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How To Choose a Wedding Photographer and Other Questions You Should AskWedding Questions
General Questions
Pricing QuestionsHow Should I Go About Choosing a Professional Wedding Photographer?When you go about your search for a professional photographer, two things should be most paramount. The first is whether you like the photographer's photographic style. Some photographers are exclusively photojournalistic, refusing to shoot any posed shots. Some photographers do nothing but traditional poses. Many, luckily, will do a combination of both, which is probably what many people want. Thus, the question you should ask is whether you like the photos you see in his or her portfolio. (View Dave's Wedding Gallery) The next most important thing is to find a professional photographer whom you "click" with personality-wise. If you think about it, on the day of your wedding, you and your spouse-to-be will be spending the most amount of time with your photographer. In fact, since most couples do not see each other right away (the bride and her attendants are preparing in one location, and like-wise with the groom and his attendants), the bride may well spend more time with the photographer than with anyone else that day. Thus, the better you all get along, the more relaxed you will be, and the better the photographs will turn out. When you meet with a professional wedding photographer, you'll not only be interviewing him/her, but he/she will also be interviewing you! How far in advance should I book a Wedding photographer?Generally speaking, the sooner the better. Dave recommends booking your photographer anywhere from 9 - 12 months before the wedding day because:
What is the Dave Wong Style?Dave Wong employs an illustrative style, with the main goal of creating a visual story of your special day. This involves a mix of documentary style combined with a limited number of posed photos, or formals. Dave works quickly and quietly, with gentle directions when needed, and his aim is to give you natural-looking images which will allow you to relive this special day whenever you wish. Dave's goal is to add an artistic eye to the photographic process to produce images that will be treasured for generations. What kind of weddings have you photographed?Dave Wong has recorded traditional American weddings, as well as Jewish and Chinese Weddings. (When it comes to Chinese weddings, Dave's knowledge of Cantonese and Mandarin comes in quite handy). Dave also looks forward to photographing other cultural weddings, as well as themed weddings. What format do you shoot in?Dave Wong Photography is done 100% digitally with professional equipment (Canon gear). Are you the main photographer?Yes, when you enter into an agreement with Dave Wong Photography, Dave is the one who will photograph your wedding (although he will have an assistant or second photographer, depending on the package). How many images will I receive?An exact number cannot be calculated as weddings are uncontrolled events. Dave's goal is to capture as many important moments as possible. On AVERAGE, you can expect at least between 350-400 images. Can I get black and white prints?Yes. Since Dave shoots in color digital, converting to Black and white is an available option during post-production. We can discuss such needs during our consultation. Do You Offer Albums?Yes. Dave Wong photography is pleased to offer albums in three of the available Wedding Packages, the Intimate, Complete and the Deluxe Packages. (Dave Wong Photgraphy Wedding Albums) What happens when I meet with Dave Wong?After formal introductions, you and Dave will discuss your wedding plans and ideas, so that he can get a feel for what you want in terms of photography. This can include details inherent to your wedding (e.g. Chinese, Jewish, Hindu, themes, etc.), your wedding venues (such as Churches, officiants, etc.), and the planned sequence of events. Next, Dave will show you his print portfolio. While the website is great for a general introduction to his work, there's nothing like feeling the heft of an album, and leafing through its pages, and seeing the images in person. Viewing an album also answers the question of print quality from digital images. Dave has yet to have a client who did not find the print quality to his or her liking. In the end, it's not whether Dave shoots in digital or with film, it's whether or not you like Dave Wong's images -- Dave Wong's artistic vision. Dave will then answer any other remaining questions you may have. Will we be signing a contract?Yes, you and Dave Wong Photography will be signing an agreement that spells out everyone's needs and expections discussed during our meeting. How long after the wedding will I get my images?Dave Wong Photography will put up your online gallery usually in 1 to 2 weeks, and deliver your digital negatives in 2-6 weeks. Actual time will depend on the package you selected, and Dave's scheduled workflow. Album work will require additional time -- Dave will describe the process when you meet. Who is Dave Wong?Born and raised in San Francisco, Dave Wong is a graduate of UC Berkeley's Film Studies program, and have additional experience in graphic design, illustration, and computer programming. This multi-disciplinary experience gives him a well-rounded sense of aesthetics, allowing Dave to be flexible and highly adaptive to today's digital world. Dave Wong's goal is to tell the story of your wedding day in images, using all his artistic skills. Additionally, Dave is of Chinese descent, and speaks Cantonese and some Mandarin. He shot his first digital wedding in 2003. What is your photographic experience?Dave Wong is a self-trained photographer, but also has a strong background in graphics communication (his first major) and illustration (his first hobby), experiences which come into play in honing Dave's aesthetic sensibilities. Dave Wong first ventured into the world of digital photography with one of the first 2 megapixel models back in 1999, and began photographing swing dance events. (check out www.LindyinthePark.com). Being an avid swing dancer himself, Dave knew how to anticipate and to look for aesthetically pleasing lines when couples are dancing, as well as to look for expressive moments. Swing dancers are also a happy bunch, making for many moments of candid emotions. In 2003, he purchased his first digital SLR and photographed several weddings for family and friends. He found the work to be very satisfying and, after returning to school and finishing his studies, he decided to do Wedding and Event Photography professionally. Where are you based?Dave works out of San Francisco, and travels to locations within the Bay Area at no extra charge. Wedding locations outside the Bay Area will also be considered, with additional travel/lodging expenses added to the final fee. Do you have an online Portfolio?Yes.
You and your fiance will get to view Dave's printed portfolio as well should you schedule a consultation. Do you have a Blog?The Dave Wong's blog is at www.SweetSmile.com - seeing a photographer's blog will allow you to view his or her more recent work. How much do you charge?Dave Wong Photography believes in providing fair and competitive pricing consistent with the actual running of a full-time photography business, and Dave would be more than pleased to discuss the value you receive for your hard-earned dollar. With that said, Dave's relationship with a client is a two-way street. If you feel you have an unusual or unique opportunity for Dave to photograph, he would be more than happy to discuss favorable terms and pricing. (Contact Dave Wong Photography) Do you have other questions? |
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