Brace yourself….. it’s a long one….
Anyone can build a pretty web site, buy a fancy camera and post a few “lucky” shots in their portfolio. Consistency is KEY. With the professional camera’s out on the market and easily obtainable by anyone who has the money, make sure your wedding photographer knows how to use their camera and knows what they’re talking about. Ask them if they shoot manual mode, aperture, shutter or automatic. You’ll be surprised in how many “photographers” shoot fully automatic(they may not admit to this), which means you could give a nice camera to a guest and they’ll produce the same images. There will always be a few bad seeds that give photography (or any career) a bad name, these seeds are in it for the money, not for the art. What’s the point in spending your life savings on a gown, flowers, center pieces, a cake, a DJ, etc if you don’t have the professional images to capture it?
Be confident in your decision. Micromanaging your photographer will cramp their style and creativity. Do not choose a photographer because they’re “ok” (and in your budget)and think you can mold them into the photographer you really wish you could afford. It won’t happen, there’s a reason why their images aren’t up to par with the better photographer.
I get the “you want me to do what?” look all the time, but once the image is captured it’s usually the pick of the litter. You’ve hired us because you like our style and feel it suits yours. You’ve hired us because you like our “out side of the box” approach and creativity. We are open for suggestions and will always ask if you have any additional poses or shots in mind, we aren’t asking that this turn into OUR wedding. But you chose us for a reason.
A photographers personality carries just as much weight as the images they produce. If you do not feel a connection with the photographer, you will not feel a connection to their images. Price shopping is a bad idea. Finding a photographer that you feel inspired by and in aw of is the right idea. Search through local web sites until your eyes can no longer stay open. When you find it, you’ll know. Just like your wedding dress, a photographer requires the perfect fit.
It is your job, as a bride, to research your vendors. Obviously you need to ‘like’ their work, but does the photographer make it easy for you to get a hold of them? Do they promptly answer your emails and phone calls and do they answer all your questions without having to ask again? If they post a wedding on their calendar how long is it before sneak peaks are posted?
Being in the wedding industry we tend to think of questions you may not have. The above is what is most important to me, if I were to choose a photographer. The below Q&A are more frequently asked and just as important.
Experience Level – We’ve photographed several weddings, we’re very creative and try to bring something new to each wedding. I work fulltime as a paramedic and have a very flexible schedule! At this time I photograph on a part time basis.
Photographic Style – Our style is a mix between photojournalism, formal, classic and candid. We have examples of each style to show you and we will shoot which ever style you prefer. We offer both color and b&w photos.
Truth in Advertising – When we arrange a meeting with you it will consist of myself and possibly my second shooter. We will be the photographers working for you. We do not believe in sending a company rep to meet and smooze you and have a totally different person show up the day of your wedding. We do not come with any surprises.
Personality – We are very laid back, but business oriented. We have not found it difficult to work with any bride, whether your a bridezilla or not! (Kidding!)
Price Range – We are upfront and honest with all our prices. There are no hidden fees. We will work with you to meet your budget, but unfortunately can only work with you to a certain extent. The price of your package will be included on your booking proposal and you can choose to accept or reject the price.
Delivery – At this time we are guaranteeing your DVD of images 15 days following your wedding. After choosing your prints we will submit your order and delivery will take 2-3 weeks. Albums are custom made for each client and usually take 4-8 weeks for delivery.
Offering – We offer four premade packages and a “build your own” option. We have several add-ons that can be added to any package. We also offer custom packages to suit your budget and your needs. What you see is what you get, we do not change the product type or cost after the booking proposal is accepted.
Contract – All the obligations of Mirrored Images and the client are addressed in the contract. Our contract is very thorough and outlines all the “what-ifs”. If you feel something needs to be added to the contract please email us your request and following approval, it will be added and a new contract sent. As I’ve said before, there are no hidden agendas or fees.
What about deposits and payments? In the unlikely event that Mirrored Images is not able to attend your wedding but a contract has been signed, another photographer will be sent at no additional charge to the client. This is outlined in the contract.
References – We have plenty! Personal & Business references are available upon request. However, if you click on the “real life” tab of our web site you’ll be able to read a few that we have posted.
Do you have an assistant? We believe an additional photographer brings more to your wedding then an assistant would. Double the pictures, right?!
Do you have backup equipment and is it the same quality as the primary equipment? Yes! We have backup lenses and camera bodies!
What time will you begin and how long will you stay until? We come when you ask us to and stay until you leave, or until the time booked ends.
When will the proofs be ready? We offer sneak peaks which are posted on the blog and facebook. These will be posted within one week of your wedding date. We also offer proof books which take 2-3 weeks for delivery.
Do you mark your proofs? Yes
Where and how are your proofs marked? Bottom right corner of every image.
How much extra for unmarked proofs? We do not currently offer this option
Do you have tele-photo and wide-angle lenses? Yes, both
Do you work well with the other vendors? We work well with everyone! We like to network with other vendors so we can share our experiences with our future brides.
Can you work from a photo checklist that we create? We will provide you with a questionnaire that you can choose from and add your own.
How will you be dressed? We wear formal to semi-formal clothing at all weddings, unless the couple has asked we dress a different way.
Do you process and develop your own film and prints? We shoot all digital! We post process all our images and a local lab prints.
Thanks for taking the time to read our FAQ’s! If you have any additional questions please contact us!