How To Select A Wedding Photographer

I have photographed weddings in the past. Now I videotape weddings. This article is written to help the bride-to-be make a decision when selecting a photographer.

You have just made an important decision and are now engaged. What do you do next? No matter how far out the wedding date is set, planning should start soon. Some photographers, videographers, churches, and reception areas are booked well in advanced. A year in advance is not too uncommon, especially around June.

One the first things a bride-to-be should do, is start looking for the church and reception area. Once you book these, many other decisions have to be made. You will have to find a person to bake the wedding cake, decide on a caterer, florist, wedding director, photographer and videographer. You may want to purchase one of the wedding planning books for an overall guide to wedding planning. See Wedding Resources

The photographer and videographer are the ones that help make your memories last for lifetime.

First, ask your friends that have married recently. Look at their pictures. Find others that may have used a different photographer. Ask a lot of questions to your friends and photographers you interview.

Questions you need to ask your friends.

1. Did they take the pictures you wanted?

2. Did the pictures come out like you expected?

3. Did the photographer take charge and keep the photo       session   moving?   (Or was he slow and took excess time?)

4. Did the photographer have a good personality, and did you feel at ease while he/she were taking the photos?

5. Were you completely satisfied with the overall outcome of the photo session at your wedding and the results (photos)?

6. Would you recommend him/her to be the photographer at my wedding?

7.  Ask other questions you might think of at this time.

Then you must:

1. Make a list of the photographers that you want to talk to. You should look at 2 -3 photographers (or more) to compare their photography style and prices.

2. Call the photographers you selected to interview in order of your preference. The first question you should ask any photographer is if they have the date of your wedding  open. If they do not, there is no need in taking up his/her time if they can't do it  anyway.-

3. If they have the date open, make an appointment with them to make sure they have time to sit down   and talk to you.

4. When you start your search, just remember, what you don't like about a photographers style, another person may like. Each photographer has his/her own style of photography.

Interview the photographer (you will be the one to decide who will do the wedding photos) Ask a lot of questions.

1. When you meet with the photographer, ask again if he/she still has your wedding date open.

2. Next, ask if you can look at some samples.

3. Make sure you look at an actual completed wedding book, not just a book of photos from different weddings.

4. Ask them how many pictures they take at the wedding.

5. Once you have finished looking at the books (should be more than just one), ask about the prices. Most have different packages.

6. If you are not interested after looking at the photos, go ahead and ask for a price sheet, thank them for their time,  and inform them they that you will contact them later if you decide.

7. If you are fairly interested in the photographer you are talking to, go into more detail about all charges.

8. Photographers charge fees in different ways. They may have package plans that have X number of 8x10's, 5x7's, 4x5's, or 5x5's. There may also be other sizes of prints in a album.

9. Is the album included in the package price? If not what is the cost (approximately cost since there are many different albums).

10. Ask if the photos you select (all smaller photos)  from are included in the package. Most of the time they are not, but can be purchased for an additional cost.

11. Ask how many hours is normally covered by the package price.

12. If you go over the set time, what is the overtime fee.

Photographers may charge other fees in addition to the package price. Some examples are:

1. A wedding out of the local area will probably cost extra.

2. If you have the reception at another location besides the church, you may be charged a fee.

3. You may be charged a per role of film type fee.

4. If you ask for additional photos, you will be charged.

5. The main thing about cost is, to make sure you understand all charges. You don't want an unexpected expense that you are unaware of.

Once you decide on a photographer - Ask more questions:

1. Call the photographer or go to his studio as soon as possible to book the date. You will probably be expected to make a deposit.

2. A lot of photographers will consult with you after the date is booked to make sure of what you want in the way of photographs.

3. Fill out a checklist (most photographers will have these) of all photos you know you want taken. Others can be taken on the day of the wedding, if you need to take others. Just ask for what ever you need. The photographer will generally be more than happy to take additional photos.

4. Again, make sure you and the photographer agree on all charges (including overtime hours) and understand the time that is allotted. If you have any questions or forget anything needed, call the photographer.

Rehearsal - Make sure everyone in the wedding party knows what time to be at the church dressed and ready for pictures.

What to expect on the day of the wedding.

The photo session generally will start 2 to 2 1/2 hours before the wedding time. Everyone will be expected to be dressed and ready at the time set by you and the photographer.

The bride and bridesmaids may be first. Once pictures start, most photographers take all photos of the bride, her family, bridesmaids, etc. Then the bride will go back to her bridal room and the groom, his family, and groomsmen photos will be taken.

During the ceremony the photographer will probably take some available light (no flash) photos of the ceremony.

After the ceremony, the entire bridal party, parents, bride and groom, and all other group pictures will be taken. Once these are finished, individual photos of the bride and groom photos will be taken. Everyone else generally goes on to the reception.

Then its on to the reception. At the reception the photographer will take pictures of the first dance, cutting the cake, etc. After that he will take candid photos of the reception. Toward the end other photos will be made of the bride and groom just prior to leaving.

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How To Select A Wedding Videographer

Coming Later