Here are 15 questions you should ask the photographers you visit before choosing the one who will take your Quinceañera photos. These questions don't necessarily have to be asked in that order, start with the ones you think are the most important.
1. Is the photo editing black and white or color?
Most quinceañera photos have been edited both ways, but remember that you put too much effort into choosing the color of your dress to end up with black and white photos.
2. How do you determine the price of your services?
This is a very important question. Especially if you are considering a special package. Ask what is included and how many additional prints not included will cost.
3. Do you have a portfolio to view your work?
This is the best way to find out immediately if this is the photographer for you. Although by now you should have already checked their social networks where they post their most recent work. You can also take the opportunity to point out pictures and poses that you would like on the day of your Quinceañera.
Do you like the photographer's attitude?
It is important to have a good relationship with your photographer, and one of the best ways to determine if you are going to click on this special day is to trust your instincts.
5. Where do you do the photoshoots?
Ask him/her for advice on which indoor or outdoor location would be ideal for your photoshoot according to your tastes.
6. When do the photo sessions take place?
You should know if the session is done the day of the event or weeks before, to know if you will have any points to show on the entrance table the day of your Quinceanera party.
7. How many and what kind of photo sessions do you do?
There are those who offer up to three photo sessions, a session with casual clothes (weeks before your Quinceañera), the session with the dress (it can also be weeks before, being careful not to damage the dress), and a Trash The Dress session, which is done with the Quinceañera dress days after your party. Or a session with casual clothes and the Quinceañera dress in one day.
8. How do you handle coverage times?
At this point, there is often confusion because some photographers will tell you the hours with everything and transfers. For example, they offer you 6 hours of coverage, so it would be one hour of mass, one hour of transfer, and 4 hours of the party. Ideally, 1 hour for the mass and 5 hours for the party, not including transportation.
9. Will he do all the photographic work?
You should know if the photographer you are hiring will do all the photoshoots and event photography himself or if he will send staff photographers to do the work for him. There are those who offer staff photography packages (cheaper) and those who have the photographer take the photos (more expensive).
10. Do you do studio photo shoots?
Depending on the package you choose, some include only studio photos (in case the photographer has a studio), outdoor photos, and also combined studio and outdoor photos.
11. Will you help you with the poses in the photoshoot?
We are not models (in most cases), so we will struggle a lot with how to pose, ask if they will direct you with poses during the shoot.
12. What happens if mishaps arise?
These can arise at any time, from weather conditions, if it rains on the day of the photoshoot and it will be outdoors, you should know what the policy is to reschedule. If both of you are late for the photo session, how would it be handled in terms of the contracted time? On the day of the party, in case the photographer is late for the mass or the party, how would you compensate him/her, with time, a discount or an additional service.
13. Do you have a service contract?
All photographers handle a contract, check well before signing it that it is written everything you agreed on the package you chose. You should also thoroughly review the "fine print" (the clauses), the most important ones are the cancellation policies, delivery times, payment methods, how to handle in case the photographer does not show up for the event due to force majeure or other reasons and also how he/she compensates you in case he/she loses the photographic material either due to carelessness or electronic damage (computer, camera, etc.).
14. How are the payment methods?
Ask the photographer how much money you have to pay in advance to set aside the date, how much you have to pay later, and when you should have everything paid. Some ask for full payment a week before, some a day before, and others the day before or at the end of the event.
15. How far in advance can you reserve a date?
Some photographers have a policy of separating from a year before, six months and there are those who can schedule your event from two years before. It is recommended that you set your date between one year and six months before your Quinceañera.
In summary...
Even if your Quinceañera is one of the most important moments of your life, it may very well be a risk to trust the words of a guy with a camera who claims to be a professional photographer.
Ask the photographers you contact to let you see some of their latest work. If they refuse, move on to the next on your list. No professional photographer has to refuse to proudly display his or her work. Also, you should consider the quality of the images they capture.
If you are planning your Quinceañera but still can't find the ideal place to celebrate it, meet Revolution Party Studio, the best Banquet hall in Miami, specializing in designing luxurious Quinceañera parties. Visit our website by clicking here