Long Distance bride with some questions...(and a thank you!)

Yep, I'm a looker and not a poster ! It's been almost a year since I've been on the boards, and just have to say a heartfelt thanks to some brides and newlyweds. Planning long distance you all have been a valuable resource, and I thank you. (sonic the placecard candles, shamma all the flower pics, niecey her veil info, etc...I have a book of every idea I loved, copied and pasted into a HUGE document!) THANK YOU VERY MUCH

Ok, the questions...
Coming down to LI next weekend with the intention on booking the photographer. I have done my liweddings research and have 9 on my list.
(oh, some info, budgeted $3500, but can be flexible, b&w's, no parent ablums necessary, not standard pics, etc...you guys know the rest)

Is 9 too many to see in a lond weekend?
Do you think I will be overwhelmed with 9?
Narrow it down?
How long should I expect appointment to be? Average?
Average amount of hours you had them on wedding day?
One specific question you asked every photographer when you met them.

Thanks ladies...I know I can count on you!

You will be overwhelmed but you need to get it done, so start the marathon. I suggest you take time out for lunch and a break here and there. Also, bring a notebook with you and keep notes.

Questions-
- Do you offer 1 photographer or 2? Who will the photographer be? Can I meet him/her before I sign a contract?
-What kind of lighting do you use? You DO NOT want that HUGE lighting pole. There is NO need for that anymore.
-What is the average number of proofs I will get? Are they watermarked (meaning that the studio name is on the actual proofs)
-Do I get to keep the proofs? What about the negatives?
-What if the photographer has an emergency or is ill, who will be the replacement? (Trust me you NEED to know this. It happened to me!)
-Are B&W photos extra? What is the ratio between color and b&w?
-How many hours of coverage do I get?

Look at sample albums that are complete albums, not just 1 or 2 photos of each bride. Anyone can take 1 or 2 good photos. Ask if they have any proofs in the studio that you can look at. I did that and it was great. Seeing actual proofs means the photos are untouched and you get to see ALL the photos not just the 30 best.
Does this photographer match your style? If you like traditional photos you do not want someone who is a photojournalist and takes lots of 'odd' angled shots. If you want tons of candid shots, do not go with someone who shows mostly traditional, posed photos but says 'Oh, I can easily take candid' then why are they not in the albums.
Who are you seeing?

Instead of repeating everything Michele said, I'll just say
'What She Said'.
Who are you looking at?? Good luck with your search!

Michelle, you are THE BEST! Just a couple more...
They still USE that old huge white light? Yikes!
A good average number of proofs? 300?
What is the reason for asking for negatives? Didn't think you could use a photographers negatives for reprints - or is just for security (fire, etc?)
Do I really have to ask about equiptment? (other than the white light pole..ie:film, etc?)
Other than that, excellent suggestions/questions!

Really Michelle, Thank you!

Ok, here's the list...in no particluar order.
(however, I am going to list town. Maybe someone can help me with which one's I can group togther/near each other. I will be staying in Babylon).

Spelman - Deer Park
Photo Verdi - Patchogue
Daniel S. Krieger - Mt. Sinai
Patken - Lindenhurst
Gray Studios - Floral Park
Fine Art - Jericho
Michael O' Neill - East Northport
Visual Concepts - Islip
Ray O'Connor - East Northport

Michelle, I had your photographer on the list (MK). I will probally still meet with him (LOVED your and Steph's pics!) but I think I would be afraid (very afraid!) of going over budget! He has a very different style/way about doing business...I guess maybe I'm a little afraid?!? tell me I'm nuts! haha!

Hate to add to your list, but I'd check out Imagine. If I had to do it over again, I would have looked at them.

haha! Imagine was my first...but already booked for my date!!! (July 4th 2004) I LOVED their style! EXACTLY what I was looking for...But thanks Lisat anyway....

You will NOT go over budget with MK since you have NO parent albums. Put him on your list. You will not be sorry.

Proofs- Stef and I have about 1800! 300 is NOT enough IMO. Negatives- you want to know about this in case they destroy them after a cetain period of time, plus some will give you permission to reprint.
I will FM you some other stuff.

Thanks Michelle, i'll look for it.
Well, I just wrote him in...that makes 10..It's going to be a marathon visit!!
I can't WAIT to be back on the Island..get me a slice of pizza!!!!

Once again, I have been completely blown away with the helpfulness of the newlyweds...Thank you Michelle, I replied (FM).

FM

Hey I know you
nine seems like a lot
I only looked at three but kinda had my mind made up from the beginning on who I used
I recommend you try cassarinos too
my package was a little less than the range you mentioned
Good luck

Cynthia...I was a long distance bride (planned from Dallas) and I only made it up to LI twice during the planning and everything worked out great! Yes, it is very overwhelming when you are there, because the things most people get to go a Saturday here and a Saturday there, you are stuck banging out in a weekend. But it worked great for me. I did my research and came prepared and was ready for a weekend full of planning, check writing and vendor interviews. I did a lot of my stuff over the phone also. Some people may not feel comfortable with that but it worked for me. I also had my mom and dad do some initial vendor interview for photographers since my mom knew exactly what I wanted so they would check them out briefly and let me know who was the nicest, had the best phots, etc and from there I narrowed it down. Anyway, let me know if you need any long distance advice! I'd love to help!

Hi Cynthia! You have FM!

Another vote for Mark...he should definitely be able to help you with your budget.

He does lots of candids, b&W, etc..

If you have any questions, just ask.

Hi Girls,
Fo all that responded, a huge THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!
I got some great info/insight that will be very helpful in my 'photographer visit' this weekend!
I will let you all know how it turns out...
Thank you all again,
Cynthia
p.s. - HEY TAMMYJILL!!!! How are you???

Hi Cynthia!
Im great now that bar exam stress is done with lol
let us know how it goes!