In front of the lense

Thought this was an interesting article for all my photographer friends (found on elizabethannedesigns.com) - it's helpful to know what questions a client might ask before they select you as their photographer...even though these questions apply to a wedding photographer, they might also be helpful for a portrait photographer...


Essential Questions for Your Photographer
There are SO many amazing photographers in the world - how do you find the one that’s perfect for you? Well, not only do you need to blog-stalk them, see images from a full wedding, and find out all of the details about the specific packages that they offer, but you also want to ask these questions:

1. Will I receive a DVD of images from the event?
2. How many images do you post-process (the more the better! All of those amazing images you fell in love with from their website and albums are post-processed. If the images on the DVD you receive are SOOC (straight out of camera) you should know and understand this.)? Can I see multiple examples of before-and-after images?
3. Do you color correct all images?
4. How soon after the wedding will I receive my proofs? My DVD of images? My album?
5. Do you write up every event on your blog?
6. How soon after the event will you blog?
7. What types of images do you include in your blog post?
8. Do you shoot in film or digital? Color or black and white? RAW or JPG?
9. What is your contingency plan if you are ill or otherwise cannot attend my event? {Be sure the answer to this is specifically stated in your contract}
10. Who retains copyright to the images? Reproduction rights?
11. Are the number of hours included in my contract continuous or may they be used in blocks? In the event of overtime, what are your rates?
12. Are proofs available online or via a proof book?
13. How many images can I expect to see from the event? Can I see your “throwaway images” as well?
14. Do you have specific lighting requirements or suggestions?
15. Will you work from a shot list to be sure that all of the details that are important are captured?
16. Are you available to come to the rehearsal? The hotel room while I am getting ready? The salon while my hair is being done? Will you ride in the limo with me from the ceremony to the reception?
17. How many photographers will be present at my event? Will you specifically be one of them? Do you coordinate the receiving of digital negatives from the associate photographers and the purchase of any prints?
18. What is your cancellation policy? {Be sure the answer to this is specifically stated in your contract}
19. Do you include an engagement session in your fee? When will I receive the DVD of images for that session? Can I use those images for my guest book, decor, etc?
20. What is your blog/magazine submission policy?