Wedding Layers

There are many buying decisions to make when planning a wedding. One of the most important decisions you can make is who will photograph your wedding. The broad range in pricing these days can cause alot of confusion for prospective brides and grooms. I hope to clear that up in this article.

One question I am asked all the time is:”How can one photographer charge $700 for an entire day and another photographer charge $3500?” Do you get what you pay for? Does more expensive mean better? Does less expensive mean bad? Lets start with some basic information on how the photography industry has changed in the past five years.

Digital SLR cameras have become somewhat mainstream in the last couple years. Many people are purchasing 12 MP camera for under $1000 and instantly becoming “photographers.” There is no minimum education level or licensing required to become a professional photographer. Many of these novice photographers are starting part-time wedding photography businesses to help supplement their income. To them, $700 is alot of money for a days work. In this category many of the photographers are using photo-journalism as their approach and also providing CD’s as the finished work
product. While not all photographers in this novice level are bad photographers, you should have a certain amount of buyer beware.

I recommend meeting with several photographers within different price ranges at least 6 months in advance of your wedding. Be prepared with a list of questions. Record your feelings when you first meet; sometimes first impressions are the most important. Make sure you will feel comfortable working with this photographer during your wedding day.

Here is a list of questions you should be asking.

1. How long have you been a professional photographer?
2. How long have you been photographing weddings?
3. Do you have an assistant who works with you?
4. Do you bring a back-up camera in case your main camera has mechanical failure?
5. What is your style of photography?
6. Do you photograph more than one wedding per day?
7. Are you the photographer or do you hire someone else for the day?
8. If you provide a CD do you provide a reproduction release for all the images?
9. If you provide a CD are the images full resolution?(as opposed to sized for the web)
10. How long does it take to receive the images?
11. Are the images that we order retouched?
12. If I want certain poses with relatives, how do I make sure those will be taken care of?
13. Could you provide us with 2-3 references?

Do not neglect asking any of the question above. You will be amazed at the differences in answers and will soon see why there is a huge difference in pricing. I have known many couples who were surprised to find someone else at their wedding as the photographer because they forgot to ask question 7. Do not assume anything and get everything in writing.

On your wedding day you want to make sure you have a photographer you can trust. If someone is charging under $1000 for a wedding, most likely they would not pass the test when answering the above questions. If you are trying to save money than you will have to accept that sacrifices will have to be made. Are you willing to trade experience for price? Are you will to trade piece of mind for price? How about quality for price? You are the only one who can make that decision.

There is some skepticism about photographers who charge too much for wedding photography. How can one justify $4000 for days work? In reality, a photographer’s fee covers more than just the hours spent at a wedding. First the photographer has a cost of sales for the end products they are delivering to the client. Add to that insurance, marketing fees, consultation time prior to and after the wedding, computer time retouching images, assistant fees, photographer salary. And when all that is paid out, there should be enough left for entrepreneurial profit.

Professional photographers love what they do, but are also business people, who know that their fees must cover all of their expenses and provide a profit so they can continue to succeed in the business. The photographers who do not cover all their expenses by charging low fees, will not be in business long enough to succeed.

Be prepared when you start meeting with photographers. Do some research in advance to find out what weddings cost in your area. Look in magazines for the styles that you like. Every photographer has a their own style and some are sought out just for their own brand. Know what your budget is and what you want. If a CD with 400 unretouched images fits in with your budget than be prepared to accept an unfinished product. If portraits, and an album are what you desire, be prepared to be top dollar. Your wedding day only happens once in a lifetime and your portraits will help you cherish the memories especially as the years go on.

Mary Buck is a professional photographer with Lightscapes Photographic Artwork in Duluth, GA. She is available for weddings in the Metro-Atlanta area. She also photographs infants, children, families and high school seniors at her studio in Duluth.
You can view her work at http://www.lightscapesphoto.com/

Author: Mary Buck
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Sure, there is no doubt, what to choose: a professional photographer or family relative who is an amateur photographer. While that family member, who was chosen as photographer wouldn’t be able to enjoy the wedding, because of the work and as amateur photographer he is not able to see things that matters, a professional photographer would be there to take professional photos, because he knows what is the most important in wedding photography and therefore  the results are obviously different. Your photographer has to capture every lovely view, every smile, every laughter.
There is no second chance to take really good wedding photos, it is once and for all. Therefore it is necessarily to know how to get a good wedding photographer. Most of photographers do not even bother with wedding photography, because wedding photography is one of the most difficult branches in photography. Good wedding photographers are those, who love their work and are able to take photos, which are telling true stories. The photographer should have a unique style. The photos have to be creative and fully charged with emotions. But there is not only the photographer who matters. Essentially is also a good planning for the wedding.

Different ways

Search for a good photographer. There are different paths to find one. Go to magazine store and find the best magazines about weddings and wedding planning.  Most of the magazines also have a chapter about wedding photography. Some of the photographers have commercials inside with contacts. Many of the magazines also have yellow pages with wedding photographers.

Another way is to “Google ” for a wedding photographer. Most common keywords to get best results are: “Wedding photography”, “wedding photographer” or simple “wedding”.

Another way to get a wedding photographer is to post ads on free advertisement pages.

And if any of your relatives got married recently, just ask them, if they had a wedding photographer. If they did, just ask for contact.

Now, you have to contact all the photographers, which you think will suit your wedding concept.

Asking the right questions

It is necessary for you to know the wedding photographer. Important for you to know is how long is he in this business, what equipment does he use and if he is working with an assistant or in pair with another photographer. Also ask for a webpage gallery. If he does has one, have a look and check it. It is important for you to know what he offers, so go ahead and ask for offer and also for pricing. Additionally write him what is your lifestyle, what are your expectations and wishes and in what style will your wedding be.

Choosing

Now, think about what is important for you. Review your budget, which was intended for wedding photography. After you have received all of the answers from photographers, make the first selection. See, if they meet your expectations and if they offer all the services you have asked. You can also easily recognize if someone is serious and if he really wants to shot your wedding. After that, contact the selected ones again and ask them to meet them in person. This way you can see how they are in reality, what they think and how they work. Ask the same questions as you already did when you first contacted him. See if there are any deviations to his statements. If not and if you like the photographer, then it is time to tell him, that he is the one.

Afterwork

Your work is not finished yet. Ask him, if he is working with a contract. If not, ask him, if he can prepare a contract, which will be signed by both of you. Read all paragraphs very carefully and do not sign, if you do not know what you are signing. If everything is ok, sign it. This way you can be certain, that you will get for what you pay.

There is another thing. Do not pay in advice. If he wants advice money, kindly ask him, if you can add another paragraph, which defines that you are obligated to take him as wedding photographer. If he still wants advice payment, then do not pay more than half of the whole price of his services.

The pretty work

Now, it is recommended to make the photographer very familiar with your wedding. Tell him about your wedding planning, about the style of the wedding. Tell him what kind of photos you expect. Make a plan and go together to the place, where the wedding will take place. Look at different places for portrait photography. Tell him the program and time schedule of the wedding, so he can get prepared.

If you are going to follow these steps, you will probably get a really good wedding photographer and therefore also great wedding shots and services.

It is the most important day in your life, so take your time and find a really good wedding photographer.

http://weddings.gregorharih.com

Author: Gregor Harih
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Wedding Photographs – Expensive or Priceless? Here are 10 simple ways to get the best wedding photographs on your day.

1. Look at each other

Please remember you are marrying each other not the minister or the registrar. As a former church minister I just want to assure you its okay to face one another. You have spent a small fortune on wedding photography, but at the crucial moment all that anyone sees in your backs – talk to whoever is doing the wedding and TELL them you want to look at each other.

2. Do, do crazy things on the day

Please do act on the spur of the moment. Spontaneous things can work really great on wedding photographs and a good photographer will lap it up.

3. Colour or Black and White?

Some will say what goes around comes around. But the reality is that black and white and colour photography are very different. Black and white is much more atmospheric and dramatic. Look at samples of photography because colour photographs should be either subtle or vibrant never wishy washy. Make sure you get both in your album. Ask what the mix will be, i usually do 70% black and white for intimate shots and 70% colour for group shots. Ask the photographer which they prefer and why.

4. Do it for real NOT mock

Beware the part-time wedding photographer who will want to do MOCK cake cutting and MOCK first dance so they can get away. Don’t accept MOCK anything. If your photographer is not there when you actually cut the cake, then they’ve missed the speeches, and the meal and that special moment, and the… You want your photographer by your side all day.

5. Can you trust your photographer?

Trust is important. You have to feel you can trust your photographer, after all they will see you all made up and completely un-made. You have to feel you can trust your photographer so when they ask you to do something or pose in a particular way, its going to make a great photograph.

6. Style and approach

A photographer can’t be all things to all people. Ask what their photographic philosophy is – reportage, traditional, journalism. Does their approach agree with yours?

7. Listening

The first time you meet your photographer, check whether you feel they listened to you. At the end of the day you want to open your album and get the wow factor, that happens when the photographer gives you something of what you are expecting, with things your were never expecting.

8. Flexibility

“Customer is King” is a true saying, or in this case ” Queen” and being flexible is essential. I guess all wedding photographers go through the “Packages” stage in their career, I know I did. Here my package, take it or leave it. One thing to know about your wedding is that its UNIQUE. Therefore, you need a photographer who appreciates your uniqueness. If a photographer is not flexible to your desires before your wedding day, they will be even less flexible on your day.

9. To be seen or not to be seen

There’s a big difference between being seen and being noticed. Its your day so do you really want a photographer taking over? – And it happens in so many ways – from telling the couple what to do – to making everyone wait for their meal. I’ve even known a photographer stop the ceremony because he missed a shot. Remember its your day and your photographer is there to guide you NOT dictate to you. However the thing that annoys me most is the photographer with the big flashgun. With the right investment in high speed lenses and a proper understanding of exposure 95% of photography can and should be taken with available light. In the last 12 months I’ve only used flash once.

10. Know what’s going to happen in case of bad weather

You can never guarantee the weather, especially in the UK. When the sun is out photography is easier because there are usually lots of places to go with the bridal party to get great photographs. But when its raining its a different story. Space is usually limited and locations likewise. Without exception I always checkout the wedding and reception venues if i’ve never photographed there before. Because I try to use only available light I need to see where the light is good – but I also check out where we can photograph on a rainy day.

http://www.imaginethat.uk.net Keith Beesley BTh. (Oxon)

Author: Keith Beesley
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How to choose a Wedding Photographer
This Article will Detail 5 Tips you can easily follow to make choosing a wedding photographer a more enjoyable and productive process. These 5 tips can ensure you are better prepared to meet and choose the right wedding photographer and ensure you get what you are looking for.

1) Ask to see a single wedding portfolio . If you want to truly see what you may be getting when you hire a wedding photographer you want to make sure you ask them to show you an entire single wedding they have photographed. As a photographer its easy to piece together many various “Best of ” shots and wow and dazzle visitors with great shots that come from unrelated weddings. But as a prospective client you want to see how this photographer has captures a single wedding in its entirety to give you a better idea of the results they and you can hope to get from your wedding day. After evaluating their portfolio ask yourself is this the style you looking for and does it look like they capture what you expect from your wedding day?

2) Have an idea of what you want in terms of time and number of photos. Wedding photographers offer packages based on number of prints and deliverables. Some by the time they are photographing in addition to the deliverables. Either way you want to clearly understand what you is will be getting in terms of time the photographer will be shooting, and what will they deliver in terms of prints to you. What size will the prints be? Will they make an album for you? Will they shoot Digital? How many prints will you get? Some photographers are still shooting film, however ask you photographer to show you both and the costs associated with going with one or another. Typically a wedding photographer to shoot film will have to spend more than $300-$500 for film and processing which is why Digital seems to be the preferred tool of the modern wedding photographer.

3) Ask the photographer how much Extra Prints and Wedding Album will cost ? Ask your photographer after the agreed package what it will cost for extra prints in the future? Will they hold on to the negatives or original files indefinitely or give them to you after a year or two. Most photographers will never give their negatives away , however some may have a time period which they hold on to them. How much will extra wedding albums cost for the inlaws ? These are questions you need to ask as the photographer will charge for these if they are part of or outside the package you decide on. Extra prints and albums are a lucrative area for wedding photographers. If you are looking to save money buy and build the Wedding Albums yourself

4) Ask about cancellations or backup photographers. In the event of unforeseen circumstances People do get sick and unforeseen events can happen. Wedding photography is no exception. Look at the contract and ask the photographer what happens for cancellation on their or your side.

5)Wedding Photogrpahers Are not Cheap. Photographing a wedding is not as simple as snapping a few buttons. Many very talented photographers won’t step near weddings because of the pressure. Don’t expect to negotiate a cheap price based on this preconception that it’s just pressing the shutter a few times. Good photographers will spend a day scouting location gathering supplies, checking equipment, a day at the wedding, and a few days gathering preparing results from a wedding to present back to clients. Making trips back and forth to the lab for reprints, preparing albums can take more time than one thinks. If they hire assistants this is costing the photographer and you as well. Treat a photographer and their craft with respect and you will be able to negotiate better, and find a package you are happy with.

Keep these 5 things in mind and you will be on your way to finding the right photogrpaher faster.

www.weddingphotosource.com Hayden Barile Copyright 2005 All Rights Reserved

Author: Hayden Barile
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You only have one shot at perfect pictures. If you choose the wrong photographer, your once-in-a-lifetime wedding pictures can be lost forever. Here are some tips for finding a great wedding photographer:

1. How experienced is this photographer? Does he specialize in wedding photography? While everyone needs to start somewhere, do you really want one to begin with your wedding, no matter how good the price? Choose a photographer who not only has experience with wedding photography, but who also can show you examples of his or her work at previous weddings.

2. What is the style of the photographer? Do his sample shots look the way you want your wedding photos to look? Look for a great mix of styles, from formal and posed to more casual and relaxed styles. Look for how the photographer uses light in the pictures. And look for a photographer who takes shots that you like.

3. Ask the photographer if he’s the one who will be handing your wedding personally or if he plans to send a staff photographer. You have the right to know who you’re going to be paying for. Asking in advance eliminates nasty surprises.

4. Do you like the photographer? If he’s nasty or bossy or has a trait you don’t care for, his presence – and direction for posed shots – can ruin your otherwise perfect day. There are plenty of photographers; pick one you can live with.

5. How does he dress? Is he well-groomed? And what does he intend to wear to the wedding? Especially if you have a dress code at the wedding venue, you need to be certain your photographer presents a certain appearance.

6. How expensive is this photographer? You don’t have to choose the cheapest photographer, and probably should not, but you want someone in your price range. Get an idea of all his prices, including any reordered packages. And find out how long he keeps negatives. You may want to order more in five years.

7. How prompt is this photographer? How quickly will they get the proofs, pictures and albums back? Does he supply electronic media as well, or just printed photos?

8. Look carefully at the offered packages and a la carte deals. Are they the wedding photos you really want, or do you think you can do better with a different plan? Try to arrange a deal if you don’t like any packages. If you’re making a large order, your photographer should work with you.

9. How much time will he take photographing you and the wedding party at the event? You don’t want someone who will take too few shots, but you also don’t want to spend your entire wedding day in front of a camera. Ask how many different shots he takes on average as well.

10. Does the contract make sense to you? It should be clear, with everything addressed you’ve discussed with the photographer. You should feel that it’s fair. Make sure deposits and cancellations are spelled out, as well as the photographer’s not showing up. If you don’t understand it, talk to a lawyer. This can be a very big investment, and you don’t want to find yourself in a legal bind over it.

11. Use our Wedding Photo Worksheet to help you choose all the perfect photos for your wedding, quickly and easily. Go through the shots you want with the photographer, and make sure he’s going to work with you.

12. Make sure you get references from previous clients, from the Better Business Bureau, from the Chamber of Commerce. Ask around at reception halls and churches the wedding photographer has worked at to see what they think. Is he a member of the Professional Photographers of America or another professional organization?

And one last thing: besides the wedding photographer, you really should have disposable cameras on the tables. You never know what’s going to happen: the photographer not showing up, or being busy photographing the wedding party while Uncle Milt is doing that weird thing with his nose. Sometimes the photos taken by guests become the most treasured keepsakes from your wedding.

Lesley-Ann Graham runs WeddingTrix.com – a valuable wedding planning resource with articles, tips and advice to help you plan your perfect wedding. The Bride, Groom, Best Man, Bridesmaids and Groomsmen can find it all at http://www.WeddingTrix.com

Author: Lesley-Ann Graham
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It’s important to remember that the photographer you choose will be responsible for capturing the moments and memories of what may be the most important day of your life! Your Wedding Day! With this in mind, you’ll want to make an informed decision in choosing a professional wedding photographer to shoot your wedding day – There are no second chances!

Many couples become so detailed in planning their wedding day such as the obvious dress, cake, the guest list, decorations, flowers etc, etc – yet they overlook the importance of selecting the right photographer to shoot their wedding day.

The Question is Where Do You Begin?

I’m sure you have all been to a wedding in the past and have seen a wedding photographer at work – Ask your friends, relatives, co-workers for suggestions on wedding photographers. You fill find people who have had positive experiences with photographers are more than willing to share that information. In addition, you’ll already have some insight about the photographer’s personality before you actually meet.

Gather all the information and visit each photographer’s web site and thoughtfully review his or her online wedding gallery portfolio. You can also enhance your searching by visiting google and typing in wedding photographer and placing in the city with your search to narrow down your list. An example of this may be if you are looking for a Sydney based wedding photographer, then type in ” Wedding Photographer Sydney” or ” Sydney Wedding Photography” on the Google search tab.

Narrowed Down Your Wedding Photographer List?

You have viewed your list of wedding photographer’s galleries. Next step, call or email each photographer on your list. Through this initial contact, you can determine the photographer’s availability, the type of work they specialize in (candid or traditional) as well as an estimate of the cost and what you’ll receive for that fee. Start scheduling appointments and then visit each wedding photographer in their photographic studio.

Ask each of them to show you a complete portfolio of a single wedding–this will give you a much clearer sense of what you can expect than a collection of choice shots from several different events. Pay attention to whether the photographer is adept at portraying individual expressions and personalities. Keep in mind the photographer should have a personality to complement your wedding day. This is vital that you get along with the photographer so you are relaxed and assured on your wedding day.

Meeting with the Wedding Photographer!

Before you meet the professional photographer write down your questions prior and take thorough notes during the meetings. You will find that most wedding photographers will provide you with a clear outline of their services and fees prior to your meeting. Remember, the more information you have, the more confident and relaxed you’ll feel on your special day.

Typical Wedding Questions to Ask?

oWhat are the wedding package costs and what do you get with it?
oHow will the wedding proofs be displayed for selection (e.g., electronic, proofs, contact sheets, online gallery, etc.)?
oWill you help me choose the final photos for my wedding album?
oHow will you make it easy for friends and family to order reprints?
oWhat are the costs of the various levels of coverage?
oAre there different degrees of coverage?
oWhat is your photography style; photojournalistic, traditional, mixed, etc.?
oHow much for the duplicate prints, albums, folios, enlargements, thank you cards, etc.?
oWhat’s your time frame for preparing the wedding photos for my selection?
oPre-wedding shoots?
oHow long do I have to make up my mind as to which pictures I want and how many?
oHow long have you been in business?
oWhat kind of guarantee comes with my hiring you?
oHow many photographers will shoot the day?
oDo you have travel fees?
oHow much is your overtime fee?
oWhat do you plan to do at my wedding to make my wedding photographs unique and personal to me?
oDo you have backup cameras?
oWill you be shooting my photos personally?
oAre the images high resolution?
oWhat’s your payment policy?
oDo you give any guarantees on your services and photographs?
oWhat is the possibility of the pictures fading?
oDo you need to be fed at the wedding venue?

How Much Will It Cost?

Considering wedding venues make up the significant cost on your wedding day with typical charges in excess of $130 + a head these days – From experience some wedding venues are charging $250 + a head so when you have a guest list of 250 and you are hit with a $62,500 bill just for food – Then Paying for wedding photography is priceless and will be with you for a lifetime.

Allocate a budget of $3000+ for wedding photography to ensure you have a professional wedding photographer to document your event. Ensure you know exactly what is included in the wedding package so that there are no excess charges when picking up wedding albums, wedding enlargements etc.

Made Your Decision?

You should now be ready to leave a deposit with your chosen wedding photographer and reserve the date. Some final last minute questions may be to find out what the photographer’s policy for wedding-date changes is and what the alternatives are if he or she is not available on the backup date.

Do not skimp on the wedding photography for your special day. It’s the only documented evidence that you really got married except for the signed marriage certificate and testimonials from your guests.

A great professional photographer will enjoy your wedding day. They will interact with your bridal party as friends. This will ensure you will have fun on your day and your images will reflect that on pick up!

Thina Doukas Photography in Leichhardt Sydney Australia has been associated with the wedding industry for over 10 years. We believe in our philosophy that couples should be encouraged to express their creative side when designing something as important as their wedding album. Visit http://www.thinadoukasphoto.com for more candid wedding photos. Professional Sydney Wedding photographer – Capturing moments in life! http://www.weddingphotographersydneyguide.com/blog

Author: Thina Doukas
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After you have chosen the style photography you prefer, the next step is to choose your individual photographer.

The most important thing to consider when choosing a photographer is to choose someone whom you like and with whom you are comfortable. You will spend the entire day with your photographer. You must not feel hurried, controlled or uncomfortable with your photographer. Even though you are a nice and considerate person, you are not there to please your photographer. He is there to please you by getting the best photographs possible of you on your wedding day. Please don’t take this the wrong way. A pushy bride is as bad as a pushy photographer. If the two of you work together from your pre-wedding consultation to you departing on your honeymoon you will receive beautiful photographs from your day.

After you have chosen the style photography you like, you must find a photographer who photographs well in that style. Most people call a photographer and ask “How much do you charge?”. People ask this because they don’t know what else to ask. While that is a perfectly reasonable thing to want to know, it tells you nothing about your wedding photography. A better question to ask is “Can you tell me how you photograph a wedding?” You need to review the photographer’s portfolio of past work and ask questions. You have never done this before. You should not be expected to know all the answers. As in all things, do not assume.

You need to discuss what your plans are for your wedding. Talk about the details of your day and ask questions about how your photographer will handle them. Some brides are extremely organized and others are “free spirits”. Regardless of your personality or your life’s philosophy you really do need to make all the important decisions about your photography well in advance of your arrival at your wedding site. Why waste time on one of the most important days of your life trying to decide who should be in the group photographs? Did you forget to tell the photographer that there will be a Unity Candle, etc?

You need to have a face to face meeting, or phone to phone discussion if there is a distance consideration, with your photographer. An experienced photographer should be able to talk with you and guide you through the process of deciding things. There is a general sequence to most weddings and your photographer usually approaches these events in a given way. You need to go over things so that you both understand if you have made any changes or added any special events such as a special speaker or presenting flowers to the bride’s and groom’s mothers, etc. The photographer can then plan for anything he needs to be ready for.

You need to discuss even the most mundane, common sense things about how your day will go. When do you want your photographer to start? Do you want photographs of you and your bridesmaid at the stylist while you get your hair done? Do you want photographs of your departure after the reception? Are there restrictions set by the church as from where the photographer may photograph? Ask the minister and tell the photographer. Most non-religious venues have no restrictions since you are renting the space but churches vary widely.

What “must have” people or groups need to be photographed at your wedding? Special aunts, uncles, grandparents, etc. Was your veil worn by your mother at her wedding? Your photographer does not know the people who are most special to you so be sure to assign a trusted friend to carry a list of the groups you wanted photographed and be in charge of gathering them together before the ceremony, after the ceremony or at the reception. Make sure that you alert those people that you want them to be in photographs and when and where to be.

A little pre-planning and organization makes your wedding day worry free.

Remember, happy weddings make great photographs.

Jim Stratford is a highly experienced photographer in North Carolina photographing weddings and portraits and corporate, magazine and advertising assignments. Jim’s style is derived from his extensive career in newspaper photojournalism and magazine assignments. Jim’s philosophy about wedding photography is to tell the story of your wedding day concentrating especially on those iconic moments which set your wedding apart. You may view his portfolios at: http://www.stratfordweddingphoto.com and http://www.stratfordphoto.com

Ask Jim any questions you may have at: jim@stratfordweddingphoto.com

Author: James S Stratford
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Tip # 1: Knowledge is Key

Arm yourself with some industry terminology, and know what the differences are in the various styles of pictures. Do your research about photography ahead of time. Know the difference between a candid and a posed shot. Know what photojournalism is. Know what you like, and what you don’t like, and do not be afraid to communicate that to your prospective photographers. Make this statement: “We want a photographer who knows how to control the depth of field”. If he looks at you with a quizzical look that says “I have no idea what you are talking about”, it might be time to consider ending your meeting early.

Tip # 2: Ask The Right Questions

I cannot begin to tell you how many times I have been asked questions that must have been taken from outdated sources.

Here are some of the right questions to ask:

• How long have you been shooting weddings?

  I would not have a photographer on my wedding that has been shooting weddings for less than 5 years. Reasons for that are many, but the bottom line is that you want somebody who really knows what they are doing, has an “eye” as well as technical knowledge to make things happen.

• Have you worked at our venue before?

  If the photographer is local, and your wedding venue is local, chances are he has worked at your venue beforehand. Ask to see those pictures. If he has not worked there before, ask if he is willing to go there ahead of time to scout the location.

• Our wedding photography commitment is X hours…do you have a plan that will accommodate that? Are your pricing plans negotiable?

  Most photographers have 3 or 4 plans to choose from (I personally have more than that) because I have not yet found one set of packages that will accommodate everyone. I have also learned that versatility is key.

• Do you bring an assistant?

  I usually bring an assistant to help with lighting etc. My assistant can also double as a second photographer for a small fee. Check with your photographer…this is a very valuable asset.

• What kind of equipment do you have?

  Professional photographers should have high end SLR cameras. In Nikon, those cameras include: the D3, D2X,D2XS, and D2H. In Canon, those cameras include: EOS1D, 1DS, 5D, and 5DS. Of course there are other brands and quality levels, but these camera make up the bulk of the professional wedding photographer’s lineup in today’s market. Be aware: Photographers who proudly say that they shoot with the Nikon D200 or the Canon 10d or 20d are not on the professional level. Those cameras are designed to be sold to consumers, not professionals, and while they are good cameras in their own right, they do not possess the characteristics of professional grade camera bodies.

• Do you have backup equipment?

  Occasionally, a camera goes down, and without a backup, the perfect wedding can be ruined. Don’t leave your precious wedding memories in the hands of someone with low end, consumer grade equipment and without backup. It is a recipe for disaster. Most professionals carry at least 1 backup unit of the same quality as their main unit.

• Do you have any professional affiliations?

  Most professional photographers with more than 5 years of experience will have some sort of Professional Affiliation. Those affiliations can include, but are not limited to: The Professional Photographer’s Association (Nationwide, State Level, and maybe even County Level memberships are available), the BBB (Better Business Bureau), Rotary Clubs, The Wedding Photojournalist Association, and others. Membership in any of these affiliations is not mandatory, but it says something positive about the photographer.

Tip #3: Warning Signs

Whenever I meet with prospective clients, I give them some warning signs to look out for. Look out for any photographer who says “We will shoot some in black and white, some in color, and some in Sepia”. That’s a HUGE mistake. Same thing for “We’ll shoot some in a tight focus, and some with a soft focus”. The main reason for this is that most professional photographers use Adobe Photoshop to edit their pictures. It is much better to shoot everything in color, and make the switch to black and white, instead of shooting in black and white. Once you shoot it with no color information (black and white) you can not convert it to color…no matter how good your Photoshop skills are. Same thing for focus. Look for a photographer who shoots everything with a nice tight focus, and then can selectively “blur” your image to get the desired effect. If the image is shot with a soft (blurry) focus, it can not be cleaned up very easily, and maybe not at all.

My best friend’s fiance ignored this advice and told their photographer (I was in the wedding so I could not do it) to shoot everything with a soft focus. Their wedding photos were worthless, and she was devastated.

Most couples head into Wedding Day knowing very little about photography, and even less about Wedding Photography. This can be a killer. Use the tools I listed above to know what to expect. The entire point of this article is to educate you to the process so that you select the right Wedding Photographer, and that you understand what that photographer will provide.

Magazine Quality Photos

Chances are, if you hire the right photographer, your images will be pretty close to magazine quality. But you do need to understand that there are many variables that can affect the quality of the image, some of which the photographer will have little to no control over.

Something you need to consider is that the images used for advertisement purposes in most major magazines are not actual wedding photos, with few exceptions. They are photos of professional models, in elegant surroundings, with a small army of people around to make the pictures perfect: on-set makeup artists, hair stylists, set decorators, lighting engineers, wardrobe people, and of course, the photographer. This is very different from one can expect on Wedding Day.

Venue

If you have your wedding in someone’s back yard, you are not going to get images with a view like that of a 5 Star hotel. Stands to reason, right? Not to say that there aren’t some elegant backyards around, but a backyard wedding will always photograph differently than a wedding at a resort with sweeping views, grand staircases, etc.

Time of day

If your ceremony takes place 30 minutes before sunset, your images after sunset will all have black backgrounds, no matter how good the camera and lens is.

Amount of Time Available

Most weddings allow the couple about an hour or so after the ceremony to shoot family pictures, and their individual pictures. The pictures presented in magazine advertisements often took many hours to compose, and in some case, may have extended into a couple of days. Cut your photographer some slack…allow enough time for proper composition, and take time of day into consideration.

Quality

We have two schools of thought on this subject. Some photographers believe that if they shoot a thousand images, the client will be able to select a hundred or so to put into an album. Other photographers focus on the details of every image, and that’s great, except that it produces a smaller quantity, and now the client has to select a hundred or so from 300 images instead of 1000. I am not saying that either method is better than the other, but be wary of the photographer that shoots a bunch of pictures, and gives you a CD at the end of the day. Unless you are a Photoshop Guru, what good is that CD really? The images are raw, uncorrected, unsharpened, uncropped, and basically sub-standard in most respects. The differences between a finished image and a proof quality image will astound you. Wedding Photography is an art. Light sources, color temperature, and angles constantly change, and thus provide a constant challenge.

Budget

Don’t ask for the impossible. When you visualize what you want your wedding album to look like, you must consider what is financially feasible. In my experience, there is so much going on during a wedding, and in so many different areas, that many images the bride and groom may want can easily get overlooked. We can only be in one place at a time. The bride is usually getting ready at the same time as the groom, usually in different locations, and if you want pictures of both, be prepared to spend a little extra money for a second photographer. The same applies with candid shots of the guests during cocktail hour, which is when the bride and groom are off getting their personal pictures done. So you have to make some decisions. Can you afford a second photographer so that you can get most of the events covered? If not, you need to choose which events during the course of the day are most important to you, and be able to communicate those ideas to your photographer ahead of time.

Summary:

In the end, you do get what you pay for. If you are extremely budget conscious (and let’s face it…who isn’t these days) and select the lowest bidder, you will probably end up with the smallest quantity of acceptable images. Selecting the most expensive photographer does not guarantee anything either, but if a photographer commands a higher price, and you have seen the beautiful work, and you have communicated your desires effectively, you are probably in safer hands.

Remember this basic rule of photography: The three most important things in a picture are: Composition, Composition, and Composition. Hire the photographer that understands that, and you will be well on your way to getting a beautiful wedding album that you will be proud of for the rest of your days.

Author: Lee Stewart
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Bumper guardian

The wedding date is set! Already, the excitement is building for your big day. You want awesome wedding pictures. But the challenge feels daunting. You know your family shutterbug Uncle Ned is not who you had in mind. Chances are you have never hired a photographer before. So where do you start? You know you want to interview the candidates, but what do you ask them? Here are 17 great questions to ask photographers before booking.

1. Are you full-time? When did you start shooting full-time?

The truth is most wedding photography operations are very fly by night. The photographers are doing their photography on a part-time basis with negligible photography experience. Do you believe your once-in-a-lifetime event should be on-the-job training for your photographer? I didn’t think so. A full-time photographer has already made the considerable life-long investment of their energy, time and money to create a valued and trusted service. Your wedding memories deserve your photographer’s 100 percent commitment not a 20 percent commitment.

2. Why do you like to photograph weddings?

This question helps you to gauge who your photographer is as a person and artist. Take stock of the person’s passion and energy. Does he/she seem enthusiastic or kind of flat? People who love what they do have a tendency to be very good at what they do and working with them is always more enjoyable and fun.

Also, knowing a little about what makes the person tick is a good way to feel out what kind of a personality “fit” you may share with the photographer. After all, you will be spending an entire day with your photographer, so do what you can to be sure the person you pick will be genuinely excited to be there and pleasant throughout that day.

3. Will you be the actual photographer to shoot our wedding? If not, who?

It’s not uncommon for photographers and larger studios to have a network of shooters. If you learn the person you are talking to will not be the shooter then insist you talk to the person who will and also insist you see their personal portfolio.

4. What kind of input can we have on the shots? i.e. subject matter, shotlists and ideas from other wedding shots we liked?

A formals/posed groupings worksheet is sometimes necessary when planning when and how to get that part of your wedding completed and done in time. Lots of communication is key here. When working with a good wedding photographer, it is important when capturing the unique qualities and moments of your wedding to keep it open-ended for your photographer. A good photographer cannot produce every photo you can think of, but he/she can produce photos you never dreamed of.

5. (For self-described photojournalists) How much of your candid-looking work is posing and setting-up of shots or do you get shots as they happen without posing or reenactment?

“Wedding photojournalist” has become a buzzword which has lost its specific meaning with its surge in popularity among photographers. Often, the term “photojournalist” means candid-looking when used by photographers and studios to describe their own work. Often these photographers will set up and reenact a few things during your wedding day but rely heavily upon traditional portraiture for a lot of your photos… there is nothing wrong with this approach if you are comfortable with that. However a true wedding photojournalist has the talent and ability to anticipate, observe and “see” moments as they happen without the need to interfere with the natural flow of your wedding day.

6. Are the digital files available on CD/DVD? If so, are they high resolution?

This is a popular request by couples. The discs can vary widely in price. Also ask if there are any discounts applied to the CD/DVD after a certain time has passed from the wedding. For example, the photographer may offer the discs at half-price two years after the wedding.

7. What kind of improvements do you make to the files on the CD/DVD?

It is nice to have your pictures in hand to keep safe and make whatever prints you like. Keep in mind all digital images on the disc should be toned, adjusted and worked a little to make an adequate print. You should have some guarantee of the quality of pictures on the disc.

8. Do you have a list of references with contact info?

This is a rarely asked but very effective question. A real live person who has worked with a photographer will give you valuable, objective information.

9. Who do you carry liability insurance with?

Businesses that adhere to professional practices will deliver professional service and results to you. Chances are slim you will ever have to worry about insurance coverage. But accidents can and do happen. Would you let a roofing company put a new roof on your home that did not have liability insurance? How about a mechanic working on your car? I hope not.

10. What is the delivery time for the various products you offer?

It really shouldn’t take half a year to receive an album, your proofs or any other products. Try to be timely with any input your photographer requires as far as albums, edits to help this process along.

11. With the albums, how does the design and picture selection process work? Are there any fees for changes we would like prior to the album’s production?

You should have some input into important keepsakes of your wedding like an album. Some photographers charge extra for a certain number of changes to the albums they design for you prior to the printing and binding of any album. Make sure such fees are all clearly stated. Beware of time deadlines too, they are necessary to preventing production bottlenecks.

12. When will the proofs be ready? Is there a time limit for the online proofing galleries?

If working with a digital photographer, online proofing (when you first get to see your photos online) should be completed within a couple of weeks of your event. The time period of online availability for those galleries varies among photographers. Some post them for three months, others post for a full year. Check with your photographer.

13. What happens if the photographer is ill? What about back-up equipment?

Any successful, established professional studio should have a network of shooters available for emergency help. You should have a written assurance the substitute photographer will be a competent professional.

14. Should our event last longer than scheduled? Will the photographer stay, are there extra charges?

Most weddings will not exceed a six to eight hour time commitment from your photographer. If you think you will need more time, find out how your photographer handles extra hours.

15. What associations do you belong to?

Another useful way to gauge a photographer’s qualifications and professional commitment.

16. Why should we hire you?

Again, this question is similar in spirit to Question 3. Your photographer’s answer should communicate some excitement about the privilege to shoot your wedding.

17. May we see your second photographer’s entire shoot from a wedding?

Wedding photography studios often promote themselves as two shooter “teams.” They are often a husband and wife duo. They are usually not the 2-for-1 benefit they advertise. For the most part they are maybe one decent photographer and a person who is nothing more than a camera holder with with very little qualifications or experience. Have you seen an entire take of both photographers? Insist on seeing the second photographers entire shoot.

Author: Chris Cummins
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Excise Tax

Choosing a wedding photographer to capture one of the most important days of your life can be confusing. Of course you want the best wedding photography available without paying an arm and a leg. You want a wedding photographer who will portray your wedding in the style you envision. You also want someone experienced, competent, and easy to work with as well as talented.

Partnering with the right photographer is easy when you know what to ask. Start by doing a quick phone interview of each wedding photographer to narrow down your choices. Find out first if they are available for your wedding day-if they’re not, it narrows things down immediately. Ask about prices, who will be photographing the wedding, what style of wedding photography they use to shoot weddings (black and white, color, posed photos or candid shots).

After you narrow down your wedding photographer choices, you’ll want to set up a date to interview the photographer. In some large companies, the photographer you talk to might not be the one they send out for your event. Make sure you interview the photographer who will actually be at your wedding and see his/her portfolio, in order to evaluate their style.

You’ll also want to find out what happens if the wedding photographer you choose is fired before or right after your wedding date. It will put your mind at rest if you are assured that your wedding will be photographed even if your photographer is no longer with the company and that you will also have access to your photos no matter what the hiring status of the photographer.

When interviewing the photographer, remember to cover these questions:

1) Experience Level.

On the most important day of your life, you want someone who is an expert at wedding photography to preserve your memories in a professional manner. Therefore, it’s very important to make sure you ask your wedding photographer questions about their experience.

Is this a job or a hobby for the wedding photographer?

Do they have formal training or education in wedding photography?

You might be tempted to save money by hiring a novice wedding photographer, but do you want stunning photos that capture your special day or just so-so ones?

Do they frequently photograph weddings?

Some photographers are better at static and posed studio photography than action oriented and “on location” wedding photography. Photographing a wedding involves capturing spontaneous moments, not just poses, so it’s important to have someone who is an expert.

Does the wedding photographer use professional-grade equipment, and do they have back-up equipment available, just in case?

Have they photographed weddings in your chosen location before?

Prior experience in a location gives the wedding photographer an advantage because he’ll know ahead of time what film, filters or flash he/she might need to get the best results.

2) Ask About Their Portfolio.

Photography is an art, so it’s understandable that you may or may not like the style used by the wedding photographer. Ask to view a portfolio of previous weddings they’ve photographed so that you can get a good impression as to what to expect for your own wedding. To make an educated decision, you’ll want to view an entire wedding portfolio from start to finish, not the best few photos from many weddings. Ask what style the wedding photographer uses. Some photographers tend to like more posed shots while others have what is called a photojournalistic style, which involves more candid shots.

Ask if he/she likes to use color photos, black and whites or a mixture. Also, ask if they use a digital camera and retouch the photos to make them black and white, or if they use film.

3) Will They Dress the Part?

Your wedding photographer will be spending a lot of time with you on you on the most important day of your life. It’s crucial that his or her personality blends in, making it a pleasure to have him/her at your side. If the wedding photographer makes you uneasy in a short interview then don’t hire them for your event! No matter how charming he is, you’ll want to make sure the wedding photographer will dress the part and look professional while taking those important photos.

Finally, ask about any assistants. Ask if you can meet them and ask about how they will dress and conduct themselves to ensure your wedding goes smoothly.

4) Money and Technical Matters.

Though you don’t want to skimp on wedding photos, it is important to make sure this particular photographer isn’t going to break your budget. Find out ahead of time about how much it will cost to have him/her photograph your wedding. You’ll want to know how much time you’ll be allotted, and how many rolls of film they’ll take during that time. If the wedding photographer uses digital cameras, ask how many shots they will take to ensure the event is well-documented.

Most photographers offer packages that specify a certain amount of pictures for a set fee. If you don’t see a size of photograph that you want, ask if those packages can be customized to meet your needs. It’s a great idea to inquire about the price of copies and albums, because you will likely become enchanted with many more of the photos than you bargained!

Ask about deposit and cancellation policies. In order to hold your date, what method of deposit is needed? What are the cancellation policies? If the wedding photographer cancels, will your deposit be refunded?

5) Ask If You Can Get It In Writing!

You’ll want a contract to protect you in case you’re unhappy with the services of your wedding photographer. If you end up going to court to settle matters, the judge will only be concerned with the conditions written in the contract. Therefore, it’s very important to make sure you get all of the details in writing.

The contact should include:

Expected services, fees, cancellation policy, fee schedule and all aspects of your photo packages written in detail.

You’ll also want their name and address, as well as your name and address on the contract. Make sure you both sign and date the contract, and that you get a copy of both sides.

Author: Julie Davidson
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Canada duty