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Photographer

How to book a Photographer
 

1.  No matter how tempting, don't use a friend or a relative even if they offer.  Hire a professional and look carefully at the photographs they have taken.  The lower the price quoted, the closer you must look.  Of course every photo the photographer takes won't be perfect but there must be enough great photos for the time spent with you.  Look carefully.

2.  Be prepared.  Know what you want.  Many couples choose strictly a photojournalistic approach only to find out they have no traditional portrait to hang or send to family memebers.  If in doubt, ask if the photographer can shoot both.  A good photographer can shoot both and is usually flexible and accommodating.

3.  Many couples want their photos on CD in a story style that tells the 'story of their wedding'.  If this is what you are looking for, ask if you have reprint rights on all the photos.  This will be quite cost effective for you.  You get to enjoy all the photos in a story and also can have a good lab print only the ones you really love. You must also ask how much additional copies of the story itself cost.

4.  If it is a large wedding, does the photographer have an assistant?  Will one or both be shooting?  How much time afterwards is spent in the digital dark room with special effects?  Can you expect sepia, black and white, photographic edges, retouching blemishes, collages?  With digital,your photos last for generations on CD. Get a photographer who knows his way around the current digital darkroom otherwise what he takes is what you get.  Their are so many wonderful effects out there these days, don't miss out.

5.  Storybooks - storybooks replace the old 8 x 10 standard albums which tend to be boring.  However, they are expensive. If you do not want to spend the cash immediately, do you have permission to make the photos into a story book later?  Can the photographer help you with this or recommend a good lab that does this kind of work?

6.  Small weddings - Does you photographer offer small packages that you can tailor to your needs?  Even if there is just the two of you, many photographers offer a small, professional yet romantic package that you will cherish.

7.  Other services - Some photographers offer to take your favorite photo past or present and create a unique painting from it.  If this is something you would like, can it be part of a package you choose?  Ask if he can combine photos for example, a photo of you as a small child and your fiance combined into one photo for your reception.  How long would this take?

8.  How much deposit is required?  If it is 25% or more, what % will be returned if you must cancel.  What is the cancellation policy?

9.  Dress code - Will the photographer dress in the similar fashion as the bridal party?  If not, what will he/they wear.

10.  Does the photographer plan to be quietly working the the background or do you need him to liven up the group?  Be careful with the latter.  Ask him how he sees his role and listen well.

Prices to Expect

Traditional Photography - 100 to 150 proofs (on CD or print)   $1200 - $2000

Photojournalism Only - 200 to 300+ proofs (on CD or print)            $2000  - $7500

Artistic Photography -  300+ proofs (on CD or print)                                       $3000  - $10000

Wedding Highlights - Ceremony Only - up to two hour shoots  
     usually a combination of Traditional  and Photojournalism           $1000  - $2500

*If you get a quote that is unrealistically low - look at the photographer's past photos.  There is more than likely a good reason.