What should I ask a photographer before contracting with them?

I am meeting with several wedding photographers this week, and I was wondering what type of questions I should ask? I know the style of photographs that I want and I know my budget for pictures. I also know that pictures are really expensive, but they are important to me so I just don't want to be ripped off. Thanks ahead of time for all your help! :)

The above posters have covered almost everything.

Ask to see a sample wedding album of one entire wedding, not just a "greatest hits" album. Anyone who charges for wedding photography can shoot a few good frames per wedding, but can they shoot 400 good ones?

I doubt you'll be able to find one who charges 10% down and the rest on delivery of prints. Most will be paid in full for the photography side before shooting. One common plan is 30% retainer, balance due 2 weeks before wedding. Some will set up payment plans to work with you.

Be plain in telling your photographer what you want and what kind of style you like. If their portfolio is full of formal posed shots, and you want trendy PJ shots, then keep looking.

Whether they shoot film or digital is really no concern. Some use both, or will use either you prefer, some are only one or another. If you like what they're showing you, it doesn't matter what capture media they use.

Good luck!

Look at pictures they have taken especially regarding your wedding theme, aka if you are having a beach wedding, ask for wedding pics with that theme.

Ask about their cancellation policy.

Inquire about purchasing their negatives. Some places have a fee to obtain your negatives of your wedding and you usually have to wait a year. (with my photographer, the negatives are ours for free, we just have to wait a year or so till she gives them to us).

Find out WHO exactly will be taking the photos. the company you hire may or may not use another photographer than the ones you are looking at.

Ask how many hours your package includes, and how many proofs. Ask if you get a CD burned that you can do reprints from. Nobody uses film anymore, it is all digital, so negatives are not an option. No photographer I knew gave them.

Ask how many photographers you'll have. You may need 2.

Ask if there is a trip charge for travel to your location.

Ask about your album - what you will be getting, and any discounts for parent books.

Ask them for samples of their work and names of previous customers as references. If they aren't willing to give you references you probably don;t want to utilize them.

Check references and their work. Ask exactly what they provide for the fee, will you get your negatives back or will you have to go through them every time you want prints. How many photographs will they provide you with?? How long will they be there. Do they charge extra if the wedding is late and they have to hang around and wait on you?

Ask not for references, but for the last couple of weddings they did. Contact those people. Those are the people who will have it most fresh in their mind, and also the photographer doesn't have time to "prep" the people you're asking. You don't really want the people who only say the good things. You need to know what to expect, you don't want surprises

The photographer I chose showed me pictures of a friend from HS's wedding. I was surprised (he didn't know). I was able to contact the bride (my friend) before he told her. She told me all about him, bad with the good. She then called me back a week later and said he called her and if I ended up going with him and using her as a reference, he would give her a discount. Obviously, he didn't know I had already contacted her. I ended up booking him, but I will know going in what to expect...good with the bad.

The biggest thing is references - not just seeing the books the photographer shows you. Have him give you names of recent wedding clients, call them and talk with them about how things went - were they pleased with the poses, the service, the prices, were the photos done in a decent time period, etc.

have the photographer show you previous projects that they have done that are within your budget. This way you can see what you are buying and can determine if it is worth the price. If it turns out that you can not afford what you want, another option is disposable cameras on the tables and let the guests take photos. Then all you have to do is hire the photographer for a few posed pics for your album. This allows your friends and family to contribute too.

Well, me being a wedding protographer assistant, most customers want to see a portfolio of what they have shot. Also don't forget to ask how much time is included from the photographer such as "will they be there to take pictures of you getting ready?" Most professionals will tell you anything you need to know before you ask.
Just make sure you see photos they have shot.
You are in charge of the photo shoot. Tell them exactly what you want.
Good luck and congratulations

All the answers here have been good, Contracts, references, samples, packages etc. But also ask him to sit with you and come up with a shot list, to make sure you get the pictures of moments, and people, and groups important to you. He may already have a generic list that you can use as a check list, and add or subtract from. Also assign an usher, or bridesmaid or somebody to point out to the photographer who is who, so he doesn't miss anyone.

-Cancellation policy
-Negatives policy
-Different packages
-If the service includes engagement pictures
-How many hours wil she be in the ceremony/reception
-How much fil would be used
-Guarantee.
-When the pictures will be delivered
-See his/her portafolio and references
-Fees, contract and if a deposit is required.

Depending on the package and the level of profesionalism of yoru photographer, you are looking at about $2000 dollars and more. If you want beautiful photograps, then don't skimp on this expense.

Congrats and good luck

references for the last 5 jobs they did on weddings, who controls the negatives (or digital media,) how does the payment go (10% down balance on acceptable performance?)

You are going to want to ask them for sample shots. How flexible they are about moving locations. How many frames they give you for your price. You want guarentees and contracts.

Those are all very important.

Tell your photographer that you need him/her to take pictures during the reception and not sitting at the table with your guest enjoying a $200 plate that was not intended for her!
Sorry I am having a flashback!

Ask if they do black and shots. (Those are so classically beautiful.) Ask how many shots will be taken. Can you keep the negatives and all the proofs? Digital or film? Can you view them online? Time frame? size? Does he prepare the album? Touch ups if needed? What if he is sick does he have a back up? I got a million of them!

Ask if you own the negatives at the end or if he/she does. That way you can make as many copies of photos you want without paying through the nose.

Something to be very wary of - ask if the person you are talking to, is the person who shot the sample photos you are looking at AND the person who will actually show up at my wedding and take the pictures. I was burned by a guy who sent his BROTHER to shoot my wedding instead of going himself. The brother was a VERY BAD photographer.

As a safety net - I suggest putting disposable cameras on each table at the reception. With so many pictures being taken some are bound to be good.

Enjoy your wedding!

you should ask to see his portfolio, and also recent events he attended and seek advice from there