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10 Tips for Choosing a Wedding Photographer
By Charles W. Falk
1.
Experience Level -
Has this person photographed other weddings? Does
he/she do this for a living or for fun? In this
industry, photographers come and go daily. A brand
new one may be pretty good, and everyone has to
start somewhere, but do you want to trust your once
in a lifetime event to a newcomer?
2.
Photographic Style
- Are the images that you are shown, what you would
like to see? Can you picture yourself photographed
the same way? Is there a satisfactory mix in
different styles? There are "buzz" words flying
about everywhere about photojournalism, formal,
classic contemporary, and so on. All colorful
adjectives aside; do YOU like it?
3.
Truth in Advertising
- Is this the photographer that will be
photographing your wedding or will they send in whom
ever is available. Don't be shocked, this happens
more often than you can imagine. Be certain that you
know which photographer is going to be there and see
HIS/HER work and meet them.
4.
Personality - Is the photographer that you meet someone that you can
get along with? Is the "chemistry" there? People
have walked away from hairstylists and tailors for
less. This is a person that you are going to spend
most of the day with; the most important day. Could
you handle it? Does he or she seem service oriented?
5.
Appearance -
Ask the photographer how he/she intends to dress. The last
thing that you want is a conflict at the wedding
about the photographer wearing a sweatshirt and
jeans with sneakers at your favorite country club.
Is this person well groomed?
6.
Price Range -
Although, the last thing you want to do is shop by
price, is this person within your budget? If not, is
he or she worth the difference? A lot of times we
tend to surpass our budget constraints to get what
we really want. If you see and like it, you'll find
a way. In any case, make sure you understand what
everything costs,
including
reorders.
7.
Delivery -
How long does it take to get your proofs back, your
finished album, your bridal portrait, etc.? Go ahead
and ask. Some photographers take months to deliver
your proofs. Be sure of how long things take to turn
around.
8.
Offering -
Whether it's a la Carte or packages, do you
understand what you get? Is there any room for
changes and will it cost to do so? Sometimes the
packages are fixed, sometimes they can be
customized, in any case, ask. How much time will he
spend? What if you need more time? Make sure that
you know what's coming.
9.
Contract -
Do you understand the contract. Is it fair? Is everything
spelled out? When it comes down going to court, only
what is WRITTEN really counts, not what was
promised. Make sure that you have no doubts before
signing. Read it ALL.
What about deposits and payments? What does it say
about cancellations and the photographer not being
there? If you are not sure, ask legal counsel to
look it over. If the photographer protests, ask him
why? This is one area NOT to take lightly. You could
be disappointed for a long time.
10.
References
- A personal reference is always the best and people
love to talk. Get a list of references from the
photographer and check them out personally. A
photographer who doesn't have references or is
afraid to give them to you may not be the person
that you need to hire.
Check with the BBB and The Chamber of Commerce. Try
the reception facilities and churches. They will be
more than glad to tell you all about the people that
have worked there. Find out if he or she is a member
of any photographic organizations and what is
required to join.
The Professional Photographers of America is a well
known, ethically bound organization, with chapters
all over the country. Don't be afraid to ask.
Objection to questions of this kind is an indication
of trouble ahead.
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