So, a high-end/very reputable photographer in the area e-mailed me out of the blue because he happened upon my site, loves my work and wants to give me weddings to shoot for him.

I am pleasantly surprised, so excited and flattered by this awesome opportunity, but what are some questions I should ask him?

I've already thought of the following questions:

- Am I allowed to use my own equipment? I shoot with Nikon gear.
- Will I be able to have my assistant shoot with me as my second shooter?
- The images that I produce, will I be able to use them on my website and for my own personal portfolio?


Anything else you guys can think of? Except, of course what I will be paid.

Thank you!

So is he wanting to give you weddings or have you work for him?

find out whether you have to edit files or whether you just shoot and turn the images over to his biz to post process

He wants to give me weddings to shoot on my own for him.



He said that I would just hand the RAW files over to him on a disc when the event was over, said nothing about editing. I'm going to ask about that, though. Thank you.

If you're shooting on your own for him/his studio, then it's a given that you'll use your own camera equipment. No-one is going to handicap you by making you shoot with a different system than what you're used to, so this question is rather moot in my opinion.

Your assistant will most likely be able to 2nd shooter for you, but I would ask him if he'll be providing a 2nd, or if you're able to use your own.

I wouldn't care so much about having the images for a personal portfolio, but rather a professional portfolio.

I would ask what it is about my work that he loves, so that you can be sure to be shooting that way for him.

Ask questions about his business, and his photography. Check out his website fully, and have a good knowledge of what he is all about.

Don't make it all about you. Make it about both of you.

Thanks, Chris.

When I said "personal portfolio," I meant my own portfolio in general. I've heard that some photographers will not let their hired shooters use their images for their own portfolios, only the portfolio of the owner's business, which is unfair, in my opinion.

To ask him what he likes about my work seems like a great suggestion, as well as asking him about his business. Thank you.

I find it difficult to work under these circumstances. If he likes your work, he should just send extra clients to you and want nothing in return.,and you do the same because he is assisting you. I guess the difficulty comes when you feel you are the better or equal photographer to the person who you work for. I am in this business to work for my clients and myself, adding another person in that equation is tricky.

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