Always ask a photographer for references

TIPS FOR SELECTING A WEDDING DAY PHOTOGRAPHER

Hiring a professional wedding photographer is worth the investment to capture the special memories of your wedding day. The wedding day will only last a day, but the wedding pictures will keep the day alive for a lifetime. It is worth your time to find the photographer that will give you the wedding photos you want and will make you smile every time you see them.

REVIEW WEDDING PHOTO STYLES

Before you set up appointments with wedding photographers to look at their work, it helps to have an idea of the style of wedding photos that you want. Look at magazines, attend bridal shows, and go to photographers web sites and review the wedding photos to get an idea of what you want for your final wedding photos. Compare the use of lighting, the use of back drops, camera angles, picture clarity, staging of posed pictures, and capturing unposed moments. When you have selected a few photographers that seem to be right, set up an interview to find out more.

THE BASICS OF WHAT YOU WANT

When you start looking for a wedding photographer, you should have a few basic bits of information to help you find the right wedding photographer for you.

• Schedule of the day(s) and time(s) that you will want the photographer
• Location (wedding and reception) of where you will want the photographer
• Budget that you have for the wedding photographer
• What you want photographed from your wedding day
• The type of finished product and/or proofs that you want

IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO ASK

When interviewing potential photographers for your wedding photos, there are many important points to consider. A professional photographer worth entrusting to take your wedding pictures, will be happy to answer all your questions and provide you with the information you request.

• Who will be the photographer at my wedding? Many times the person you meet with is not the one who will be taking your wedding pictures. Know who will be photographing your wedding and ask to see his/her work and to meet with that person before the wedding. Also ask if the photographer works with an assistant at the wedding?
• What is your experience photographing weddings? Do you have experience photographing my style of wedding (indoor, outdoor, casual, formal)? Have you taken wedding pictures at this wedding location before? Do you offer traditional wedding photos, wedding photojournalism, or both?
• Is the work I'm seeing all yours or a compilation of work from more than one photographer? Can you show me at least 3 complete weddings you've done (not just a few of the best pictures)?
• What is your price and what does that include (pictures, time, travel)? Many wedding photographers offer standard wedding packages and some will offer customized options. How much time is allotted for taking pictures? Does the package include unlimited time or do they charge extra for all day coverage? What is the delivery time on the final wedding pictures? How much it cost for additional prints or enlargements?
• Ask for references and check them out personally. A professional photographer will not hesitate to give references. And a happy customer will love to talk and give a positive recommendation.

CONTRACT INFORMATION

Ask for a copy of the contract to take home and read. Make sure you understand the terms and that everything is WRITTEN in the contract that was promised verbally. Read it ALL. When you are comparing wedding photographers, also compare the contract and see what you are getting with each choice. You will be spending a lot of money on your wedding photography, so make sure you know what you are buying. Ask about payments and cancellations (by either you or the photographer). Once you make a decision, the contract is signed and a deposit is usually required to hold the date.

The information that should be included in the contract:

• The name of the photographer (not just the company, but the actual photographer who will take the pictures at your wedding)
• The time that the photographer arrives and leaves
• A description of the wedding photo package you ordered
• The number of proofs you will view to choose and/or keep pictures/enlargements
• A list of guaranteed prices for enlargements. If the prices are on the brochure, get these prices written into the contract. Include the cutoff date for these prices.
• All additional charges, services, taxes, travel, etc... Get exact costs on the contract.
• Cancellation policies and what happens if the photographer doesn't show up
• The date and deposit amount and total amount due
• Your name, address, and phone number. The names and addresses of the wedding and reception locations

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