Your Wedding Photographs And Choosing A Wedding Photographer

Your wedding photographs are very important and one of the things you have the least control over in the end. How many times have you heard someone say our photos were awful or we didn't plan right so we didn't get the type of pictures we wanted. Learn how to choose a wedding photographer and the style of wedding photographs you want.

The very first thing to eliminating stress related to your photographs, is to hire a reputable photographer. Hiring a good photographer is one of the most important things you'll do for your wedding plans. Find someone in your local area that has a good reputation, check his/her portfolio, talk to his/her past clients. This early research will go along way to putting you at ease. You'll know that you've picked the best photographer that your budge will allow.

The best way to keep your special day fresh and alive is with the bride and groom's photo album. Over the years you and your spouse will look at these photos often.

There are a variety of wedding album styles on the market. Wedding albums come in all sizes, colors, and materials. As large of variety there is in albums there is just as much variety in the pricing. Find the album layout, look, and feel that feels right to you and is within your budget.

You will also need to choose the type of finish your photographs will have - there are many choices such as glossy, semi-matte, matte,spray texture and oil.

In todays world you have the choice between regular photos and digital photos. Many photographers have switched to digital. Our personal preference is still mainstream photography, however some of the digital photographers are quite impressive. Be certain to review both types of photography before making your final choice. Each has its own pros and cons.

The photographer you hire should specialize in weddings. There is a huge difference in photgraphy technique between say a landscape photographer and a portrait photographer. The landscape photographer may produce impressive landscape work but you'll most likely be disappointed with the portrait work.

Your photographer needs to be familiar with wedding protocol,where the ceremony is, whre the reception is. It is important for him/her to fully understand how your wedding will flow. This way the photographer will be able to get the best variety and choice of photos, and he/she will be certain to capture those special moments.

Personal rapport is very important. You need to feel comfortable with your photographer. Being a professional wedding photographer simply isn't enough. Your photographs will reflect your comfort level, so make sure you and your photographer are compatable.

View previous works of the photographer. Your Bride & Groom photo alblum should capture the story of your wedding. Not only should the pictures be crisp and clear, they should capture the excitement and emotion of you day.

If you're looking for photos that a little different, a little more creative, or different from the traditional poses, be sure to discuss this with your photographer and view work he/she has done to ensure they are capable of producting what you envision.

When asking for references, get references for the past 10 or 20 weddings the photographer has shot. This will give you a good idea of his current abilities. When calling find out if the photographer was on time, polite, dressed properly,and how he preformed overall.

When comparing pricing, you will need to take into consideration the number of photos, their size, the type of finish, and the type of album. Find out how many proofs you will get to choose from - the more the better. Those photographers that simply provide you with an album may be able to offer their services cheaper but you won't have the choice or flexibility that proofs give you. The additional cost is worth it to be able to choose the photos that appeal to you.

If you are discussing your photographer with a larger company, be certain the photographer you inteview and choose is the one that will be doing your wedding photography. Some companies have a tendancy to use their best photographers work to sell their package and then send a less experienced photographer to do the work. Other companies may not commit to the actual photographer that will do your wedding photos, simply sending whomever is available for that time and date. Don't get caught in this trap!

Some churches do not allow photographs to be taken during the ceremony. If this is acceptable to you then be sure your photographer knows the rules. If your not happy with not being able to have ceremony photographs you may need to find an alternative church that does allow for photographing.

The parents' album is the miniature version of the bride and groom's album. It usually contains around twenty five 5" x 7" photographs. Personally choose the photos for each family's tastes. If you want, you can personalize the Parents' album with the bride and groom's name and wedding date.

You'll most likely want to order some additional prints over and above the photos that will be in your album and the parents' album. Often prints are purchased for the wedding party and other family members. Find out what your photographer charges for these additional prints based on the size you have choosen. This "little issue" is very important to find out in advance because some photographers will give you a great deal on the album and then soak you on additional prints. Find out your total costs so you can compare one photographer to another fairly.

Your proofs are the preliminary prints from which the bride and groom select the photos that will be in the albums. When selecting a package find out how many proofs the photographer will take. The more proofs the better the selection you have to choose from for your albums.

A rule of thumb - for a wide selection, the photographer needs to take 3 to 4 times the photos that will appear in the album.

Find out from the photographer how long after the wedding will the proofs be available. They should be ready in 10-14 days. Don't make final payment until you've seen the proofs.

QUESTIONS TO ASK THE PHOTOGRAPHER

What phone number and address can the photographer be reached at?

How many years of experience do you have as a photographer?

What percentage of your business is dedicated to weddings?

How long have you been photographing weddings as a professional photographer?

How many years have you been a professional photographer?

How many weddings have you photographed?

Are you the person who will photograph my wedding?

What is your photography style?

Do you do black and white?

How do you dress for weddings?

Do you have your own professional studio?

What type of camera and equipment do you use?

How many hours of photography are included in our package?

Do you bring a backup camera just incase?

Do you visit the ceremony and reception sites before the wedding?

Do you have liability insurance?

Are you a member of any professional photography body? If yes which one?

Do you offer a money-back guarantee?

Are you skilled in taking studio portraits?

Are you able to retouch negatives?

Do you use proofs? How many proofs will I get? When will I get them?

Are your negatives for sale? If yes, what it the cost?

What is the total cost of the package I am interested in?

What is your payment policy?

What is your cancellation policy?

How long to get my album?

Are there any additional charges above the package I've selected?

What is the cost of a parent album?

What is the cost of a reprint 5" x 7"? 11" x 14"? 8" x 10'?

© Copyright Sher Matsen, All Rights Reserved. About the author: Sher from Estate Jewelry International have been serving customers for over 20 years, providing affordable estate jewelry, and a wealth of information on jewelry, fashion, designers, and beauty with on staff industry professionals. Please visit us at Estate Jewelry International.

Sher Matsen