Questions to ask studios when shopping

What happens if there is an emergency and the photographer cannot photograph your wedding?
Make sure that a regular staff photographer is available as a backup on the day of the wedding. If you are looking at an independent, what would occur if something happened to the photographer either on the day of the wedding or even weeks or months before your wedding? Scrambling to find a qualified photographer at the last minute is often difficult or impossible.

How long has studio been in business?
You want to be sure that a studio will be in business and will be financially viable both at the time of your wedding and after the wedding. Many photographers try to go into business for themselves but fail.

Do you have to pay for the entire package (or most of it) BEFORE the wedding?
Beware of photographers (especially independents) who make you pay nearly everything before you see any pictures.

What brand of film and photographic paper does the studio use? Are these made in the USA or are they inexpensive, lower-quality imports?
Ask to see the pictures so you can turn them over and see the brand used and whether it states "professional paper." Look carefully at the color and texture of the paper, especially if it is digital paper.

How experienced is the photographer in photographing weddings?
Because some independent photographers and so-called photojournalists only do weddings when they need to make extra money, they may be inexperienced in photographing weddings; consequently, they may not know which pictures to take, what lighting to use, where to position themselves for the best photographs, and may not be familiar with wedding customs. Finally, they may not have access to top quality wedding albums or laboratories and may use inferior film or other products.

What backup equipment does the photographer carry?
It should be the same quality and type as the main equipment so the pictures you receive will be the same.

Does the photographer have a standard printed contract?
You have no recourse if you do not have a printed contract.

Which laboratory does the studio use? How long has the studio used that lab?
Many studios jump around looking for a less expensive lab or because they have had problems with previous labs. Some studios are printing photographs themselves on inexpensive printers to save money.

If a studio uses digital equipment, how many weddings have they photographed digitally?
Some studios have only recently converted to digital, and many have gone back to film after experiencing significant problems. Because professional digital cameras and equipment are quite expensive, some photographers do not have adequate backup.

Which albums does the photographer use? Will they stand the test of time or are they just the lastest fad?
Some albums may be trendy one day and old fashioned the next day. Double exposure photographs were very popular in the early 1990's, but by the mid-1990's, they were already out of date. Does an album look like a professional wedding album or does it look like a scrapbook?

Does a studio offer video, invitations, and dj services?
Most who offer more than one service do not specialize in anything. You will find that companies who offer only one service have the best quality. Some companies who offer several products hire other companies to perform the functions, thus resulting in lower quality and higher cost.

If a studio seems to be very inexpensive, why are they so cheap?
Are they saving money on film, paper, or the amount of money they pay their photographers? Inexpensive studios often use poorly paid (and less experienced) photographers. Your photographs will be the most important visual memories from your wedding. Save money on something that is not as important.

Final note:
Many brides ask if they should believe what is written in the wedding magazines or online wedding sites? These articles are usually written by editors in the East or West Coast. Many of their suggestions do not apply to weddings in the Midwest and indeed they quote mainly photographers located in other areas of the country. Much of the information in online chatrooms is hearsay and cannot be verified because there are no controls over the postings. Get recommendations from people you trust, such as your catering salesperson who knows the studios and from family members.

To discuss your particular photography needs, please call us at 248-948-9500 or contact us online.