception. Some will do a gorgeous album if that's what you want. Just make sure you know what you are getting for the $.

A lot of photographers are doing online proofing of photos now, so your family and friends can see the photos and order if they want. This can cut down on your having to handle all the ordering stuff for other people.

[ColleenSwerb]

You guys are the best! Thank you tons!!