What Questions Should I Ask My Photographer?

If you have other question please give us a call at 1.802.398.1100 or email crhodes@crhodes.net.

Q. What is the style of your photography, formal or photojournalistic or both?
A. We are very strong in all the photographic styles. Although trained as portrait photographers, many of the awards won by us are for our photojournalistic photos.

    You will probably want a photographer that does a combination of posed and photojournalistic photography. Since your wedding is a once in a lifetime occasion, you will want to be sure to set some time aside to get pictures of you two with your families and wedding party. If you do prefer the photojournalistic approach, you can limit the time and number of posed photos to suit your preferences.

Q. Does the photographer use digital or film?
A. Seven years ago we held our breath and went digital. Slowly at first, using both mediums, but soon realized that not only were the finished prints as good as film but there were many more things we could do with the digital images than we could with film, vastly broadening our capabilities and our artistry.

    The debate continues to rage on. Many top notch, internationally known wedding photographers are loving their digital cameras and the quality of the product they are getting while those who do use film swear that you can't get the same depth and richness that comes with film. You should go into the question with an open mind. Look at both and decide for yourself!

Q. Has the photographer shot many weddings and how long has the company been in business?
A. Curtis graduated from the Photography Program of the San Francisco Art Institute and studied wedding photography at one of Seattle's biggest studios. We formed Curtis Rhodes Photography in 1992.

    Experience definitely counts. You want your photographer to be ready for any surprises and you want to be sure the company will still be around when you return from your honeymoon!

Q. Is the person you interview the same person who will be at the wedding?
A. Curtis and Vickie are the only photographers at Curtis Rhodes Photography.

    Often, if you are hiring a large company, you may find they have sent someone with little experience. Be sure of whom your photographer will be.

Q. Does the photographer bring an assistant?
A. We always go to every wedding together. Plus, both Vickie and Curtis are photographers, capturing every detail.

    An assistant can be very important. You don't want the photographer reloading film (or changing Flash Cards) while you are cutting your cake.

Q. How many weddings will your photographer be shooting on your Wedding Day?
A. We will photograph only your wedding on your wedding day.

    It's best the photographer not take a chance of being late to your wedding or have to leave early to get to another.

Q. What types of packages does the photographer offer?
A. We are full service photographers with a variety of packages to suit every need.

    Many photographers will have packages that give you 5 or 6 hours of time and all the negatives and previews. This can be less expensive although you will need the time and expertise to produce enlargements for yourselves and your family. Other photographers will produce the finished albums and enlargements for you. This can be a definite advantage as the professional photography studio will see to it that the photos are presented to their finest potential. The photographer will have access to professional labs, touch up artists, and the best quality albums.

Q. Does the photographer want all the formal pictures taken before the ceremony?
A. Our style allows us to quickly capture the important group pictures after the ceremony if the Bride and Groom are absolutely sure that they don't want to see each other before the ceremony.

    If you don't want the groom to see you before the ceremony, your photographer should be adaptable enough to accommodate your wishes. There are some situations, however, in which it is impossible to provide any time between the ceremony and reception for the group photos to be taken. In this case, the photographer, wedding coordinator and you should allow for a special moment when you two can see each other for the "first time" before the ceremony. You will discover that this moment is the perfect compromise, and will allow the two of you to see each other and really enjoy just you two. After the ceremony you won't have to worry about the time spent taking pictures but can dash out of the church and into your car and off to the reception.

Q. Is the photographer open to a list of must-take photos?
A. Of course.  Especially if you feel there is a very unique photo that you especially want.  We really do cover the event nicely, however, so a list isn't always necessary.

    Every couple has different tastes and desires. A list will offer the photographer insight into who you are. He should not be opposed to discussing a list of photos you would like. Be realistic, however. You may not really want a photo of every bridesmaid during the processional as the photographer misses your Dad kissing you on the cheek.

Q. What is the photographer's fee for overtime?
A. In order to completely cover your wedding day, we assume you want us to stay until all the events have taken place and your guests are up and dancing. If this keeps us for more than one half hour over the package time we may ask for an additional $150.00 per half hour when you come to get your preview album.

    Your photographer should be available to stay longer than your package calls for. You don't want him leaving before the cake is cut! Remember, when paying for overtime you are paying for not only your photographer's (and assistant's) time and talent, but for all the extra photos that will be shot.

Q. How does the photographer present the previews?
A. You will first see your photos on-line...perhaps at an Internet Cafe in some exotic honeymoon location! You and your families, however, will choose the photos you want in your albums, as gifts, or for your wall from you Image Catalog.  Its like a proof book but with 9 images per page, all ring bound and presented with a beautiful photo cover with your name and wedding date. Included will be all the information and forms you will need to make your orders.

    Every photographer seems to have their own unique way of presenting the previews!

Q. What is the photographer's time frame for presenting previews and the finished orders?
A. The website should be available in a week. Your Image Catalog will be ready in another week or two  ... the finished album should be ready three months after you send us your orders.

    It should take only two to four weeks for the photographer to have your previews ready for you to see. It takes somewhat longer, often three to four months after you have made your choices for your finished Wedding Album to be ready. Your album will be worth the wait if the photographer has taken the time to custom design it, crop and prepare each photo for it's maximum beauty, send the photos off for retouch as needed, then assemble it all into your most precious possession.

Q. When are the negatives available?
A. The high resolution CDs (Better than negatives) in our packages are yours at no additional charge, and presented to you with your final album and orders.

    Although the negatives represent the photographer's livelihood, he may be agreeable to letting you buy them if your and your family's orders are large enough. Other photographers will give you the negatives after a few years so that you will have them for safekeeping.

Q. Are there any "hidden charges" you should be aware of?
A. There should be no surprises when you buy one of our packages.

    Your photographer's price list should state what, if any, extra charges there might be. You may have to pay for tolls, parking charges, postage or mileage. Ask if the photographer thinks that your wedding would require any extra charges.

What to look for in the photographer's work.
    As you look through the photographer's sample albums you should notice a definite artistry and style. Is there a wide variety of situations represented in the work or are all the photos from outdoor weddings? Look at the backgrounds to see if they are nicely lit and not turned black. Ask to see what a complete wedding looks like, not just bits and pieces of lots of weddings. Are the portraits well composed as well as fun and lively? Are there a variety of backgrounds or has the photographer planted himself in one spot for all the formals? Is the album nicely composed with a variety of sizes of prints? Are there black and white prints and color pictures represented?

    A lot can be learned from watching the photographer as he (or she) presents his work. Is he interested in what you have to say about your wedding or does he just want to talk about himself? Is he friendly and helpful because you and your friends will be spending many hours with him on your most important day!

    If the photographer comes recommended by a friend or a wedding coordinator, they will probably have done so because they were pleased with their experience. If you have found him through an ad or recommendation from your location, ask the photographer for referrals. Find out how he was to work with on wedding day. Were the pictures taken discreetly during the ceremony? Did he dress appropriately? Were the previews ready in a timely manner? Do they love their Wedding Album?!