There certainly is an argument to say that photography is the stuff of which memories are made. When the party's over and the
bride and groom begin their lives together, it is the photographs that create the permanent, tangible reminder of your special day.
This area of your wedding budget will be a significant one in terms of cost because it is significant in terms of importance. Your selection
must be done carefully.
There has been a great deal of change in what brides and grooms expect from photography. Once, wedding photos were all serious,
posed shots with standard, uniform appearance. Today, brides and grooms are exercising much more freedom and imagination, so that photography
is taking on a more flexible look that may include more candid shots, and variety of interesting visuals.
As with every other aspect of your wedding, you ought to begin with a budget. Once you have those parameters set, you will be able to present
the figure to your professionals and they in turn, will be able to present you with your options.
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Before your search and the interview process begins, it is a good idea to decide your own preferences and priorities.
Is it more important for you to have shots of every table at the reception, or to have candid, "personal" shots?
Is it more important for you to have a large number of photos or are there particular shots that are critical?
Once you and your families have made those determinations, it's time to begin the interview process.
Check with friends and relatives for referrals and recommendations.
Handle the task of finding a photographer as an exciting, challenging process. Remember that you need never feel
intimidated. Any professional with a good reputation will be pleased to answer your questions. With each new interview, make certain to
get the name of a contact person. Start well in advance of your wedding date, because good people get booked up quickly, and smaller
businesses can often handle only one event at a time. If you find someone whom you really like who is already committed for the date
you have chosen, ask to be placed on a waiting list and called if the date becomes available.
When interviewing, determine whether the photographer is familiar with the locations where your ceremony and reception
will be held. When your selection is final, visiting the "spaces" together is a good way to begin your relationship.
Any photographer should be eager to provide the names and phone numbers of satisfied customers. You should also do your
own survey and find out about their reputations. The Better Business Bureau is a good place to check on any complaints that may have been
registered. If your budget permits, work with a professional. Every family has its "shutter bug," but the pros really know how to work
in a crowd and get the job done properly.
Of course you will ask to see sample albums. These will give you a better feeling for the photographer's style
and yet another way to decide if you will "click" or conflict.
Check the photos to see if people seem relaxed and comfortable or harried and hassled.
Check to see if the settings are appropriate. Is there a plant or wall hanging "sticking out" of someone's head?
Look for a balanced combination of individuals and groups, sentimental and "routine," corny and elegant.
Check to see that there is a sequence to the photographs and that no highlight event is missing. Look for style
(e.g., soft focus, special effects) and discuss what you like.
Communicating with your photographer is extremely important. He or she needs to know what you like, what you don't like,
what you must have, and what you really don't want. You in turn need to know what they like to do, and what they will not shoot.
There are many catering halls which have "a house photographer." You will need to ask all the same questions during that
interview, and also will need to ask what the advantages will be to you for hiring the "in-house" person. Sometimes there are special deals that
are offered, like bundling or combinations with other house professionals.
With photography it is particularly important to note the degree of visibility the professional needs. There is nothing more
disruptive to the flow of an affair than a photographer who is in everybody's face. It is the invisible photographer who is the true professional.
In your interview, ask what techniques are used to make those being photographed more comfortable.
Once you have made your decision, it's time to discuss the particulars of your wedding style. Give the photographer as much
information as possible: time, day, date, location, level of formality, numbers of guests, and, of course, your budget. Make a schedule of the
activities for your special day. Give the list to the photographer and review the "players" that will need to be photographed
at each step. Then list the important shots (including "special" people) that are "must shoots." It will help to describe the special people by clothing,
other distinguishing characteristics, or better yet, with a photo, and to have someone assigned the task of reviewing that
information with the photographer, at the wedding itself. It is really sad when a special friend or relative are inadvertently omitted from
the photos and it does happen!
Ask if the photographer and/or the studio is insured.
Ask to see the portfolio of the work of the photographer who will shoot your wedding.
If your photographer will provide albums, wallet photos or any other "add-on's," ask to see them and ask about pricing.
Ask about discount packages that may be available.
How many, what kind, and when will photos be taken?
What kinds of photos does the photographer prefer to take and develop (i.e., textured vs. smooth, closeups vs. panoramas)?
When will portrait and posed shots be taken, how many and of whom?
How many people will be on the photographer's staff?
What kind of lighting (if any) will be used?
What are the options for albums and packages and what will each cost?
Is there a set number of reprints you must order?
How long will it take for the various parts of the wedding package to be ready?
Will the photographer shoot sepia? black and white? color? Are there extra fees?
If you are ordering them, when will you have your thank you photos?
Remember to talk about black and white engagement and wedding photos for the newspapers.
Is there an additional charge?
Will the photographer bring back-up equipment?
Some photographers will sell you their negatives. If you plan to have lots of duplicates made, any additional cost will be well worth it.
Ask if the proofs will be yours to keep, or can be purchased, or are not available to you under any circumstances.
If negatives can be purchased, do you have to wait a specified time before you can purchase them?
Make sure you are clear about how many hours the photographer will be "with" you.
Determine whether there is a travel charge?
Agree on the prices of extra photos and duplicates.
How much is the deposit and when is it due?
If the wedding is postponed, can the deposit be applied to the future date?
When is the balance due?
Finally, get a firm price and a written contract, with all the details included.
There are many ways in which photos can be used to creatively
enhance your wedding (during and after) . . .
- Place a disposable camera at each table (every other seat), with a note to have the guests shoot at will and then drop the
camera in a basket as they leave.
When you take the film from your table cameras to be developed, bring along paste-on labels. This will cut down on
the work of writing your name, address, and other information over and over again on the film envelope.
- Place wedding (or other) photos of the bride and groom's parents, grandparents, etc. on a table in the entry hall.
- Have a snapshot (Polaroid or other) taken with each guest alone or with the bride and groom. These make great party favors.
- Use photos on your invitations, place cards, and/or thank you notes.
- Keep a camera with you to photograph the step-by-step planning of your wedding. Make it into an album.
- Order extra photos and video copies for special friends and relatives.
- Make certain to take a camera with you on your honeymoon.
Remember that once you have hired a professional to do a job, you can relax. Ask questions. Feel free to make suggestions and accept advice.
Consider telling your photographer that, if you are pleased with the product, you will be delighted to serve as a reference. Everyone likes to feel that they have done a good job.
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