Although cost is one of the factors to consider when selecting a wedding photographer, be sure not to sacrifice quality just to save a few dollars. You have only one shot (no pun intended) to get the photos that will properly capture the moment. Quality photographs will bring you a lifetime of memories - of a once in a lifetime occasion. Always try to obtain the best wedding photographer that your budget allows.
WHEN TO START LOOKING
Since photographers are limited when it comes to the number of weddings
and special events they can shoot on a specific day, it is wise to look for a
photographer 9 to 12 months prior to the wedding if possible. Some better photographers are booked up to 2 years in advance.
WHERE TO START LOOKING
Ask friends, relatives and work associates for recommendations. Numerous
resources are also available in the local yellow pages, on the Internet, and in local
publications as well. Start making a list.
HOW TO START LOOKING
Call the wedding photographers on your list and inquire about date availability, prices, etc. and
ask that a brochure be sent to you. Some photographers also have examples of their
work available for view online. If there is no brochure available ask if it is
possible to meet with the photographer to see examples of their work and carefully look at
the quality of the photos. Do the people and the shots look natural? Does the
shot appear to be in focus? Was the photograph taken in proper lighting so you can
see the detail of the shot? Does the photographer shoot in the type of style that
you are looking for?
Photographers usually charge for their services in 1 of 3 ways and some charge by a combination of them;
by the total number of shots taken (whether good or bad), | |
by the package, or | |
by the hour |
Depending upon your budget you will have to decide which fee method best suits your needs. Personally, since you only have one shot (excuse the pun again) at getting great shots of a once in a lifetime event I would rather pay more money for a better photographer who will get quality shots and opt for fewer photos if budget was a consideration.
In the case of a wedding, prior to the wedding day make a list of the photos that you want to be certain to take, i.e. Bride alone, Bride with Groom, Bride with Parents, Bride with Attendants, Groom alone, Groom with Parents, Groom with Best Man, and so on. Be sure the photographer receives this list. Ask a friend (with list in hand) to assist the photographer in getting those shots on the event day.
SMART QUESTIONS
During your conversations with the wedding photographers you should explain what types of shots
you are most interested in, i.e. mostly formal, mostly candid, etc. and find out what
shots he/she recommends. Also, outline the "must have" wedding photos that you
have in mind.
Remember, each photographer has different creative styles and capabilities and it is possible that their creative insight relative to "behind the scenes" candid shots, series shots, etc. may enhance the outcome of your photos shoot. However, be hesitant to contract a photographer who seems "fixed" on a specific style of photography that you are not thrilled about.
Looking at the photographer's albums and a thorough conversation with the photographer will help you determine if his/her style will match your expectations. Remember, personality is also an important factor in the selection of a wedding photographer since he/she will be interacting with you and your guests throughout the wedding ceremony and reception. If they appear to have an attitude, go somewhere else.
Following are some things that you may
want to find out during your conversations...
When looking at the albums, ask who took the photographs. If you like the style of
specific photographs you should be speaking directly to that person.
Keep in mind that sometimes a photographer may employ other photographers.
If you like the quality or style of a specific photographer be sure that
it is specified in writing that it will be that specific photographer who will
be taking the shots.
On an average, how many shots does the photographer take during an event?
How many hours does he/she expect to be on site?
Does the photographer shoot more than one wedding on the same day? If so, depending upon the schedule it may severely limit the photographers flexibility on the day of your wedding.
Will the photographer you are speaking to actually be taking your photos? If not, you are speaking to the wrong person.
What equipment does the photographer provide?
Does the photographer use an assistant? The use of an assistant allows more options relative to lighting angles in posed and formal photo shots. There is minimal need for an assistant if the majority of the shots are going to be candid.
How are you charged? Are you charged based on the number of shots taken plus the selected photos, the selected photo package, for time and number of shots, etc.?
Depending upon the selected option, what will the total cost be and what exactly will it include?
Who selects the photos to be included in the package, you or the photographer?
How many proofs do you get to
view?
Does the photographer retain the negatives? If so, this means that
you will end up paying the photographer each and every time that you want a reprint. Although some
photographers will give you a song and dance about paper quality and processing quality or
"safeguarding" the negatives, it all boils down to profit. Some
photographers will give you the selected negatives or all of the negatives either as part
of the package or for a fee. Check the fees in advance.
If the photographer retains the negatives, how much does it cost to obtain reprints in the future? Get the cost in writing if you select a photographer who retains the negatives.
Does the photographer have the ability to add digitized special effects to selected photos? You may want to create a special photo memorializing your special event by enhancing or retouching the photo. If he/she has the ability, what are the costs?
Does the photographer have the ability to archive the photos on disc or CD? If so, what is the cost?
Does the photographer have any recent references or letters of recommendation that he/she can share with you? If not, go elsewhere.
Does
the photographer have a problem with guests or family members taking photos?
This is something that needs to be addressed up front rather than finding out
the day of your wedding!
Some may tell you that they have a problem with it because it will
consume too much time to allow them to get the shots that need to be taken
professionally. Others may feel for some reason or another that their
photos should be the exclusive photos since the photo composition is their
creation. BULL! It takes only a moment or two to
allow guests and relatives to take a quick photo after the professional
has taken their shots. Simply request that the guests wait until after the
photographer is completely finished with the shot so that the professional's light levels are
not messed up. As far as "exclusive" photos are concerned, the actual
concern is most likely that the private photos may reduce the number of prints
ordered from the photographer. The fact of the matter is that if the
professional does his/her job properly there should be absolutely no comparison between the
quality of the professional's shots and the quality of the private shots.
People who want a quality photo will get one and the people who do not will not
- regardless of whether private photos are taken.
Do they offer a guarantee? Get it in writing.
Do they have a cancellation policy? Get it in writing.
CONTRACTS
Be sure that all of the details are clearly outlined, including the name of the
specific person
who will be shooting the wedding photos, locations and arrival times, number of shots, number of
proofs, a list of "must have" photos, the total cost, the additional costs for
reprints or to purchase the negatives, etc. as well as the cancellation/refund policies,
etc.
For added protection, paying with a credit card is not a bad idea either since it can give you significantly more leverage than when paying by cash or check should something go wrong.
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