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This article was taken from The wedding Journal
Magazine from May of 2002. I hope it will answer some of your questions about
hiring a professional photographer.
HIRING YOUR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
Things To Consider: Make sure you hire a photographer who specializes in wedding
photography. Your photographer should be experienced in wedding procedures
and familiar with your ceremony and reception sites. This will allow him/her to
anticipate your next move and be in the proper place at the right time to
capture all the special moments. Personal rapport is extremely important. Your
wedding photographer may be an expert, but if you don't feel comfortable or at
ease with him or her, your wedding photography will reflect this. Comfort and
compatibility with your photographer can make or break your wedding day and your
photographs!
Look at his/her work. See if the photographer captured the excitement and
emotion of the bridal couple. Also, remember that the wedding album should
unfold like a
story book -- the story of your wedding. Be sure to discuss with your
photographer the type of wedding photography you want so that there is no
misunderstanding. A
good wedding photographer should have a list of suggested poses to choose from.
Look at wedding photography from the photographer's portfolio. Look at the
photographer's preferred style. There is such a range of styles for wedding
photography that you will want to be sure you choose the correct photographer.
Much wedding photography is a traditional, posed look, while traditional wedding
photography can have more of a journalistic feel to it. Consider black and white
wedding photography, as well. When comparing prices, consider the number, size
and finish of the photographs and the type of album the photographer will use.
Ask how many proofs you will get to choose your photos from. The more proofs,
the better the selection you will have. Some photographers do not work with
proofs. Rather, they simply supply you with a finished album after the wedding.
Doing this may reduce the cost of your album but will also reduce your selection
of photographs.
Beware: Make sure the photographer you interview is the one who will photograph
your wedding. There are many companies with more than one photographer. Often
these companies use the work of the best photographer to sell their packages and
then send a less experienced photographer to the wedding. Don't get caught in
this
trap! Be sure you meet with the photographer who will shoot your wedding. This
way you can get an idea of his/her style and personality.
Also, some churches do not allow wedding photography during the ceremony. Make
sure your photographer understands the rules and regulations of your church
before planning the ceremony shots.
Price Range: $500 - $10,000
BRIDE & GROOM'S ALBUM
The bride and groom's photo album is the best way to preserve your
special day. Chances are you and your fiancé will look at the wedding
photography many times
during your lifetime. Therefore, hiring a good photographer is one of the most
important tasks in planning your wedding.
PARENTS' ALBUM
The parents' album is a smaller version of the bride and groom's album. It
usually contains about twenty 5" x 7" photographs. Photos should be carefully
selected for
each individual family. If given as a gift, the album can be personalized with
the bride and groom's names and date of their wedding on the front cover.
Price Range: $60 - $300
EXTRA PRINTS
Extra prints are photographs ordered in addition to the main album or parents'
albums. These are usually purchased as gifts for the bridal party, close friends
and family
members.
Things To Consider: It is important to discuss the cost of extra prints with
your photographer since prices vary considerably. Some wedding photographers
offer the
main album at great bargains to get the job, but then charge a fortune on extra
prints. Think how many extra prints you would like to order and figure this into
your
budget for wedding photography.
Price Range: (5" x 7") = $3 - $15; (8" x 10") = $10 - $25; (11" x 14") = $25 -
$75
PROOFS / PREVIEWS
Proofs/previews are the preliminary prints from which the bride and groom select
photographs for their album and for their parents' albums. They are normally 5"
x 5" in
size but can be a CD or DVD.
Things To Consider: When selecting a package, ask how many proofs the
photographer will take. The more proofs, the wider the selection you will have
to choose
from. For a wide selection, the photographer must take at least 2 to 3 times the
number of prints that will go into your album.
Ask the photographer how soon after the wedding you will get your proofs.
Request this in writing. The proofs should be ready by the time you get back
from your
honeymoon. Also request to see your proofs before you make the final payment.
I want to make copies of my photos. Does my
photographer really own the copyright
of his/her pictures? Do I still have to pay the photographer if I make the
copies
myself at a copy shop?
Yes and yes. According to federal law, images produced
by a professional photographer are copyrighted the moment they are created.
Federal law prohibits copying or reproducing copyrighted material without
permission from the owner of the copyright, i.e., the photographer. If you copy
or scan your photos, the photographer should be paid just as if you were buying
reprints. If you or your videographer transfer the proofs to videotape, the
photographer should be paid just as if you were buying
reprints. If you don't feel comfortable paying for these copies, find a
photographer whose work is so good that you are glad to pay. When I really
appreciate something I
purchase, like a fabulous meal, an antique, a good pair of shoes, or even
medical care, I do not mind paying a premium for getting the highest quality.
Look for the photographer who will provide you the satisfaction of paying for
job well done.
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