Hiring a photographer to cover your Bar or Bat Mitzvah party is a must.
Every photographer has his or her own style of shooting, way of working and what they’ll offer you in terms of packages. The first question you need to ask of yourself is: What do you want the photographer to capture? Are formal portraits important or do you want lots of candids throughout the party?
Find out what the photographer’s style is and what kind of experience they have with Bar and Bat Mitzvahs through samples of their work. Make sure you are on the same page and you have clearly communicated your desires so you get what you want.
A key way to do this is to make a “shot list” for the photographer. These are the photos that you want for sure. Do you want group shots with the grandparents and cousins? Your child’s camp friends? School friends? Photos of your son or daughter dancing with their grandparents? Pics of all the centerpieces and the room before anyone arrives? Sometimes it helps to have the party planner or a friend or relative help the photographer by gathering these groups for photos or pointing out the people who should not be overlooked.
The more information and direction the photographer has from you, the more likely it is that you will be happy with the outcome. Keep in mind you want your photographer to be creative and use their judgement during the event. Some of the best photos will likely be of spontaneous moments you couldn’t have planned.
HERE ARE THE TOP 15 QUESTIONS WE RECOMMEND ASKING A PHOTOGRAPHER:
BACKGROUND
1. What is your style? Traditional? Photojournalistic?
2. Do you specialize or are you skilled in party candids, portraits or both?
3. Have you photographed many Bar and Bat Mitzvahs before so you know what to expect? Can I see your work and get references
DETAILS
4. If you are working with a large photography company, ask, who will actually be shooting my party? (It’s a good idea to get the name of the specific person in writing and talk to them directly beforehand.)
5. Do you shoot digital or traditional film or both? What do you think are the important differences?
6. Roughly how many photos will you shoot? (Remember, with digital you may get lots more photos and you often get them sooner.)
7. When will we see proofs and how soon will albums be delivered once we choose the photos?
8. Do you post the photos on your Website so I can share with friends and family? How long will they stay online?
PRICING
9. What does your price include? An album? Prints? Will I have to pay for each 5 x 7 or 8 x 10 print that is ordered? How much will that cost
10. Can I have the negatives or photos on a disk if I want them to have my own digital books printed? Is that an additional cost?
11. How many hours will you be there? What do you charge for overtime if necessary?
EXTRAS
12. Are you available for additional photo shoots in synagogue before the Bar or Bat Mitzvah or for a creative session with the child? How much more will that cost?
13. Do you provide any other services including montages? Videography?
14. How many people do you work with? (If you have a large guest list or a lot going on, you may want additional photographers so you don’t miss anything.)
15. What back up plans do you have if you can’t make the party at the last minute? Do you have liability insurance?
See all the photographers/videographers listed in our Vendor Directory.
Read: Top 15 Questions To Ask Your Bar Bat Mitzvah DJ
Read: Top Questions To Ask A Bar Bat Mitzvah Venue Before You Book
Read: Top Questions To Ask Your Bar or Bat Mitzvah Caterer
