Everyone
knows that your wedding day is one of the most important days
of your life. When you realize that, then you'll realize how important
it is that you have the RIGHT photographer and/or videographer.
After all, when the day is done, the only images you will have
to look back on and share with people will be the pictures taken
or the video footage.
Take
the following tips into consideration when shopping around for
your photographer.
1.
Do your homework!!!! Get online and visit web sites; ask friends
and family who they used and look at their wedding pictures; check
the Better Business Bureau. Find out as much information about
them and their service. Do your research before you meet with
them so you already know some about them and you can concentrate
on more important issues.
2.
Make sure you feel as comfortable as possible with whomever you
choose. It will make your wedding day go more smoothly if you
get along with your photographer. If you find during an appointment
that you aren't comfortable with him/her, it's best to keep looking.
3.
Always look at their work! Any professional photographer will
have albums and portraits you can look at. Many even now let you
view those online. It is a good idea to see their work from several
different weddings to see if their quality, professionalism and
creative eye is consistent. Make sure they specialize in weddings
or at least that they have shot several weddings - which will
be an important factor in more ways than one.
4.
Hire someone that will be able to carry the responsibility of
the whole day. If you are having a large amount of people attend
your wedding and you have a large family - it's best to hire someone
who will have someone assisting them. There will be a lot of pictures
to take that day and you want to make sure none are left out.
5.
When choosing a photographer, make sure your style matches their
creative eye. You will find many different styles and the different
view between photographers. If you love candid black and white
shots, you'll need someone who has a knack for it and actually
captures good moments - not someone who just points and click
at any given moment. If you like formal shots or fun shots - whatever
it may be - you'll want your photographer to capture those special
shots on your wedding day.
6.
Most photographers welcome, gladly, a list of shots that you really
want. They usually have a set list of what they always take pictures
of, but they love your help. They may not know that your best
friend from the 2nd grade will be there and you want a picture
with her. They won't know that the little flower girl dresses
were made by your sister. Let them know what shots you definitely
want along with those that you may not care for. If you don't
want a picture of all the groomsmen holding you in the air - let
them know. Those shots can be replaced with shots that will mean
more to you. So, give them a list and have your mother or father
be the one to help find those people for the photographer during
the event, since you'll be too busy to do that job.
REGARDING
CONTRACTS:
1.
Go over the packages very carefully. Make sure you know where
all the charges are coming from, what you will be receiving from
the package and that there are no hidden charges.
2.
Make sure you find out if there are extra charges for black and
white shots, 35mm shots, etc. They may impress you with all these
wonderful things they offer - but they may not be included in
the package price. Find that out!
3.
When signing your contract, make sure all cost related issues
are in writing. This includes the package price, reprints, albums,
black and white shots, etc. Be sure that those prices are set
in concrete - never sign a contract with an 'open ended price'.
If you do that, you will most likely be hit with raised prices
by the time your wedding rolls around.
4.
On the contract it should state specific and detailed information
such as: your wedding date, their arrive time and approximate
time they will be shooting your wedding, all fees, cost of 'overtime'
charges if they happen to be there longer than the package stated,
any travel charges that may apply, any extra charges for any extra
work you want done. Again, make sure all cost related items are
stated and in writing before signing.
5.
It's a good idea to keep a brochure or print out of the package
you chose in case it changes before your wedding. Know what your
package includes that you will know if you are or are not receiving
their full service you agreed upon.
6.
Keep all contracts and payment information until after the wedding
and until after you have received all of your albums, pictures
and negatives. Some companies have been found to do great until
it's time to get the albums, pictures or reprints, then it's like
pulling teeth to even get them to return a phone call. Your contract
and canceled check are your legal binding contract with them -
they'll need to abide by what they signed (make sure they sign
the contract as well).
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