9 Necessary Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer

1. Can I request specific poses, images, or things I've seen on Pinterest?

Our answer: YES! We want to deliver photos that you'll love and treasure for the rest of your lives, so if that means you want particular poses, we are always open to your creativity! In fact we prefer to make a "must have" list with all of our couples before the big day, just so that we can be sure we're cover the most important bases. Send those Pinterest Boards our way!

2. How many images should I expect to have in our digital gallery?

Our answer: We typically produce 50 final edited photos per hour of event coverage. If we are scheduled to be with you for 8 hours on your big day, you can expect a minimum of 400 high quality edited and retouched images in your digital gallery.

3. How much would it cost for an additional hour?

Our answer: We get it - Sometimes, this is a last minute decision - "Let's have Rah & Ethan stay for one more hour so they can get some sweet dance floor photos!" We love these kind of last minute decisions, and we're more than happy to accommodate you! The price depends on the package you choose, but our standard is $400 for an additional hour with two photographers. 

4. How much is it for a 2nd shooter?

Our answer: Lucky for you - there is no price difference! We actually shoot as a pair for every wedding for several reasons, but the biggest reason is that we'll be able to more efficient as a team to ensure that we cover all the bases and give you the best service possible. It also ensures we don't miss any crucial moments (like an overheating camera RIGHT when the officiant says "You may kiss the bride!" - YIKES!). It's great peace of mind for us AND YOU knowing that no moments are missed. It's also more efficient for us to have the other person to help carry gear, remember shot lists, direct family photos, and so many more things. Having both of us at your wedding will allow us to properly distribute the big job of taking great care of you so that your experience with us is nothing but exceptional.

5. How much of a deposit do you require and what is the payment schedule?

Our answer: We require a 50% deposit to change your booking from "tentative" to "booked". We always do our best to keep the communication lines open, so if someone inquires about your same date, we will notify the original party and allow them first right of refusal to our services before we answer the second inquiry. After the first initial down payment, we typically schedule two additional payments; 25% six months before the wedding and the final 25% one month before the wedding. That way when your big day comes the only thing on your mind will be getting to the altar!

6. How do you deliver the photos to me?

Our answer: For weddings, we like to be there during the big reveal to see the looks on your faces and be a part of reliving this very special day with you, so we like to set up a photo reveal and ordering session. For our Traverse City clients, we prefer to meet at Bay Bread during a weekend morning. We find that this is a great time of day to get comfortable in their home-like atmosphere, grab a delicious cup of coffee, and flip through your wedding photos on our 40" TV. This is a great time to discuss which ones are your favorite photos and which of our printed products are right for you - not to mention it's just really fun to replay all the events of your big day together!

If you're unable to meet us at Bay Bread, we would happily come to your home or if we're long distance, a Skype call is what we recommend for the photo reveal & ordering session. After the initial reveal, we will publish a blog post (much like this one!) summarizing our experiences together with a link to your digital gallery. You can share the blog post & digital gallery with all of your family & friends. You and your family/friends/wedding guests will have access to print additional photos directly from this gallery along with download your images directly onto your computer.

7. Do you provide prints or printing options?

Our answer: Yes! We print on all kinds of high quality materials that are only available through the network of a professional photographer. These materials are built to stand the test of time, and if you're investing in creating the memories, you should also be invested in preserving them. Some of the materials we print on include: High quality metallic paper, high quality deep matte paper, metal, and canvas just to name a few. We also offer albums, image boxes & several other products that we will review with you before your photo reveal & ordering session.

8. May I have a list of references?

Our answer: Certainly! Please feel free to send us an email or check out our testimonials page here!

9. How long after the wedding should it take to get my photos?

We will have your photos, gallery, & blog post ready within 30 days of your wedding, so we prefer to schedule your photo reveal & ordering session for the 5th Sunday morning after your wedding (assuming your wedding is on a Saturday).

What other questions do you have for us? Email them to RahArmstrong@gmail.com!