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What questions do you ask a wedding photographer? What should you be looking for and why is that important. Picking a wedding photographer for your big day is an imporant decision and we'd like to help you make this an easy one by answering some of the most commonly asked questions we get when interviewing clients.
QUESTIONS FOR R.J. ABOUT WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
Who will be taking the photos at your wedding?
RJ and an assistant will most likely be taking photos at your wedding.
Are you a member of any associations or groups specific to the industry?
I am a member of the Canadian Professional Wedding Photographers Association and a member of the International Alliance of Television and Stage Employees.
What styles do you specialize in? Do they do any creative shoots?
Most of my work is illustrative and or editorial in that I do my best to tell a story. Whether that story has to do with a song or something that you told me you like, such as your favorite movie, the main point is that a story is to unfold in the pages of your album.
What type of cameras do you use?
I use Nikon Digital SLRs and a Mamiya 645 film camera.
Do you have an assistant? Is there an extra charge for him/her?
It depends on the size of the wedding party, often enough I will have an assistant to help carry gear and organize people. We work with other photographers in the Edmonton area and will often colaberate on different projects.There is an extra charge for an additional photographer if they are not part of the photographic package.
Will there be backup equipment available? And what happens if you are ill?
In the event that I am ill I will hire another shoot to work on my behalf. The other photographer is someone that I personally trust and have confidence in their skills to deliver quality images. In 6 years I have not been late or sick once, however; it does not mean it couldn't happen; that's why we have good relationships with other people in this industry.
Can other people take photos while you are taking photos?
I would prefer that other people do not take photos during the formal session. If a flash goes off at the same time as mine it could ruin the photograph by overexposing it. I also find it extremely distracting when others are taking photos right over my shoulders. Though during the reception, before and after the ceremony, when you and your (then) spouse leave the church it's just fine with me.
Have you worked at your event locations before? How did it work out?
Yes, all of the shoots I have done are on location and they have all turned out great. We've even setup a studio at a wedding reception and done all of the formal pictures there due to weather. We're flexible and willing to work in a variety of conditions, even if that means not using a flash.
Should my event last longer than scheduled, will you stay? Is there extra charge?
Most of our wedding packages cover the entire day from the start of the ceremony to the end of the reception. If I am needed for an additional location or four extra hours the charge is $300, which is payable upon requesting the additional time. This charge includes any added editing and web hosting that would go along with these extra photos.
How many photos come in each package? What is the breakdown per photo?
Typically there are two to three hundred (200 - 300) photos in a package though, there are no limits in terms of how many photos I choose to take. Each package comes with a DVD of the photos that you can print, as such the cost per picture is pretty small.
What types of photos will be taken (B/W, Color, Antiques, etc..)?
It's digital, even the film becomes digital. Tell me what you want and I will make it happen. Typically though I try and have a good cross section of color and black & white photos.
Will you accept of list from me, for specific photos to be taken?
All of our photos are planned out, that's what makes us different. We even offer a make up artist and hair stylist as part of our wedding packages so that we give our clients the best possible photos, by having them look their best. Going to great lenghts to make sure that our clients go away with photos that go above and beoynd their expectations is not new to us, it's all we do! That being said if a client has specific requests before (or during) the wedding then we well do our best to make sure we get the pictures they want.
What attire will you and your assistant wear?
I dress for the weather, usually a nice shirt, tie, hemmed pants or shorts and a collared shirt. Or a parka and some heavy duty snow boots; not fun in the summer though. My assistant will be dressed similarly, or as spiderman/woman in a life jacket, speedo/bikini and flippers if requested.
How long after the event will the proofs be ready?
Our policy isn't to just "shoot and run" we will call you the day after the event to answer any questions you may have, and to see how you're doing. From there we will turn things around as quickly as possible, typically it will take two to three weeks to get your proofs on our website. Once we recieve approval to print an album it takes two weeks to have it delivered; prints usually take a week and canvas takes about a week and a half to deliver. The rest of it depends on how long the client mulls over their photos!
What type and how much assistance will you provide in planning our album?
I like to choose the photos and lay out the album for my clients, I then proof these albums online before printing them. If there are any suggestions or requests I am more than happy to work with my clients to make their wishes a reality. Again, balance is a key thing in our business acumen.
Will they give you the negatives or what is the charge?
Negatives and copyrights are not given out freely. This is because the only proof that I have that shows that I was the photographer who took your photos. However all clients get a high resolution digital representation of all the photos taken on a DVD, with out a copyright/watermark which they can print from freely.
Does you have liability insurance?
Yes, I have business liability insurance through an accredited insurance outlet in Alberta.
If you have more questions please send R.J. an email or give him a call at 780-465-9232.
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