Interview questions

[uk2usa]

My fiancee and I are getting married in the Cook Islands in December (after a 6 year engagement - she told me it had to be this year or not at all!!)

The photographer is provided by the resort - a very small, informal, family run resort. I have contacted the photographer and she has sent me a collage of her work... which looks impressive (a variety of styles and post processing effects).

Tonight I have emailed her a set of questions:

1) Do you use a contract for clients that outlines hours, costs, use of assistants in case of illness etc?
2) Will you be taking the photographs or do you use other photographers?
3) Do you provide digital images or do we need to order 'a la carte' prints from a selection of proofs?
4) If you provide digital prints will they be watermarked or will we be able to use a local photo lab to print them?
5) If you supply proofs for us to choose from how much do the prints cost and what is the delivery time for these?
6) If you supply a CD of digital prints will we be able to take them with us of do you send it to us afterwards?
7) How many photos do you usually take during the day?
8] Do you carry liability insurance in case of equipment malfunction etc? Do you bring spare equipment with you?
9) Are there any supplemental charges/fees for your service?
10) Do you do much post-processing, if so how long does this usually take?
11) Do you have website with more of your work?
12) Do you provide an album?
13) Do you shoot film or digital? What lenses do you prefer for this work?

These questions address some of our concerns as well as some of my curiosities with wedding photography.

Is there anything else I should be asking? Are there any precautions I can take to ensure a good final product?

Thanks everyone.... post answers soon - I am holding my breath

[AJW390]

It sounds like you have a lot of good questions. The main thing I would say is make sure there IS a contract involved so there are no problems later on. The photographer should not hesitate to answer any of your questions.