Personality:A good experienced photographer
is patient, professional, friendly, and can always keep
smiling regardless of the circumstances. Only this type
of person can motivate a large group into a great group
shot.
A
good question to ask yourself is, does the photographer
make you feel at ease. After all, it's your day, and you
should not have to worry about personalities conflicts.
Appearance:
Yes, this too is important. You would not want Goober
showing up to your country club formal wedding in washed-out
blue jeans, sweatshirt and tennis shoes. The best way
to determine this is at your meeting; determine if the
photographer is well groomed and dressed appropriately
for your meeting. Then ask the photographer how he/she
intends to dress for your wedding.
Price
Range: In Plato's world money had no value. Everyone
worked at their given profession for the pure joy of it.
Unfortunately, that is not the case today and although
the last thing you want to do when shopping for your all-important
day is to choose a photographer based merely on the lowest
price, the cost of your wedding photography must be addressed
and this coast must fit into your overall budget. First,
make sure you are only comparing photographers who have
the same style of photography. (Photojournalistic or traditional)
Then if your favorite photographer is more expense than
you originally planed to spend, you have to ask yourself
is the captured moments of your wedding worth the extra
expense.
After
all when it's all said and done the only thing that last
you a lifetime is the portrait and candids of your wedding.
If there is just no way you can afford your favorite photographer
look in to other areas, and see if there is some other
area you can cut to makeup the difference? A good example
is at your reception is to offer a cash bar instead of
an open bar. Before you cut other areas, look one more
time to make sure you have considered all the photographer
in your area that offer the style of wedding photography
you want. Then review their package that best fits yours
needs. The choice may be confusing and even frustrating
because no two photographers will offer the exact same
packages. Regardless, make sure you understand what the
whole package is going to cost including the enlargements
and wedding albums.
Delivery:
Some photographers are so busy that it may take months
before you receive your proofs, and others will offer
you 24-hour service. Instead of being surprised, its better
to ask how long it takes to get your proofs back. And
if your photographer tells you can have your proofs in
24-hours be leery. Do you really want one of the most
important day of your life developed at a discount one-hour
“mart” ?
Don't
settle for less - Be adamant that you’re wedding
photography must be processed by a professional lab and
if your photographer says he will give you the negatives
to have developed wherever you want then be extra leery.
Professional Lab: A high-quality photographer
is only as good as his/her professional lab. Some will
try to skimp on this because professional labs are expensive
and some photographs feel that it does not matter because
they are just proofs. However, the negative and digital
images are the foundation for all the portraits and candids,
and if they are ruined, the essence of your day will be
lost forever.
Proofs:
Do you get to keep the proofs, and finally are they marked
as proofs on the face the way why were when you took home
your school proofs when you where in grade school.
Contract:
Do you understand the photographers’ contract? Is
it fair? Is everything spelled out including what is expected
for deposits and payments? Does it have a clause dealing
with cancellations and the photographer not being there?
If you are not sure, ask your legal counsel.
