Because DSLRs have become so popular, these days everyone is a wedding photographer. With all the saturation in the industry, it is becoming increasingly difficult to choose a photographer to document your day. There is no way to tell what kind of service or products you will receive simply by comparing price points. I have put together a list of questions you should ask anyone who you are considering to photograph one of the most important days of your life. These ten questions should give you a very good start to narrowing down your wedding photographer candidates. (For you reference, I’ve also listed my answers.)
- Why are you a wedding photographer?
I am a wedding photographer because I love to capture intimate interactions between people. Family is the single most important thing in my life and the area of my life where I have suffered the most loss. Because I have “loved and lost,” I realize the value of family; I cherish family. My aim is to share my skills and passion for photography to document and preserve the love and affection shared at this important milestone for you and for generations to come. To date, I have gotten teary-eyed at every wedding I’ve photographed—including those of complete strangers. - How would you describe your wedding photography style?
I would describe my style as mostly photojournalistic with an editorial flair. Most of the day will be documented with me floating around the room, standing unobtrusively against a wall watching what takes place. I will not ask you to pose or expect you to even look at my camera. I will not ask you to say cheese. I will simply capture the day as it happens. This is the photojournalistic part. There may be an occasion or two when I ask you to just sit a second longer and continue looking into the mirror. I might ask your mother, also in the frame, to slightly turn her shoulders to the left. This is not posing but rather setting up an editorial shot. (Think newspaper: mayor with arms folded standing in front of city hall from lower perspective.) - What distinguishes your work from other photographers’ work?
First and foremost, I don’t follow photography trends. My goal is for all my work to be timeless. I want my work to be intimate, classic and to tell your story. I try to establish a personal connection with my clients. I firmly believe the absolute best way to preserve a memory is with a photograph. I’m very passionate about photography. I strive to improve my skills on a daily basis! I make it a point to read, study, look, observe, practice, absorb, listen, watch, test, or buy something related to photography every single day! I’ve been trained by the U. S. Army, served a little over four years protecting my country and did I mention I send gifts? - May I see your portfolio?
Absolutely! - Do you have a list of references?
Yes, and you may call them if you’d wish! You may start here. - How long have you been in business?
I registered Ata-Girl with the Texas County of Atascosa in 2010. Over the years, I have shot well over 1,000,000 images. - Are you insured?
Yes. If I lose your images in a fiery car crash, drop my camera off a cliff, become violently ill during your ceremony, or trip your Aunt Mary, I am covered. - Do you belong to any professional organizations? Do you attend workshops or clinics?
I recently became a member of the WPPI-Wedding & Portrait Professionals International. Each year, I attend or purchase at least two professional level workshops. - Do you have backup plans?
I have backup cameras, memory cards, batteries, and flashes. My cameras write to two separate memory cards simultaneously. This allows me to make a copy of all your precious images on site. I also have a network of backup photographers should I become ill. - How soon will I see my images?
You can expect to see images from any of your portrait sessions within 14 days. For weddings and events, expect to see them within 21 days. Guaranteed!
Please feel free to browse my wedding portfolio or my engagement portfolio.
If there are any other questions you’d like me to answer, please feel free to email me or leave it here in the comments section! Until next time, be positive, be happy, be healthy, and don’t forget to be photographed.
**The images contained in this post were shot under the direction and for assignment of Philip Thomas Photography, LLC. The images are copyrighted by Philip Thomas Photography, LLC, but are used herein with permission.
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I am a San Antonio-based wedding and senior photographer who started Ata-Girl Photography Co., LLC in 2010. As one of the up-and-coming San Antonio wedding photographers, I am also available to shoot in Austin, Houston and Dallas and the surrounding areas. I am also available for destination weddings. Ata-Girl Photography Co. offers an amazing San Antonio wedding photography service that you won’t soon forget. As a San Antonio wedding photographer, my sole purpose is to treat your San Antonio wedding like a regal event.
In addition to wedding photography, I also specialize in San Antonio senior portraits and senior portraits for high school seniors in my local surrounding areas.
I am a professional photographer who enjoys documenting the important milestones and captivating moments in people’s lives. I firmly believe that the unique set of circumstances I have faced in life has prepared me to take a personal and genuine interest in my photography clients. When I’m not photographing a wedding, family or high school senior, I enjoy watching my daughter play softball, hiking, cycling, reading, and listening to Elvis!
The post, 10 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer, first appeared on Ata-Girl Photography Co’s website and blog. Please enjoy this San Antonio wedding photography provided by Tammy Blalock and Ata-Girl Photography Co. who offers superb San Antonio wedding photography in the San Antonio metro and surrounding area and strives to be one of the finest San Antonio wedding photographers.