Wedding Frequently Asked Wedding Photography Questions
 

GENERAL WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY QUESTIONS

What are the advantages of hiring a professional photographer?
A professional photographer will be timely - arriving at your wedding promptly, and getting the results to you on time. A professional has all the the right equipment for photographing your wedding. Having attended many weddings, an experienced wedding photographer will be at ease at your wedding as they are used to working with individuals, couples, and groups to make the formal photography go smoothly.

So, I want a professional to photograph my wedding. What do I do next?
Visit wedding photographer web sites, then determine which ones to call. Emailing is not personal enough for wedding photography. If you like the photographer on the phone, go visit their studio or schedule a meeting at your house. When looking through sample albums pay attention to your emotional response to the photography and to the communication skills of the photographer. Look for high technical quality too. Once you have decided on a photographer whose work has meaning to you, discuss prices, deposits, packages, quantity of pictures and so on. 

What is the first question I should ask the photographer?
Once you have established that the photographer is available for your date and location, you will want to ask, "If we select your studio, will you be the photographer covering our wedding?" Some studios have several photographers and you may be speaking to a salesperson. The sample albums may have been done by photographers who do not even work for the studio anymore.

How much time will a photographer spend at my wedding?
That is really up to you. You can have the photographer meet you where you and the groom are getting dressed, and keep taking pictures until you leave the reception. Or you may just want a few hours of photography, with a few formal photographs and some pictures of the ceremony. My typical coverage starts two or three hours before the ceremony, spending time with both the bride and groom and ends during the reception- after the bouquet/garter toss, and cake cutting.

Kenneth May Photography Wedding Questions 

Do you plan the coverage with the bride and groom?
Most photographers either do not do this or they follow the bride around on her wedding day, asking her what she wants next...it becomes her obligation to orchestrate what pictures need to be taken or possibly risking missing the moment.

I personalize my wedding coverage by providing the bride and groom a "Our Day Shot Sheet" several months prior to the wedding. It contains all the types of photographs a bride normally requests, but also allows plenty of time for the couple to have unique shots planned. The bride can use it to list all of her favorite pictures, as well as any unusual events she may plan. I will be sure to capture all of the special things that will make your wedding one to remember for a life time. Even the group shots are planned well in advance, while there is ample time, instead of amid the confusion and excitement of relatives and friends. With your list in hand, I can take care of everything and allow you to enjoy the beginning of a wonderful journey!

What is your photography style?
I try to cover the events of the day with as little intrusion as possible, seeking to capture the emotions, natural expressions and details that make each wedding unique. Most of the time people think that I am a close friend of the family not an unfriendly hired professional.

What kind of equipment do you use?
I use only professional Canon digital cameras with professional Canon L lenses. In addition, I bring portable lighting (strobes) and reflectors to be used if necessary. Note, for the service, most churches do not allow flashes and will use natural light.  We will discuss this during our initial meeting.

How long before we see our proofs?
Normal viewing time is right after your honeymoon, about 2 weeks after your wedding or sooner if need be.

Do we get to choose how much Color or B&W, you will take?
Never an issue...all photography I take can be presented in both color and black/white.

What is required to book the date?
I require a small deposit to hold the date. In addition, a contract of services will also need to be signed.  The remaining balance for the photography service is due on the day of your wedding.  I book all my event photography on a first come first serve basis, and do not block off the dates until I actually receive both a signed contract and deposit.

Will you ever send an associate to photograph our wedding?
No, I personally photograph every wedding; however, I may bring along another photographer at no additional cost to you. 

Do you sell custom packages?
Yes I do and they can be found back HERE.

Do you offer a slide show of our favorite pictures?
Yes I do!

Do you offer albums?
Yes I do and samples can be viewed upon request and will bring during our initial meeting.

Do you charge extra for travel?
Yes, only for weddings outside of three hours from Evansville, Indiana.

What if we cancel our wedding?
A cancelled wedding is traumatic, no matter the reasons.  If the wedding is just 'put on hold', I will retain the deposit until a new date is scheduled; however, if the wedding is cancelled for the foreseeable future, I will gladly refund your deposit.

What kind of clothing do you wear to the wedding?
Dress slacks and button down short sleeve shirt is my normal attire; however, I will cater to your wedding theme and will make sure to "blend in" .

Do you take formal group pictures?
Yes they are essential.  If you wish, I can spend more time for group photos, but realize it may cause for less time for those special candid shots. If the formal group pictures and posed portraits are the most important aspect of your wedding photography and you have a long list of various combinations of people that you simply must have shots of, we can note those during our final photography meeting and make sure they are on the 'shot sheet'.

I have heard some photographers do not allow others to take pictures-do you mind if people other than yourself take photographs during the wedding?
Not at all! It is a joyous day and everyone should be able to capture the moments as they wish; however, I will ask that when we are posing the formal shots, your friends and loved ones hold off until I am finished with the shot. I will allow some time for them to use their cameras before we pose the next shot.

Copyright Kenneth May Photography Corporation 2009
All Rights Reserved