Your wedding day will be full of special moments that you will treasure for many years. It will take you months to make sure that every detail is planned perfectly. But while you're taking so much care to make the day flawless, take some time to make sure that your memories of the day are flawless too.
Choosing the right photographer is the best way to guarantee that you will be able to relive your wedding day for many years to come. It is essential to book your photographer at least nine months to a year in advance. Since the best studios are booked up to two years ahead, you should begin looking for a photographer as soon as you set your date.
Don't fool yourself into believing that you can find the best photographer in town just by making a few telephone calls to inquire about prices. Go to several studios and look through sample books, and keep your eyes open for quality. You'll be able to tell the difference between a good photo and a bad one.
The pictures should be clear, well lighted, and printed on professional grade paper to prevent the colors from fading over time. Pay special attention to how well they captured the emotion of the day. Your wedding album should tell the story of your special day, and it should reflect all the laughter as well as the tears. Look at complete wedding albums from beginning to end. Don't settle for selected pictures from several weddings, because these will represent the photographer's best work. The one or two photos you see will be great, but the rest of that couple's album could be awful. Obviously, price will be important, but don't let it stand in the way of quality. Understandably, when wedding plans come down to dollars and cents, it's hard to keep spending a little more here and a little more there. Somewhere along the line, hard decisions have to be made.
But quite often the difference between the price of the photographer you really like and one whom you feel is "within the budget" is miscalculated. What most people don't realize is how much time goes into wedding photography. Each individual album represents about 35 to 40 hours of work on the photographer's part. Consider how much money you make in a week, and that may help put the cost into perspective.
Within the framework of the entire wedding day, it makes good sense to evaluate the money spent on photographs in relation to what's spent on flowers, food, and music. Everyone knows that the pictures are the only thing you have after the moment has passed, but sometimes people feel they have to spend the money where it shows initially.
Keep in mind that you're going to remember your wedding day through the eyes, heart, and talent of your photographer. There's NEVER a second chance. It wasn't a good deal if you're going to regret it every time you open your wedding album. Wedding photography generally takes two forms. There are the very formal, posed portraits, and then there is the photojournalistic style that records events as they happened. Neither is any better than the other; it's all a matter of preference. You should ask photographers what style they lean toward, and look for somebody who provides a balanced approach. They should be flexible enough to provide some formal shots, but also be able to capture emotion as it happens. When you plan the schedule for your wedding, don't forget about your photography. Allow plenty of time for a variety of shots, especially if you will be going to a different location.
Time is an important factor in wedding photography. A lot of people plan the reception so soon after the ceremony that they don't allow enough time for the photographer to do good, creative work. If you're in a big hurry because your guests are waiting, it'll show up in the finished work. The more time you can build into your schedule for photography, the better the pictures will turn out. Plan for about 45 minutes at home, then 30 to 60 minutes after the ceremony for the photographer to get plenty of good shots. With enough time, everyone will be relaxed and they'll enjoy themselves.
Take the time to sit down with the photographer and fill him or her in on the events of the day. A pre-wedding consultation is essential because that's where a photographer can get all the details of the wedding day. They'll find out times, places, special guests, and as much other information as they possibly can. If you have any special requests, make them known. For example, if you will be leaving the church in a horse-drawn carriage, let the photographer know so he or she can plan some time for photos with the carriage. Be sure to meet the person who will be responsible for photographing your wedding, and see how sensitive that person is to your needs. Look at albums of that person's work, and talk with him or her. If your personalities seem to clash, it's likely that you won't be happy with that photographer's work at your wedding, and it'll show up in the pictures.
Discuss the packages that are available, and know what you get with each one. For example, will the photographer cover the ceremony and the entire reception? Are the proofs (or previews) included when you buy an album? What about retouching? Ask about charges for overtime, mileage, and multiple locations.
If you don't find a package that meets your needs, find out how much it will cost to buy the extras that you want on an "a la carte" basis. And don't be afraid to ask whether they bring backup equipment to the wedding.
Find out how long after the wedding the photographer will keep the negatives, in case you want to order more prints later on. It's also a good idea to ask your photographer what he or she usually wears to cover a wedding. Proper dress will vary from one wedding to another, since the photographer needs to be able to stand out at some times and fade into the background at others. The best rule of thumb is that he or she should dress as the guests do. An everyday suit will look out of place at a black-tie affair, and a tuxedo will look just as awkward at an informal wedding. When you find a photographer you're interested in, ask for references and be sure to check them. Someone who's not connected with the studio will give you a very objective opinion. Once you've made your decision and come to an agreement with the photographer, put everything into a contract. The contract should stipulate date, time, and place, as well as the name of the photographer and how long he or she will work. Also add the complete price, including deposits and payment schedules, and what will be included in the price.
You should receive your previews within a month after the wedding, and the finished album about six weeks after you place your final order.
Your wedding album should be your own personal love story, reflecting the personalities of both you and your groom. The right photographer will be able to capture all the magic of your special day and preserve it for the two of you to share for years to come.
Showing posts with label Photography. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Photography. Show all posts
Monday, December 15, 2008
Friday, April 25, 2008
Wedding Photos: Before Ceremony Or After?
It's a subject of some furious debate as to whether or not to take wedding photos before the ceremony or after the ceremony. Before the ceremony ruins the whole, 'don't let the groom see the bride until she appears in the church' idea, but waiting until afterwards tends to make for a long wait for your guests between the ceremony and reception. Here are some pros and cons of taking photographs before the ceremony.
Pros
~ Photographers prefer to take the photos before because they don't have the pressure of two hundred guests tapping their collective toes waiting to visit with the bride and groom. They feel as if they can take their time.
~ You will look close to perfect as you ever will that day, with no time for tears or beverages spilled to mar your perfection.
Cons
~ Can be draining.
~ Takes away that one singular moment when the groom spies his beloved walking toward him during the ceremony.
~ If you take your pictures before the ceremony, allow one and a half to two hours for the photographers.
~ If you have your photographers taken after the ceremony, you'll need to allow for the same amount of time between the ceremony and reception. One compromise if you don't want the groom to see you until the ceremony, is to have the photographer take as many pictures as he can without the two of you together before, and finish the remainder after the ceremony.
~ After the ceremony, takes pictures working from the largest groups down to the smallest groups, this frees up more people to quickly, so they can join the guests when they're done.
Pros
~ Photographers prefer to take the photos before because they don't have the pressure of two hundred guests tapping their collective toes waiting to visit with the bride and groom. They feel as if they can take their time.
~ You will look close to perfect as you ever will that day, with no time for tears or beverages spilled to mar your perfection.
Cons
~ Can be draining.
~ Takes away that one singular moment when the groom spies his beloved walking toward him during the ceremony.
~ If you take your pictures before the ceremony, allow one and a half to two hours for the photographers.
~ If you have your photographers taken after the ceremony, you'll need to allow for the same amount of time between the ceremony and reception. One compromise if you don't want the groom to see you until the ceremony, is to have the photographer take as many pictures as he can without the two of you together before, and finish the remainder after the ceremony.
~ After the ceremony, takes pictures working from the largest groups down to the smallest groups, this frees up more people to quickly, so they can join the guests when they're done.
Lights, camera, action! Wedding Videography
Capturing your wedding on video can allow you to enjoy the wedding in its entirety without benefit of nervous butterflies in your stomach or pressing demands on your attention as you follow a well-orchestrated schedule. It's also a lovely way to share the day with friends and family who were unable to attend. As with everything wedding related, there are a wide variety of styles and price ranges, with your wedding style and budget being the determining factors. Be sure to check rules and regulations your ceremony site may have with regard to videotaping.
It's also a good idea to have the videographer meet with the photographer at least once before the wedding day so they can coordinate their styles, strategy, and traffic patterns.
The most common video styles are:
Real TV
This is video shot with only one camera, starting at the beginning of your ceremony and running straight through to the end of the reception with no interruptions or editing, live and uncut, warts and all. Since this eliminates the need for editing and only one camera is used, it's the least expensive option. Just be forewarned that there may be parts you'll want to fast forward through.
As Time Goes By
This type of video can be as long as nostalgic as you'd like to make it. It starts by showing photographs of the couple as children, then progress to photos of romantic, fun times they have shared together, followed by scenes from the ceremony, reception, and sometimes ending with shots from the honeymoon. It can include commentary and interviews with family members or close friends.
The Docudrama
This type of video covers the entire day as if filming a documentary. The segments of the day's events tell a story similar to the way the events occurred on your special day. It may start with shots of the bride and groom getting ready, then progress through the ceremony and reception, capturing spontaneous moments and interviews with family and friends, then ends as the bride and groom leave the reception. This video format is the most popular and most commonly used, and can vary in price, according to the quality of the equipment and editing. This style required more footage, sometimes two cameras, and lots of editing time, therefore it's the most expensive.
So, You're Thinking Of Hiring A Student Photographer?
People will tell you that no matter what, you should always hire professionals for all of your important wedding needs. Generally I’d agree with that. But the fact remains, there are couples who can’t afford to spend $500 for wedding pictures, much less the $2500 or so that most photographers these days charge. If you can, then by all means spend the money. You’ll breath easier knowing that a professional is on the job, and believe me, your peace of mind is worth it. But, if you’re in a position where you’re considering having no photographs at all, or if you’re thinking of asking your poor Uncle Milt to shoot your wedding with his 30 year old Pentax, well then, you may just be the perfect candidate for "The Student".
Despite all the scary stories you’ve heard, there are student photographers who can do a wonderful job photographing your big day. Finding one however, can be a challenge. Here are a few tips to get you started:
1. Contact a photography or art school if possible. There you’re likely to find students who plan to move into the professional arena soon. They will be more motivated and better trained than someone who’s just taking a photo class as extra credit. The head of the department should be able to recommend someone they have confidence in.
2. When you meet with the student, ask a lot of questions. What kind of photography are they interested in? Have they ever photographed an event before? Many photography students have worked on their local newspapers; some have even worked on professional jobs. Make sure they have some experience photographing people. Someone who loves to photograph buildings and old barns may not have what it takes to capture ‘human aspect’ of your wedding.
3. Make sure you have very specific guidelines of the photographs that you want. Your student may be a great photographer but if she hasn’t been to many weddings, she may not realize that you expect certain photos. If you want photographs of all the tables, say so. Specify that you want pictures of all the tables with the guests sitting at them. Sound obvious? Just think how you’ll feel if you get 14 photos of 14 empty tables and a photographer telling you he "thought it was a strange request". You CAN"T be too clear about what you want.
4. If possible, hire two students. That should ease some of your fears, since even if one doesn’t get all the pictures you need, between the two of them you should be okay.
5. Look closely at portfolios and if the work looks to experimental move on. You don’t want someone who’s going to get so fascinated with the ‘cool looking wall’ that he misses your first dance.
6. Be prepared to pay for your students travel and lodging if necessary. If possible get them there the night before. When I was a student I always photographed the rehearsal dinner and the morning of the wedding. This made everyone feel more comfortable, since they knew I wouldn’t miss the big day.
7. Make sure you call to confirm all of the details. Students are usually more responsible then they’re given credit for, but not always.
8. After your student has finished printing your photographs, get the negatives. You don’t need your wedding negatives in some suitcase headed to spring break.
9. If you decide to make re-prints later make sure you go to a professional lab. A one-hour place can not give you the care your photographs deserve. Always choose a lab that prints the pictures "in house", meaning they don’t send them out to another lab for processing. The less distance your negatives have to travel, the less chance of them getting lost.
10. Remember, having a student photograph your wedding is no substitute for a professional. If you have the money hire someone with experience, even if it means cutting back somewhere else. But if your choice is a student or no pictures, then sometimes you just have to throw caution to the wind.
Remember, today’s students are tomorrow’s great photographers!
Despite all the scary stories you’ve heard, there are student photographers who can do a wonderful job photographing your big day. Finding one however, can be a challenge. Here are a few tips to get you started:
1. Contact a photography or art school if possible. There you’re likely to find students who plan to move into the professional arena soon. They will be more motivated and better trained than someone who’s just taking a photo class as extra credit. The head of the department should be able to recommend someone they have confidence in.
2. When you meet with the student, ask a lot of questions. What kind of photography are they interested in? Have they ever photographed an event before? Many photography students have worked on their local newspapers; some have even worked on professional jobs. Make sure they have some experience photographing people. Someone who loves to photograph buildings and old barns may not have what it takes to capture ‘human aspect’ of your wedding.
3. Make sure you have very specific guidelines of the photographs that you want. Your student may be a great photographer but if she hasn’t been to many weddings, she may not realize that you expect certain photos. If you want photographs of all the tables, say so. Specify that you want pictures of all the tables with the guests sitting at them. Sound obvious? Just think how you’ll feel if you get 14 photos of 14 empty tables and a photographer telling you he "thought it was a strange request". You CAN"T be too clear about what you want.
4. If possible, hire two students. That should ease some of your fears, since even if one doesn’t get all the pictures you need, between the two of them you should be okay.
5. Look closely at portfolios and if the work looks to experimental move on. You don’t want someone who’s going to get so fascinated with the ‘cool looking wall’ that he misses your first dance.
6. Be prepared to pay for your students travel and lodging if necessary. If possible get them there the night before. When I was a student I always photographed the rehearsal dinner and the morning of the wedding. This made everyone feel more comfortable, since they knew I wouldn’t miss the big day.
7. Make sure you call to confirm all of the details. Students are usually more responsible then they’re given credit for, but not always.
8. After your student has finished printing your photographs, get the negatives. You don’t need your wedding negatives in some suitcase headed to spring break.
9. If you decide to make re-prints later make sure you go to a professional lab. A one-hour place can not give you the care your photographs deserve. Always choose a lab that prints the pictures "in house", meaning they don’t send them out to another lab for processing. The less distance your negatives have to travel, the less chance of them getting lost.
10. Remember, having a student photograph your wedding is no substitute for a professional. If you have the money hire someone with experience, even if it means cutting back somewhere else. But if your choice is a student or no pictures, then sometimes you just have to throw caution to the wind.
Remember, today’s students are tomorrow’s great photographers!
Budget Wedding: Engagement Photos
He popped the question and now your planning is in full swing but there is one question: Who will take your engagement photos? Before you run out and pay hundreds of dollars for a professional photographer to take your engagement photos, think of asking a friend. Who better to take your engagement pictures than a dear friend who knows the both of you and cares so much about you? Allow me to tell you about my experience and how I saved a lot of money on my engagement photos.
First, everyone has at least one friend who is artistic and who would love to take pictures. Honestly, give most people several roles of film and a halfway decent camera, and you’d be surprised at how beautiful the pictures can turn out. Ask a friend or two ( I asked my friend and his sister) if they could take your engagement pictures for you; you will probably find that they will be honored to be asked to do this. Next, think of a good location, preferably by a lake or a beach. Near sunset is a good time to take pictures so that you can get daytime shots and dusk shots (be sure to bring regular 200 or 400 speed film along with a higher speed film such as 600 or 800 for the night). You might also want to bring a roll or two of black and white film.
Second, set a date. Make it a weekend day when you both have at least four hours to dedicate to the photo shoot. And please, consider these fashion/photo tips:
1) Men shouldn’t wear any jewelry, not even a watch. Women should be super-simple with the jewelry wearing only stud earrings and no necklaces, bracelets or watches (trust me).
2) Wear calm colors such as medium or light blue, lilac, or other cool colors. White is usually a no-no but may work if you are matching each other and at the beach.
3) Your clothing style should match; don’t have him in jeans and a t-shirt and you in a formal gown. My husband and I both wore jeans and light blue shirts (his was a button down and mine was a sweater). We looked relaxed and happy in our pictures we took at the beach.
4) Forget the shoes! There is something so romantic about a couple in love with no shoes! Especially if you are in a park, by a lake, or at the beach.
5) Light on the make up! Please, just wear a tad more than usual and don’t wear dark eyeliner as I hear it makes the eyes look little.
6) Smile, play and have fun! Have your husband-to-be pick you up, hug you from behind, and walk hand-in-hand with you away from the photographer as he photographs.
7) Take the friend who did the photo shoot to dinner and call it a night!
I just know you’ll be pleased if you go this route with your engagement pictures. You may want to do it early enough in the planning so you can take more if needed. Ours came out perfect the first time and we have no regrets!!!
First, everyone has at least one friend who is artistic and who would love to take pictures. Honestly, give most people several roles of film and a halfway decent camera, and you’d be surprised at how beautiful the pictures can turn out. Ask a friend or two ( I asked my friend and his sister) if they could take your engagement pictures for you; you will probably find that they will be honored to be asked to do this. Next, think of a good location, preferably by a lake or a beach. Near sunset is a good time to take pictures so that you can get daytime shots and dusk shots (be sure to bring regular 200 or 400 speed film along with a higher speed film such as 600 or 800 for the night). You might also want to bring a roll or two of black and white film.
Second, set a date. Make it a weekend day when you both have at least four hours to dedicate to the photo shoot. And please, consider these fashion/photo tips:
1) Men shouldn’t wear any jewelry, not even a watch. Women should be super-simple with the jewelry wearing only stud earrings and no necklaces, bracelets or watches (trust me).
2) Wear calm colors such as medium or light blue, lilac, or other cool colors. White is usually a no-no but may work if you are matching each other and at the beach.
3) Your clothing style should match; don’t have him in jeans and a t-shirt and you in a formal gown. My husband and I both wore jeans and light blue shirts (his was a button down and mine was a sweater). We looked relaxed and happy in our pictures we took at the beach.
4) Forget the shoes! There is something so romantic about a couple in love with no shoes! Especially if you are in a park, by a lake, or at the beach.
5) Light on the make up! Please, just wear a tad more than usual and don’t wear dark eyeliner as I hear it makes the eyes look little.
6) Smile, play and have fun! Have your husband-to-be pick you up, hug you from behind, and walk hand-in-hand with you away from the photographer as he photographs.
7) Take the friend who did the photo shoot to dinner and call it a night!
I just know you’ll be pleased if you go this route with your engagement pictures. You may want to do it early enough in the planning so you can take more if needed. Ours came out perfect the first time and we have no regrets!!!
Wedding Photo Tips From Pro
Image quality: Are the exposures the right color & density (Too light or too dark). Are they sharp when enlarged. Do the pictures look natural, not overly posed or staged. Do they communicate feeling through expression.
A High Package Price is not a guarantee that you will get quality Photographs. I assume that my customers have perfect knowledge, & is why I have done some of the smartest visual people in Washington's weddings. Advertising Art Directors, PR people, & Marketing Director's hire photographers all the time, & they know how much to pay for the photographs they buy. I have been blessed from their helpful advice & personal insights. One told me "I really should raise my prices." I love what I do, it's like an emotional joggers high while taking pictures.
A Low Package Price: Photography is not a generic product. Comparing print prices for example; presupposes that you have similar products to compare. "Where in the emotional content, & weight of the medium, true value can only be judged in a very selective way after the photographs are seen & viewed for their content." So "Price Shoppers", be notified, that in the pure Aesthetic sense, the cheaper product you purchase may have a true value of "0", & in effect be less value, than a likeable product fairly priced. The last class I took at the U. of W. was "The Philosophy of Art."
Shortly after I decided to become the Artist; & after 25 years it is given, that I made the right decision!
I just completed a 30 page Renaissance Wedding album from my Sapphire Package 5. ( 5 hours of wedding day coverage) At the recommendation of my friendly accountant, I kept track of all my time involved in the Wedding, & was very surprised when I found out that it all added up to 30 hours of my time!
Wow! Even I didn't realize how much time I was spending per Wedding! The more services you are provided, the more time it takes your photographer. So it is also likely that if you Price shop you will not only get less quality, but also much less service & help from your photographer.
Portrait Studios: If you are considering hiring a studio that has more than just one photographer. Make sure you preview his work! It is a common practice to show their best photographer's work & then send some else. Insist that you meet with him or her, before you book the day. Chemistry between you & your photographer is a least as important as skill; trust your intuition & feelings about their level of sincerity. Real love & joy, is what great wedding photography is all about.
Black & white: does the photographer care enough to do his own b/w prints. It is almost impossible to get good b/w prints, unless the photographer does them himself. You can tell how good a photographer is, by spending time looking at a photographers b/w prints. Composition becomes more important in b/w. Look for a rich tonal range, with detail in the high light areas, & Pure Black in the shadows. I have seen some very pricey wedding photographers, that had no idea how to properly print black & white, within the zone system developed by Minor White & Ansel Adams. Don't be fooled by so called special effects. Large grain size & too much soft focus is rarely considered pleasing. Infra -red makes good scenic, but rarely good portraits.
Hand colored & fiber based prints have become popular again. I also make selenium toned prints from a process developed my Ansel Adams, for some of my clients. They are so beautiful & the only Black & White print most museums will accept, because of their archival permanence. It is a two day process, a real labor of love! In three hundred years, those prints will still look beautiful, & I hope your great grand children can say, "Joe Meadows hand signed it", with the delight & glee of some one that just found a Lewis Comfort Tiffany tulip glass today.
Medium format cameras are a must for formal portraits. They allow much greater freedom for enlargement & cropping. Hasselblad, Maymia, Bronica are the main camera brands. Fast shutter speeds are necessary to balance natural light & flash, so the faster sync speeds available from medium format cameras are a necessity for an outside summer wedding.
Small format cameras are easier to operate when doing candids. That's why the great photojournalists use them. Ask if the photographer uses both camera sizes at a wedding, I do.
Lighting: Studio strobes with soft boxes & umbrellas make much softer lighting. Look for detail on a pure white wedding dress. Do the faces show 3 dimensional shape, or are they flat, & one dimensional. An indication that he uses straight flash instead of a softbox.
Wedding Negatives
Be wary of photographers that offer to give you their negatives as a bonus. Telling you how much money you will save on enlargements. Quality enlargements from medium format negatives almost always have to be printed at a professional lab. It can be time consuming to do a wedding print order, & those labs won't spend the hours it take to do a typical wedding print order, waiting on you at their front counter, so you will wind up masking each negative by hand yourself. I care about my wedding clients & give them finished enlargements from a professional lab. They cost me lot more money, but it is not worth the hassle to have to redo them many times, just to save a few dollars per print.
A professional photographer makes the money to keep his equipment in good working order through selling photographs. Not by giving away his negatives, & his best work. So be very wary of this lure!
Awards & Credentials: Most photography organizations will allow any one to join, as long as you pay their dues & fees. Awards can be used as an excuse to charge you more money. Many wedding photographers win one or two, sooner or later.
"Greatness comes through humility". I shared a Studio with Jerry Gay, a 1975 Pulitzer Prize winning photographer. "He never brought it up." But there were many times I looked over his shoulder in the darkroom, I was humbled by his passion for life, & inspired by the feelings in his photographs!
So Beware of "The Award Winning Wedding Photographer" ads. Great photo's were great photo's before the award. Look for magazine quality photography that is expressive & has feeling. Published work lends credibility. Ask to see other photographs, landscapes, commercial, journalistic assignments. A photographer's eye, (style) is sometimes easier to see in other examples of his work. The fuzzy portrait school is a whole different style than the photo- journalistic school. Look for a reoccurring style or theme.
The Contract: "A verbal contract is not worth the paper it is printed on!"
Sign a contract & make sure to read it completely. Ask the photographer to clarify any questionable parts. Make sure it spells out, hours of coverage, photo's included in your package, refunds for non-performance or errors, the date & time you are to start taking pictures & reprint prices. Be wary of "Prices subject to change with out notice." If his print prices are on a separate sheet have him, sign & date, what time frame those print prices are good for! A good studio survives on quality enlargements from happy customers. I do raise my prices from time to time, but always honor the price at the time they sign my contract. Even years down the road!
Shooting List: I use a photo selection list. It lets your photographer know what pictures you want & is in effect, what your are getting for your money. Include any special shots you would like to have taken. Grandma & Uncle Jim with the bride & groom. Try to limit the formal coverage & don't go overboard, as the real memories come from the candid shots. I like to have 2 hours at least, for formals before the ceremony. Also don't allow guests to take pictures during the formal shooting. This can be very distracting & even ruin some of the professionals pictures! Multiple flashes can over expose even a professional photographers film. It also robs them from sales, tell your guests to wait until the professional is done to take pictures.
Ask if the photographer is a full time professional. People do what they do best! Not just on the weekends. Generally, a photographer that spends his whole life making pictures, brings much more experience to the table than a weekend warrior.
Does he have a full time assistant, & how many years have they worked together. The pace of a wedding is breathtaking but fun! I use a Hasselblad Camera & Studio Strobe to shoot the in door formals. It takes us two fully loaded trips, just to carry the in equipment! I feel very Lucky. Jim has helped me with weddings for 10 years. He taught Photography at the Art Institute, & is without question, the very best assistant in Washington. In fact, is a much better photographer that 99% of the wedding photographers in Washington State. The stress level for an assistant is different. I think he just likes to see me work! Any way it is a real pleasure to have his kind of back up help. The Ultimate Pro!
Enthusiasm: Caring about people is a determining factor about how well the whole process will turn out. Referrals from family & friends, caterers & other professional wedding vendors are the best source, not fancy ad campaigns & an impressive booth at a bridal show. Look closely at his other wedding photo's. By looking at the expressions on faces, you can tell how well the bride, guests, & the photographer were getting along during the wedding!
A great photographer lives by his reputation & happy customers were my only advertising for 20 years. Look at the photos, not just the brochure. Great photos Speak out & they will touch you, & if you find the right photographer, you will remember them, & your day for the rest of your lifetime!
-- Joe
A High Package Price is not a guarantee that you will get quality Photographs. I assume that my customers have perfect knowledge, & is why I have done some of the smartest visual people in Washington's weddings. Advertising Art Directors, PR people, & Marketing Director's hire photographers all the time, & they know how much to pay for the photographs they buy. I have been blessed from their helpful advice & personal insights. One told me "I really should raise my prices." I love what I do, it's like an emotional joggers high while taking pictures.
A Low Package Price: Photography is not a generic product. Comparing print prices for example; presupposes that you have similar products to compare. "Where in the emotional content, & weight of the medium, true value can only be judged in a very selective way after the photographs are seen & viewed for their content." So "Price Shoppers", be notified, that in the pure Aesthetic sense, the cheaper product you purchase may have a true value of "0", & in effect be less value, than a likeable product fairly priced. The last class I took at the U. of W. was "The Philosophy of Art."
Shortly after I decided to become the Artist; & after 25 years it is given, that I made the right decision!
I just completed a 30 page Renaissance Wedding album from my Sapphire Package 5. ( 5 hours of wedding day coverage) At the recommendation of my friendly accountant, I kept track of all my time involved in the Wedding, & was very surprised when I found out that it all added up to 30 hours of my time!
Wow! Even I didn't realize how much time I was spending per Wedding! The more services you are provided, the more time it takes your photographer. So it is also likely that if you Price shop you will not only get less quality, but also much less service & help from your photographer.
Portrait Studios: If you are considering hiring a studio that has more than just one photographer. Make sure you preview his work! It is a common practice to show their best photographer's work & then send some else. Insist that you meet with him or her, before you book the day. Chemistry between you & your photographer is a least as important as skill; trust your intuition & feelings about their level of sincerity. Real love & joy, is what great wedding photography is all about.
Black & white: does the photographer care enough to do his own b/w prints. It is almost impossible to get good b/w prints, unless the photographer does them himself. You can tell how good a photographer is, by spending time looking at a photographers b/w prints. Composition becomes more important in b/w. Look for a rich tonal range, with detail in the high light areas, & Pure Black in the shadows. I have seen some very pricey wedding photographers, that had no idea how to properly print black & white, within the zone system developed by Minor White & Ansel Adams. Don't be fooled by so called special effects. Large grain size & too much soft focus is rarely considered pleasing. Infra -red makes good scenic, but rarely good portraits.
Hand colored & fiber based prints have become popular again. I also make selenium toned prints from a process developed my Ansel Adams, for some of my clients. They are so beautiful & the only Black & White print most museums will accept, because of their archival permanence. It is a two day process, a real labor of love! In three hundred years, those prints will still look beautiful, & I hope your great grand children can say, "Joe Meadows hand signed it", with the delight & glee of some one that just found a Lewis Comfort Tiffany tulip glass today.
Medium format cameras are a must for formal portraits. They allow much greater freedom for enlargement & cropping. Hasselblad, Maymia, Bronica are the main camera brands. Fast shutter speeds are necessary to balance natural light & flash, so the faster sync speeds available from medium format cameras are a necessity for an outside summer wedding.
Small format cameras are easier to operate when doing candids. That's why the great photojournalists use them. Ask if the photographer uses both camera sizes at a wedding, I do.
Lighting: Studio strobes with soft boxes & umbrellas make much softer lighting. Look for detail on a pure white wedding dress. Do the faces show 3 dimensional shape, or are they flat, & one dimensional. An indication that he uses straight flash instead of a softbox.
Wedding Negatives
Be wary of photographers that offer to give you their negatives as a bonus. Telling you how much money you will save on enlargements. Quality enlargements from medium format negatives almost always have to be printed at a professional lab. It can be time consuming to do a wedding print order, & those labs won't spend the hours it take to do a typical wedding print order, waiting on you at their front counter, so you will wind up masking each negative by hand yourself. I care about my wedding clients & give them finished enlargements from a professional lab. They cost me lot more money, but it is not worth the hassle to have to redo them many times, just to save a few dollars per print.
A professional photographer makes the money to keep his equipment in good working order through selling photographs. Not by giving away his negatives, & his best work. So be very wary of this lure!
Awards & Credentials: Most photography organizations will allow any one to join, as long as you pay their dues & fees. Awards can be used as an excuse to charge you more money. Many wedding photographers win one or two, sooner or later.
"Greatness comes through humility". I shared a Studio with Jerry Gay, a 1975 Pulitzer Prize winning photographer. "He never brought it up." But there were many times I looked over his shoulder in the darkroom, I was humbled by his passion for life, & inspired by the feelings in his photographs!
So Beware of "The Award Winning Wedding Photographer" ads. Great photo's were great photo's before the award. Look for magazine quality photography that is expressive & has feeling. Published work lends credibility. Ask to see other photographs, landscapes, commercial, journalistic assignments. A photographer's eye, (style) is sometimes easier to see in other examples of his work. The fuzzy portrait school is a whole different style than the photo- journalistic school. Look for a reoccurring style or theme.
The Contract: "A verbal contract is not worth the paper it is printed on!"
Sign a contract & make sure to read it completely. Ask the photographer to clarify any questionable parts. Make sure it spells out, hours of coverage, photo's included in your package, refunds for non-performance or errors, the date & time you are to start taking pictures & reprint prices. Be wary of "Prices subject to change with out notice." If his print prices are on a separate sheet have him, sign & date, what time frame those print prices are good for! A good studio survives on quality enlargements from happy customers. I do raise my prices from time to time, but always honor the price at the time they sign my contract. Even years down the road!
Shooting List: I use a photo selection list. It lets your photographer know what pictures you want & is in effect, what your are getting for your money. Include any special shots you would like to have taken. Grandma & Uncle Jim with the bride & groom. Try to limit the formal coverage & don't go overboard, as the real memories come from the candid shots. I like to have 2 hours at least, for formals before the ceremony. Also don't allow guests to take pictures during the formal shooting. This can be very distracting & even ruin some of the professionals pictures! Multiple flashes can over expose even a professional photographers film. It also robs them from sales, tell your guests to wait until the professional is done to take pictures.
Ask if the photographer is a full time professional. People do what they do best! Not just on the weekends. Generally, a photographer that spends his whole life making pictures, brings much more experience to the table than a weekend warrior.
Does he have a full time assistant, & how many years have they worked together. The pace of a wedding is breathtaking but fun! I use a Hasselblad Camera & Studio Strobe to shoot the in door formals. It takes us two fully loaded trips, just to carry the in equipment! I feel very Lucky. Jim has helped me with weddings for 10 years. He taught Photography at the Art Institute, & is without question, the very best assistant in Washington. In fact, is a much better photographer that 99% of the wedding photographers in Washington State. The stress level for an assistant is different. I think he just likes to see me work! Any way it is a real pleasure to have his kind of back up help. The Ultimate Pro!
Enthusiasm: Caring about people is a determining factor about how well the whole process will turn out. Referrals from family & friends, caterers & other professional wedding vendors are the best source, not fancy ad campaigns & an impressive booth at a bridal show. Look closely at his other wedding photo's. By looking at the expressions on faces, you can tell how well the bride, guests, & the photographer were getting along during the wedding!
A great photographer lives by his reputation & happy customers were my only advertising for 20 years. Look at the photos, not just the brochure. Great photos Speak out & they will touch you, & if you find the right photographer, you will remember them, & your day for the rest of your lifetime!
-- Joe
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Bride's Guide to Wedding Videography
Much has been said about the advantages of having a professional video your wedding. Many valid arguments have been given. Later I will re-hash some of them and explain more about them. First I want you to stop and consider the following: If a relative or family friend offers to video your wedding, ask yourself one question.
"HOW MUCH DO I VALUE OUR RELATIONSHIP?"
If they are close to you, they will want to enjoy your wedding too. Working during the wedding leaves no time for enjoying it. It puts a great deal of pressure on that person to perform. If they do a poor job, there will be bad feelings between you, possibly for years to come.
Consider both sides of the family. You owe it to both your families to do your best to provide the best memories. While no-one can guarantee the future, at least you can take every precaution.
The Camera
"HOW MUCH DO I VALUE OUR RELATIONSHIP?"
If they are close to you, they will want to enjoy your wedding too. Working during the wedding leaves no time for enjoying it. It puts a great deal of pressure on that person to perform. If they do a poor job, there will be bad feelings between you, possibly for years to come.
Consider both sides of the family. You owe it to both your families to do your best to provide the best memories. While no-one can guarantee the future, at least you can take every precaution.
The Camera
Video equipment varies greatly in quality and price. No consumer camcorder can come close to the quality of pro equipment. The real indicator is, 'you get what you pay for! If a relative or family friend offers to tape your wedding, ask him what he paid for his camera. A pro will use a high quality camera. This too can vary greatly. There are dozens of models to chose from, and quality will vary here too.
Editing will enhance your viewing pleasure
A well done video will be edited to include the important content and, in the case of a multi-camera ceremony, a good mixture of viewing angles. It may also include music, titles, and a discrete number of special effects. Not everyone that owns such equipment knows how to edit properly. It takes talent, skill, artistic ability, and the right equipment to produce a video that is captures your memories.
Location, location, location
Let's be real for a moment. Location will play a huge role when choosing your wedding providers. If you live in a major metropolitan area, you will have a better selection, be able to obtain higher quality, and most likely pay more as a result. If you live in a rural community, you may have to search longer and harder and maybe even settle for whoever is available, but usually find that the prices are lower. Video is no different.
Different strokes
In major markets, many videographers use broadcast equipment and charge comparative rates. There are also many there who use prosumer/industrial equipment and charge accordingly.
In a small town there may only be one or two videographers and those usually use prosumer/industrial equipment. Is this bad? I don't think so. Many brides couldn't afford a high priced videographer and a mid-priced videographer can produce a video that you and your families will enjoy for years to come. It is important to note here that some videographers that use broadcast type equipment have a certain amount of distain for anyone that doesn't and calls the prosumer/industrial equipment "consumer quality". Another type of videographer out there is the guy who has a camcorder, may be fairly good with it [maybe not!], or may be a photographer, or similar, and thinks that makes him a good videographer. Be wary and check out each person you are considering. Usually, one camera is not sufficient to capture the ceremony properly. The cameraman will have to start and stop, and move around too much to get several angles, or stay in one spot, limiting your view of your wedding. Some even use consumer camcorders.
The future
As technology improves, so does video quality on ALL fronts, What was totally out priced last year will be readily affordable next year. Digital video is the biggest boon to the industry in a long time. look for more videographers to be using this technology as it improves. right now it is just finding it's niche in the wedding market.
In Closing
If you insist on using a relative or friend, then be ready to accept whatever you get. Don't put pressure on them to do more then humanly possible.
If you shop price alone, you stand a good chance of getting burned too. Many people fancy themselves videographers. Some by rights, some not. Ask to see a demo.
If you expect your video to be like a episode of Friends, go to Holly wood with a few hundred thousand and hire a crew.
If however, you want a good video at a good price, I think you'll find plenty of people that offer a decent product.
Remember - different equipment, tapes, and video makers are intended for different purposes. The camcorder you buy at your discount store is for home videos. prosumer equipment usually only available at professional photo-video stores, is specially made for small non-broadcast productions. The cameras and equipment made for broadcast/industrial are for just that and priced out of the reach of small videography companies as well as consumers.
Fine Portraiture For Your Wedding
Your wedding day is coming soon and you still don't know what to do with your hair and makeup. What size bouquet should you use? What time of day would be the best lighting for your portraits?
I have run into some problems on the wedding day that almost brought the bride to tears. Most of them could have been avoided by the bride if the proper planning had been made.
For example, a bride showed up late at her ceremony and told me the salon that fixed her hair made her look like something out of a horror movie. The makeup made her look older and would have scared the groom away. The bride had to spend time redoing her hair and makeup herself.
I would suggest that the bride have a trial run with a reputable beauty salon a few days before the ceremony to confirm the hair style and makeup, and build her confidence that she will be the best thing the groom has ever seen. The bride needs only about 10% more makeup than she would normally put on. I like the natural look. A good base and some concealer under the eyes will keep down the cost of photo retouching. The hair should be worn in a way that the bride feels comfortable. I prefer to have the hair pulled back from the face so that it will not blow into the mouth or eyes during the portraits. However, I want to reemphasize that the hair style must be what the bride thinks will show her best side.
Almost every bride I work with that doesn't have a figure like a toothpick wants to look tall and thin in photos. A black dress would help, but it is usually not the acceptable bridal attire. I recommend to stay away from the sleeveless gowns. I know that they are currently the popular style, but the arms will stand out in the photo and compete with the face for attention. Long sleeves can be hot and uncomfortable in the Hawaii climate, so an ideal sleeve length would be midway between the elbow and shoulder. Gloves also work well in photos. Brides should try on their wedding gown the day before the wedding; I have had two brides who have popped their zippers on the wedding day. (I carry a sewing kit in my camera bag.) For the larger-than-average girl, I would suggest a slightly larger-than-average bouquet. Don't go overboard, because by the end of the day a large bouquet can get pretty heavy.
Would you like to stay away from those heavy shadows under the eyes, smile lines, and those terrible blemishes that show up in the photos and stay forever in your wedding album? Makeup does help, but the time of day can have a much bigger effect on the outcome of the photographs. "Soft Light" is what the photographers call the beautiful light in the late afternoon that will make the bride and groom look like they have perfect skin. (There are limits to what the light can do for the couple.) Usually, the last 30-40 minutes of the day will give that nice warm glow that lights up the eyes and sets the scene for those romantic portraits. Allow the photographer enough time to take those quality photos, and then just enjoy all the compliments from your friends about how beautiful your wedding photos look.
I have run into some problems on the wedding day that almost brought the bride to tears. Most of them could have been avoided by the bride if the proper planning had been made.
For example, a bride showed up late at her ceremony and told me the salon that fixed her hair made her look like something out of a horror movie. The makeup made her look older and would have scared the groom away. The bride had to spend time redoing her hair and makeup herself.
I would suggest that the bride have a trial run with a reputable beauty salon a few days before the ceremony to confirm the hair style and makeup, and build her confidence that she will be the best thing the groom has ever seen. The bride needs only about 10% more makeup than she would normally put on. I like the natural look. A good base and some concealer under the eyes will keep down the cost of photo retouching. The hair should be worn in a way that the bride feels comfortable. I prefer to have the hair pulled back from the face so that it will not blow into the mouth or eyes during the portraits. However, I want to reemphasize that the hair style must be what the bride thinks will show her best side.
Almost every bride I work with that doesn't have a figure like a toothpick wants to look tall and thin in photos. A black dress would help, but it is usually not the acceptable bridal attire. I recommend to stay away from the sleeveless gowns. I know that they are currently the popular style, but the arms will stand out in the photo and compete with the face for attention. Long sleeves can be hot and uncomfortable in the Hawaii climate, so an ideal sleeve length would be midway between the elbow and shoulder. Gloves also work well in photos. Brides should try on their wedding gown the day before the wedding; I have had two brides who have popped their zippers on the wedding day. (I carry a sewing kit in my camera bag.) For the larger-than-average girl, I would suggest a slightly larger-than-average bouquet. Don't go overboard, because by the end of the day a large bouquet can get pretty heavy.
Would you like to stay away from those heavy shadows under the eyes, smile lines, and those terrible blemishes that show up in the photos and stay forever in your wedding album? Makeup does help, but the time of day can have a much bigger effect on the outcome of the photographs. "Soft Light" is what the photographers call the beautiful light in the late afternoon that will make the bride and groom look like they have perfect skin. (There are limits to what the light can do for the couple.) Usually, the last 30-40 minutes of the day will give that nice warm glow that lights up the eyes and sets the scene for those romantic portraits. Allow the photographer enough time to take those quality photos, and then just enjoy all the compliments from your friends about how beautiful your wedding photos look.
How To Choose Your Wedding Photographer
Shopping for a wedding photographer is not like selecting a gown or a bridal bouquet. You can see something tangible before you make your decision, when you’re shopping for specific items like that. But in the selection of your photographer, you’re often at the mercy of a super-salesperson and/or your own intuition. It seems as if PRICE is usually the main determining factor, even though there’s NEVER going to be a second chance. Nor has there ever been anything written that gives you, the bride, a true guideline as to how to select the one person who could supply you with a heart full of memories to last a lifetime.
I have, therefore, compiled a list of in-depth questions that you may want to explore to help select the photographer who’s right for you. Think about them and get answers before placing your trust and faith in someone who might later disappoint you with results that are less than what you had hoped to receive. No one knows better than I what’s going on in the wedding photography industry today. I’ve been a wedding photographer, myself, for the last 7 years or so, and been photographing for over 10 years. I really know the business from the INSIDE OUT! And I want to share it with you here - in the hopes that you will once and for all learn how to be an educated shopper for wedding photography.
First of all, undoubtedly the best way a bride has to pre-judge the competency of a wedding photographer is to have a recommendation from someone whose opinion she trusts. If she has more than one recommendation, that’s even better - especially if the same photographer’s name comes from different sources.
Then, a phone call is appropriate.
The telephone conversation should begin with the availability of the studio to cover the wedding on your specific date. You should also learn the name of the photographer who would be doing the actual pictures at your wedding, and at least a rough estimate of the costs involved. You should find out on the telephone how the photographer feels about posed and unposed pictures and decide whether or not you agree or are interested in the studio’s philosophy of how the wedding photography should be conducted. That is - photo journalism, candids, portraits, groups, etc. Just one concept? A combination of several? An appointment should be made to meet with the photographer who will be assigned to your wedding, see his work and discuss the details. Without doubt, this meeting should include both the bride and groom as well as the bride’s parents...or however many of these people can be assembled for the consultation. Without all these people in attendance it would be virtually impossible to come to any conclusions that would effectively work for all the principle parties involved.
At that meeting the first assessment you should make is whether or not you feel comfortable in the presence of the photographer. If you’re going to spend a good part of the most important day of your life with this person, it should be someone with whom you know you’ll enjoy sharing that time. Then, I feel that you should see some of the photographer’s work. If you see a picture, or a series of pictures, that you really like, you should ask:
1. Who are these people?
2. Did you, personally, take these photographs?
3. May I call these people for a personal reference?
After all, it’s one thing to see some beautiful pictures, but it’s equally important to find out if the bride and groom ENJOYED working with this photographer.
It’s also a way of knowing that the photographs you’re being shown were actually made by the person you’re speaking to. You want to be sure that the work you’re admiring was made by the photographer who’ll be at your wedding.
Another result of this meeting could be to allow you and your photographer to begin a one-on-one relationship. In that way, neither of you would be strangers to each other on the day of the wedding and you’ll be more relaxed in front of the camera.
Now The Fun Begins
For the most part, when prospective clients come to my studio, their questions pertain to prices, sizes and numbers in general. I’ve often felt that the reason you feel about the bride and groom not wanting to see each other before the ceremony?
---What are the alternatives?
---How will the various plans affect us on the day of the wedding?
5. Do you have any goals for approaching each wedding?
---Any long-term goals for yourself as a person?
---As a photographer?
6. How long do you expect to be with us on the day of the wedding?
---Beginning at what time?
---Until when?
---Is there an extra charge if the wedding runs a little overtime?
7. Whom would you include in the photographs?
---Where and when would they be taken?
8. What can I do to help you perform your duties to the best of your ability?
See a WHOLE Wedding
If you’re still interested in the photographer’s services at this point, I’d ask to see a complete coverage of a single wedding. That’s a lot more important than seeing a selection of beautiful highlights from many different weddings.
When looking through the album, evaluate the work by placing yourself in the position that this could have been YOUR wedding coverage. Ask yourself if the photographer has actually considered the individual characteristics and personality of each of the important persons in the photographs. Has the photographer caught the individual’s actual feelings of the moment, or are these just pictures of people standing and looking self-consciously into the lens. Do they look natural? Or even better than real? And, in fact, is that what you and they really want?
Now, THIS Could Be a REAL Test!
You might ask the photographer to analyze your face to see if he/she would know how to achieve the most flattering images of you:
9. Considering my facial features, physical attributes in general, what angles of my face would you consider to be better than others?
---Is there anything you can do to make me or members of my family look the way they WANT to look?
It seems as if everyone complains that they hate the way they look in posed pictures!
10. Have you noticed any expressions or mannerisms of mine that you might want to try to capture or avoid?
11. How did you get qualified to take professional wedding pictures?
--- What kind of educational background and/or experience have you had in
developing your techniques?
--- When and with whom was your technique last updated?
Get Specific!
Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. Too often important details that you had never before considered come back to haunt you later:
12. How will you be showing me the pictures for selection?
13. Will you be helping me in the selection of the final pictures?
14. How can people who live out of town be accommodated with ordering, paying and delivery?
15. What are the costs of the various styles of coverage?
--- Are there different degrees of coverage?
--- What’s included in each?
16. How much for the extras?
--- Duplicates?
--- Ask to see the specific style of album you will be receiving.
--- Are alternate choices available? At an extra cost?
17. What kind of time frame are you looking at for preparing the pictures for my selection?
--- Are you providing me with proofs, slides, video tape of the pictures, or what?
--- How much time do I have to make up my mind as to which pictures I want and how many?
--- Are the proofs for sale?
Look to the Future
18. How much money would you expect me to eventually spend before you think I’d be completely happy with my wedding coverage?
19. How much money would you WANT me to spend in order for me to make it worthwhile for you to give me your full attention on my wedding day?
20. How long have you been in the business?
--- How long do you plan on staying in the business?
--- In other words, what kind of guarantee comes with my hiring you and/or your studio?
Wrap It Up Intelligently
Finally, let’s consider a few topics of conversation that could/should help you make your decision.
21. Do you have any particular philosophy about your approach to photographing weddings?
22. What would you plan to do at my wedding that would make my wedding photographs unique and personal to me?
--- Can I tell you who I want in my pictures?
--- How will you find them?
23. How can I be certain that YOU will be taking my pictures?
24. With whom will I be dealing after the wedding?
25. What’s your payment policy?
--- Do you give any guarantees on your services and photographs?
26. What is the possibility of the pictures fading.
--- What if they DO fade?
Be Prepared to Make a Commitment
By now you’ve probably spent a good deal of time with the photographer. His time is money, the same as yours. Realize that in the long run someone has to pay for the hours each photographer spends as a consultant. Keep his (and your) expenses to a minimum by going to the meeting with the photographer prepared to leave a deposit to confirm the date. Before you do, however, you may want to assure yourself of a few more last-minute details.
Find out the photographer’s policy if the date of your wedding is changed and
he/she’s not available on the alternate date. Find out, too, what the policy is for an unforeseen cancellation of the date. At this stage of the game, if you’ve really taken the time to get into some of the above questions, you HAVE to know whether or not this photographer is for you.
If the photographer IS for you, if the photographer IS available, and if you’re convinced that it’s worth the price...then make the commitment and rest assured that this is undoubtedly one of the best and most intelligent decisions you’ve made in planning your wedding!
How Much Should Pictures Cost?
It’s difficult to pay too much for something you really like. Yet, price is usually the one obstacle that prevents many wedding clients from selecting the photographer who undoubtedly could give them the best value for the money.
Quite often the difference between the price of the photographer you really like and one who you feel is “within the budget” is miscalculated.
Understandably, of course! When wedding plans come down to dollars and cents,
it’s hard to keep spending “a little more here...and a little more there. Somewhere along the line,” you feel, “you have to give a little! There’s only so-much money available!” Yet, within the framework of the entire wedding day, it makes good sense to evaluate the money spent on photographs in relation to what’s being spent on flowers, food and music. Although everyone knows that the pictures are the only thing you have after the moment has passed, some people still feel that they have to put the money “where it shows”.
Later, In the privacy of their own hearts, many of these people are often disappointed with photographic memories that give them nothing but
heartaches...and there’s no remedy!
Let’s face it!
You’re going to remember the wedding day through the eyes, heart and talent of your photographer. When making the decision as to who that photographer is going to be, realize that oftentimes you’re talking a relative difference of pennies! On the other hand, if you’re unhappy, regardless of the “good deal” you’re getting, you could lose everything!
What’s the “going rate” among wedding photographers nowadays? The price difference is as great as the time, talent and technique of the studios being considered. Certainly, among competent photographers in a highly competitive area, or photographers in their formative years, a good wedding coverage can be found around the thousand dollar category. Spending less than that would probably be a high-risk gamble.
Other photographers may begin somewhere around a thousand dollars and go
upwards from there. A true specialist, one who has a reputation for consistently delivering the best, might begin at two or three times that
amount and go upwards to five thousand and more.
When considering the cost of a photographer, you may find that studios
sometimes approach this matter in one or two different manners.
Whereas some photographers have basic “packages” of an agreed number of photographs for a specified dollar amount, other studios might have a predetermined charge for their services and allow you to buy whatever amount of pictures you want.
Still some photographers allow you to have ALL the pictures that are taken.
There is a set fee that includes EVERYTHING! There are, of c ourse, benefits to all of these approaches. In the first instance you have a good idea right from the start how much money you’re probably going to spend...and you’re locked into that minimum. That’s a double guarantee, both for you and the photographer. Studios that offer you what’ known as their a-la-carte system are taking a chance (along with you) as to how much money you’ll be spending.
The studio that offers you ALL the pictures may scare you at first with the
high price, but you may want to know that up front and KNOW that you will not be spending more.
Realize that at the same time you’re preparing your budget, you will probably want/need to spend extra money for albums and portraits for both families. In any case, you’re probably going to spend more than you originally planned, but you’ll be doing it because you like the pictures so much, you WANT to buy the extras. The bottom line, as you know, is not necessarily how much you end up spending on photographs. Instead, it’s how much pleasure you get from them over the years.
Wouldn’t you agree, that at a time as important as your wedding day, it’s
better to invest a little more money for photography than you had planned...instead of a little less that you should?
Why risk your memories of a once-in-a-lifetime event on a gamble?
Besides, if you should spend $1000 for your wedding pictures that’s only an investment of five cents a day, if you make it to your 50th Anniversary! Only twenty-seven cents a day on an investment of $5000.
You’re going to be concerned with the price only one time...when you buy. You’re going to be concerned with quality, however, during the lifetime of the product! ... Or, the marriage.
I have, therefore, compiled a list of in-depth questions that you may want to explore to help select the photographer who’s right for you. Think about them and get answers before placing your trust and faith in someone who might later disappoint you with results that are less than what you had hoped to receive. No one knows better than I what’s going on in the wedding photography industry today. I’ve been a wedding photographer, myself, for the last 7 years or so, and been photographing for over 10 years. I really know the business from the INSIDE OUT! And I want to share it with you here - in the hopes that you will once and for all learn how to be an educated shopper for wedding photography.
First of all, undoubtedly the best way a bride has to pre-judge the competency of a wedding photographer is to have a recommendation from someone whose opinion she trusts. If she has more than one recommendation, that’s even better - especially if the same photographer’s name comes from different sources.
Then, a phone call is appropriate.
The telephone conversation should begin with the availability of the studio to cover the wedding on your specific date. You should also learn the name of the photographer who would be doing the actual pictures at your wedding, and at least a rough estimate of the costs involved. You should find out on the telephone how the photographer feels about posed and unposed pictures and decide whether or not you agree or are interested in the studio’s philosophy of how the wedding photography should be conducted. That is - photo journalism, candids, portraits, groups, etc. Just one concept? A combination of several? An appointment should be made to meet with the photographer who will be assigned to your wedding, see his work and discuss the details. Without doubt, this meeting should include both the bride and groom as well as the bride’s parents...or however many of these people can be assembled for the consultation. Without all these people in attendance it would be virtually impossible to come to any conclusions that would effectively work for all the principle parties involved.
At that meeting the first assessment you should make is whether or not you feel comfortable in the presence of the photographer. If you’re going to spend a good part of the most important day of your life with this person, it should be someone with whom you know you’ll enjoy sharing that time. Then, I feel that you should see some of the photographer’s work. If you see a picture, or a series of pictures, that you really like, you should ask:
1. Who are these people?
2. Did you, personally, take these photographs?
3. May I call these people for a personal reference?
After all, it’s one thing to see some beautiful pictures, but it’s equally important to find out if the bride and groom ENJOYED working with this photographer.
It’s also a way of knowing that the photographs you’re being shown were actually made by the person you’re speaking to. You want to be sure that the work you’re admiring was made by the photographer who’ll be at your wedding.
Another result of this meeting could be to allow you and your photographer to begin a one-on-one relationship. In that way, neither of you would be strangers to each other on the day of the wedding and you’ll be more relaxed in front of the camera.
Now The Fun Begins
For the most part, when prospective clients come to my studio, their questions pertain to prices, sizes and numbers in general. I’ve often felt that the reason you feel about the bride and groom not wanting to see each other before the ceremony?
---What are the alternatives?
---How will the various plans affect us on the day of the wedding?
5. Do you have any goals for approaching each wedding?
---Any long-term goals for yourself as a person?
---As a photographer?
6. How long do you expect to be with us on the day of the wedding?
---Beginning at what time?
---Until when?
---Is there an extra charge if the wedding runs a little overtime?
7. Whom would you include in the photographs?
---Where and when would they be taken?
8. What can I do to help you perform your duties to the best of your ability?
See a WHOLE Wedding
If you’re still interested in the photographer’s services at this point, I’d ask to see a complete coverage of a single wedding. That’s a lot more important than seeing a selection of beautiful highlights from many different weddings.
When looking through the album, evaluate the work by placing yourself in the position that this could have been YOUR wedding coverage. Ask yourself if the photographer has actually considered the individual characteristics and personality of each of the important persons in the photographs. Has the photographer caught the individual’s actual feelings of the moment, or are these just pictures of people standing and looking self-consciously into the lens. Do they look natural? Or even better than real? And, in fact, is that what you and they really want?
Now, THIS Could Be a REAL Test!
You might ask the photographer to analyze your face to see if he/she would know how to achieve the most flattering images of you:
9. Considering my facial features, physical attributes in general, what angles of my face would you consider to be better than others?
---Is there anything you can do to make me or members of my family look the way they WANT to look?
It seems as if everyone complains that they hate the way they look in posed pictures!
10. Have you noticed any expressions or mannerisms of mine that you might want to try to capture or avoid?
11. How did you get qualified to take professional wedding pictures?
--- What kind of educational background and/or experience have you had in
developing your techniques?
--- When and with whom was your technique last updated?
Get Specific!
Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. Too often important details that you had never before considered come back to haunt you later:
12. How will you be showing me the pictures for selection?
13. Will you be helping me in the selection of the final pictures?
14. How can people who live out of town be accommodated with ordering, paying and delivery?
15. What are the costs of the various styles of coverage?
--- Are there different degrees of coverage?
--- What’s included in each?
16. How much for the extras?
--- Duplicates?
--- Ask to see the specific style of album you will be receiving.
--- Are alternate choices available? At an extra cost?
17. What kind of time frame are you looking at for preparing the pictures for my selection?
--- Are you providing me with proofs, slides, video tape of the pictures, or what?
--- How much time do I have to make up my mind as to which pictures I want and how many?
--- Are the proofs for sale?
Look to the Future
18. How much money would you expect me to eventually spend before you think I’d be completely happy with my wedding coverage?
19. How much money would you WANT me to spend in order for me to make it worthwhile for you to give me your full attention on my wedding day?
20. How long have you been in the business?
--- How long do you plan on staying in the business?
--- In other words, what kind of guarantee comes with my hiring you and/or your studio?
Wrap It Up Intelligently
Finally, let’s consider a few topics of conversation that could/should help you make your decision.
21. Do you have any particular philosophy about your approach to photographing weddings?
22. What would you plan to do at my wedding that would make my wedding photographs unique and personal to me?
--- Can I tell you who I want in my pictures?
--- How will you find them?
23. How can I be certain that YOU will be taking my pictures?
24. With whom will I be dealing after the wedding?
25. What’s your payment policy?
--- Do you give any guarantees on your services and photographs?
26. What is the possibility of the pictures fading.
--- What if they DO fade?
Be Prepared to Make a Commitment
By now you’ve probably spent a good deal of time with the photographer. His time is money, the same as yours. Realize that in the long run someone has to pay for the hours each photographer spends as a consultant. Keep his (and your) expenses to a minimum by going to the meeting with the photographer prepared to leave a deposit to confirm the date. Before you do, however, you may want to assure yourself of a few more last-minute details.
Find out the photographer’s policy if the date of your wedding is changed and
he/she’s not available on the alternate date. Find out, too, what the policy is for an unforeseen cancellation of the date. At this stage of the game, if you’ve really taken the time to get into some of the above questions, you HAVE to know whether or not this photographer is for you.
If the photographer IS for you, if the photographer IS available, and if you’re convinced that it’s worth the price...then make the commitment and rest assured that this is undoubtedly one of the best and most intelligent decisions you’ve made in planning your wedding!
How Much Should Pictures Cost?
It’s difficult to pay too much for something you really like. Yet, price is usually the one obstacle that prevents many wedding clients from selecting the photographer who undoubtedly could give them the best value for the money.
Quite often the difference between the price of the photographer you really like and one who you feel is “within the budget” is miscalculated.
Understandably, of course! When wedding plans come down to dollars and cents,
it’s hard to keep spending “a little more here...and a little more there. Somewhere along the line,” you feel, “you have to give a little! There’s only so-much money available!” Yet, within the framework of the entire wedding day, it makes good sense to evaluate the money spent on photographs in relation to what’s being spent on flowers, food and music. Although everyone knows that the pictures are the only thing you have after the moment has passed, some people still feel that they have to put the money “where it shows”.
Later, In the privacy of their own hearts, many of these people are often disappointed with photographic memories that give them nothing but
heartaches...and there’s no remedy!
Let’s face it!
You’re going to remember the wedding day through the eyes, heart and talent of your photographer. When making the decision as to who that photographer is going to be, realize that oftentimes you’re talking a relative difference of pennies! On the other hand, if you’re unhappy, regardless of the “good deal” you’re getting, you could lose everything!
What’s the “going rate” among wedding photographers nowadays? The price difference is as great as the time, talent and technique of the studios being considered. Certainly, among competent photographers in a highly competitive area, or photographers in their formative years, a good wedding coverage can be found around the thousand dollar category. Spending less than that would probably be a high-risk gamble.
Other photographers may begin somewhere around a thousand dollars and go
upwards from there. A true specialist, one who has a reputation for consistently delivering the best, might begin at two or three times that
amount and go upwards to five thousand and more.
When considering the cost of a photographer, you may find that studios
sometimes approach this matter in one or two different manners.
Whereas some photographers have basic “packages” of an agreed number of photographs for a specified dollar amount, other studios might have a predetermined charge for their services and allow you to buy whatever amount of pictures you want.
Still some photographers allow you to have ALL the pictures that are taken.
There is a set fee that includes EVERYTHING! There are, of c ourse, benefits to all of these approaches. In the first instance you have a good idea right from the start how much money you’re probably going to spend...and you’re locked into that minimum. That’s a double guarantee, both for you and the photographer. Studios that offer you what’ known as their a-la-carte system are taking a chance (along with you) as to how much money you’ll be spending.
The studio that offers you ALL the pictures may scare you at first with the
high price, but you may want to know that up front and KNOW that you will not be spending more.
Realize that at the same time you’re preparing your budget, you will probably want/need to spend extra money for albums and portraits for both families. In any case, you’re probably going to spend more than you originally planned, but you’ll be doing it because you like the pictures so much, you WANT to buy the extras. The bottom line, as you know, is not necessarily how much you end up spending on photographs. Instead, it’s how much pleasure you get from them over the years.
Wouldn’t you agree, that at a time as important as your wedding day, it’s
better to invest a little more money for photography than you had planned...instead of a little less that you should?
Why risk your memories of a once-in-a-lifetime event on a gamble?
Besides, if you should spend $1000 for your wedding pictures that’s only an investment of five cents a day, if you make it to your 50th Anniversary! Only twenty-seven cents a day on an investment of $5000.
You’re going to be concerned with the price only one time...when you buy. You’re going to be concerned with quality, however, during the lifetime of the product! ... Or, the marriage.
Preparing For Your Wedding Day Photographs
Okay you've asked all of the right questions, you have studied the contents of photography packages and selected the one that is right for you. You have put down your deposit and reserved your date with the perfect photographer. Now it is all in the hands of the photographer to show up at the wedding and create all of the wonderful images that your are dreaming about. Right? Yes to some extent, but there are quite a few things that you can do to make this possible. As a wedding photographer I am continually surprised by the number of clients that do their homework in obtaining their photographer, but then drop the ball on the day of the wedding in numerous ways. There are actually many things that you can do to ensure that your photographer is able to perform his or her duties to the best of their ability. Below are a few tips that will make a world of difference on your wedding day for everyone involved. After all who doesn't want their wedding to run as smoothly as possible?
The most important tip about wedding day photography is to be on time. You would be surprised at how common it is to run behind schedule on the wedding day. Plan your hair and nail appointments early. Delegate wedding tasks to other people. Time is at a premium on your wedding day. You will be busy later at the reception. Your photographer will need for you to be ready and smiling at the planned photography starting time. I can't tell you how many beautiful churches, gardens and hotels I have sat around in with my assistant waiting and waiting for the bride and others to appear for photos. I see beautiful scenes, scope out wonderful backgrounds, only to have the stressed out bride show up with only 20 minutes left to do her photography. Other times the bride is the only person who is ready. It is very important to stress to your groom, family and wedding party how important the pictures are to you. Make sure they understand the time and place that they are to meet to start the photography. If a half hour photo session is planned with the bride, the bridesmaids and the bride's parents and dad and two bridesmaids aren't ready the allotted time can quickly turn into ten minutes from thirty minutes. Photos will then need to be made up which usually cuts into time that was needed for a different set of photos. Please do yourself a huge favor and find a way to encourage everyone to be on time. It is important that you discuss the photography aspect of your wedding with the groom. Let him know what your expectations are. Also let him know how the photography schedule will unfold. The groom will need to appear in many photographs, after all he is one of the stars of the show! Make sure that he understands this. Some grooms have little interest in photos and make that clear on the wedding day. On the other hand, some grooms missed their calling as male models and find that they thoroughly enjoy the session. Your parents as well as the groom's parents will also need to be informed about the photography. Many mothers (not knowing that the photographer has been told in advance) will start calling up groups and sets of people to be photographed. This may throw off your photographer who may have a pattern or order for taking photos. As long as you have informed your photographer of the "must get" photos you should not need to tell him or her which groups to photograph. Many unexpected requests for photos at the wedding can eat up valuable time for the photos that you have already asked for. Be sure to get with the groom and all parents before the wedding and give the photographer a list of what you're expecting. This way your photographer can plan accordingly - and you won't have to try to think about you want on the day of the wedding.
Checklists can be very valuable to your photographer. If your photographer gives you a checklist please use his or her form. The photographer will be familiar with the layout of his form and will be better able to follow it then an unfamiliar form from a bridal magazine. You may write in any additions that you have. Please also inform your photographer of any situations in which people may not want to be photographed together. For example, your divorced parents may not want to stand next to each other in the family photo. If your photographer does not use a checklist ask what family photos he normally takes. If you have any special requests it will still be good to write them down and give them to the photographer in advance. Remember it's your wedding day. The checklist is still a good idea even if you are having many photojournalistic photos taken at your wedding. There will still be family photos that are a "must" - if not for you for your parents. Trust your photographer to choose the best scenes and backgrounds for your photos. A good photographer will have an eye for great locations. He or she may be using a telephoto lens and the background may look totally different from what you are seeing with the naked eye. If your photographer hesitates at using a certain scene that you have suggested there is most likely a reason. The lighting situation could be too harsh, certain objects in the background may appear to be growing out of the back of your heads in a photo, etc. If a location doesn't seem nice to you ask your photographer what he or she sees and how it will appear in the photograph to put your mind at ease. It is best to assign a person from the bride's side and from the groom's side to help the photographer round up family members that have strayed. Valuable time can be lost at weddings looking for Uncle Harry. Many photographers do not allow others to take photos while they are working.
If your photographer has this clause in her contract then you will know ahead of the wedding. Please ask your family and guests to respect this. If your photographer allows others to shoot while she is working keep in mind that this will invariably slow down the photographer (while waiting for Aunt Martha to frame her shot then try to figure out why her flash is not going off). Even if your photographer is a good sport about this if you feel that others are slowing down your photo session you may ask them to let the photographer do her job. You will most likely end up with more photos from your professional in the long run. Taking all of your photographs before the wedding is an excellent idea. Yes this means the "bride and groom" together photographs also. This topic could easily be a complete article itself so I will just touch on some of the highlights. This photographic schedule is in your best interest. It is not for the photographer! The photographer will be there for the hours that you have hired him for. He can take your "bride and groom together" photos before or after the ceremony. He is genuinely trying to help you when he suggests that you take the photos before. The tradition of not seeing the groom before the wedding dates back to the time of arranged marriages where the groom might run off if he happened to see the bride before the wedding! There are many advantages to taking the photos before: hair, makeup and flowers are at their best, everyone is in a "picture taking" mode rather than a "let's get to the reception and party" mode, you know that the photos have been completed - one less thing to worry about, you can have private time with the groom right before the photos start, the groom can actually talk to you and tell you how beautiful you are, the two of you can exchange gifts, you can attend your own cocktail hour. The list goes on, but hopefully this will give you some idea of the many advantages. As for seeing you come down the aisle, your groom will still get to experience the music, the smiles of the congregation and catch your eye as you glide toward him. Actually grooms report that they were able to enjoy the moment more because they more relaxed from having already spent time earlier with the bride. Hopefully this article has shown you some of the ways that you may be able to work with your photographer to ensure that your wedding photography dreams become a reality.
The most important tip about wedding day photography is to be on time. You would be surprised at how common it is to run behind schedule on the wedding day. Plan your hair and nail appointments early. Delegate wedding tasks to other people. Time is at a premium on your wedding day. You will be busy later at the reception. Your photographer will need for you to be ready and smiling at the planned photography starting time. I can't tell you how many beautiful churches, gardens and hotels I have sat around in with my assistant waiting and waiting for the bride and others to appear for photos. I see beautiful scenes, scope out wonderful backgrounds, only to have the stressed out bride show up with only 20 minutes left to do her photography. Other times the bride is the only person who is ready. It is very important to stress to your groom, family and wedding party how important the pictures are to you. Make sure they understand the time and place that they are to meet to start the photography. If a half hour photo session is planned with the bride, the bridesmaids and the bride's parents and dad and two bridesmaids aren't ready the allotted time can quickly turn into ten minutes from thirty minutes. Photos will then need to be made up which usually cuts into time that was needed for a different set of photos. Please do yourself a huge favor and find a way to encourage everyone to be on time. It is important that you discuss the photography aspect of your wedding with the groom. Let him know what your expectations are. Also let him know how the photography schedule will unfold. The groom will need to appear in many photographs, after all he is one of the stars of the show! Make sure that he understands this. Some grooms have little interest in photos and make that clear on the wedding day. On the other hand, some grooms missed their calling as male models and find that they thoroughly enjoy the session. Your parents as well as the groom's parents will also need to be informed about the photography. Many mothers (not knowing that the photographer has been told in advance) will start calling up groups and sets of people to be photographed. This may throw off your photographer who may have a pattern or order for taking photos. As long as you have informed your photographer of the "must get" photos you should not need to tell him or her which groups to photograph. Many unexpected requests for photos at the wedding can eat up valuable time for the photos that you have already asked for. Be sure to get with the groom and all parents before the wedding and give the photographer a list of what you're expecting. This way your photographer can plan accordingly - and you won't have to try to think about you want on the day of the wedding.
Checklists can be very valuable to your photographer. If your photographer gives you a checklist please use his or her form. The photographer will be familiar with the layout of his form and will be better able to follow it then an unfamiliar form from a bridal magazine. You may write in any additions that you have. Please also inform your photographer of any situations in which people may not want to be photographed together. For example, your divorced parents may not want to stand next to each other in the family photo. If your photographer does not use a checklist ask what family photos he normally takes. If you have any special requests it will still be good to write them down and give them to the photographer in advance. Remember it's your wedding day. The checklist is still a good idea even if you are having many photojournalistic photos taken at your wedding. There will still be family photos that are a "must" - if not for you for your parents. Trust your photographer to choose the best scenes and backgrounds for your photos. A good photographer will have an eye for great locations. He or she may be using a telephoto lens and the background may look totally different from what you are seeing with the naked eye. If your photographer hesitates at using a certain scene that you have suggested there is most likely a reason. The lighting situation could be too harsh, certain objects in the background may appear to be growing out of the back of your heads in a photo, etc. If a location doesn't seem nice to you ask your photographer what he or she sees and how it will appear in the photograph to put your mind at ease. It is best to assign a person from the bride's side and from the groom's side to help the photographer round up family members that have strayed. Valuable time can be lost at weddings looking for Uncle Harry. Many photographers do not allow others to take photos while they are working.
If your photographer has this clause in her contract then you will know ahead of the wedding. Please ask your family and guests to respect this. If your photographer allows others to shoot while she is working keep in mind that this will invariably slow down the photographer (while waiting for Aunt Martha to frame her shot then try to figure out why her flash is not going off). Even if your photographer is a good sport about this if you feel that others are slowing down your photo session you may ask them to let the photographer do her job. You will most likely end up with more photos from your professional in the long run. Taking all of your photographs before the wedding is an excellent idea. Yes this means the "bride and groom" together photographs also. This topic could easily be a complete article itself so I will just touch on some of the highlights. This photographic schedule is in your best interest. It is not for the photographer! The photographer will be there for the hours that you have hired him for. He can take your "bride and groom together" photos before or after the ceremony. He is genuinely trying to help you when he suggests that you take the photos before. The tradition of not seeing the groom before the wedding dates back to the time of arranged marriages where the groom might run off if he happened to see the bride before the wedding! There are many advantages to taking the photos before: hair, makeup and flowers are at their best, everyone is in a "picture taking" mode rather than a "let's get to the reception and party" mode, you know that the photos have been completed - one less thing to worry about, you can have private time with the groom right before the photos start, the groom can actually talk to you and tell you how beautiful you are, the two of you can exchange gifts, you can attend your own cocktail hour. The list goes on, but hopefully this will give you some idea of the many advantages. As for seeing you come down the aisle, your groom will still get to experience the music, the smiles of the congregation and catch your eye as you glide toward him. Actually grooms report that they were able to enjoy the moment more because they more relaxed from having already spent time earlier with the bride. Hopefully this article has shown you some of the ways that you may be able to work with your photographer to ensure that your wedding photography dreams become a reality.
Shopping for Wedding Photographers
When making your decision, try to consider all of the factors mentioned below, as well as price, then decide at what price range you will be most comfortable.
- Are there any guarantees on their products or work?
- Are the samples you see in the studio created by the photographer who will be at your wedding?
- Will you be able to meet your photographer prior to the wedding?
- Do you feel comfortable with the photographer, and would you enjoy being together on your wedding day?
- Do you like their quality of work, and style?
- Ask to see a complete wedding album, from one wedding. Would you be happy with an album of equal quality and style?
- Do they offer any special or unique items such as signature portraits, black and white, hand tinted portraits, etc.?
- Does the studio do retouching to smooth skin? Is it extra?
- Are the portraits finished with a lacquer, or laminate for protection? Is it extra?
- What type of albums does the studio offer?
- Does the studio offer engagement portraits? Is it extra?
- Is there an extra charge for outdoor portraits?
- Does the studio offer help in designing your album?
- Are their packages flexible?
- Do they have payment plans or different payment options?
- Is there a maximum # of poses taken?
- Do they have a discount for off season weddings?
- Will the photographer travel out of town? How much extra is it?
- Is there a toll free phone#, or email address, for out of town customers to use?
- Is the studio available in case of bad weather?
- How large a group will the studio accommodate? Ask to see samples.
- Does the studio have different sets, or just plain backgrounds?
Remember that in the many years to follow, there are only two things that will remain as reminders of your special day your memories; and your photographs. Memories last forever, make sure your portraits do too!
It may be better to spend a little more than you planned, instead of less than you should.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Photography Quick Tips
Photography Quick Tips
- It is essential to book your photographer at least nine months to a year in advance. Since the best studios are booked up to two years ahead, you should begin looking for a photographer as soon as you set your date.
- Go to several studios and look through sample books, and keep your eyes open for quality.
- The pictures should be clear, well lighted, and printed on professional grade paper to prevent the colors from fading over time.
- Look at complete wedding albums from beginning to end. Don't settle for selected pictures from several weddings, because these will represent the photographer's best work.
- Obviously, price will be important, but don't let it stand in the way of quality.
- When you plan the schedule for your wedding, don't forget about your photography. Allow plenty of time for a variety of shots, especially if you will be going to a different location.
- Take the time to sit down with the photographer and fill him or her in on the events of the day. A pre-wedding consultation is essential because that's where a photographer can get all the details of the wedding day.
- Be sure to meet the person who will be responsible for photographing your wedding, and see how sensitive that person is to your needs.
- Find out how long after the wedding the photographer will keep the negatives, in case you want to order more prints later on.
- When you find a photographer you're interested in, ask for references and be sure to check them.
- Once you've made your decision and come to an agreement with the photographer, put everything into a contract.
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Setting a Photography Budget
Most brides and grooms spend at least $1,000 on their wedding photos and many spend $4,000 and upwards. Again, this isn't an area in which to go the discount bargain route. While wedding photos may seem pricey, don't forget that we're talking priceless artifacts here. To make things even more confusing, photographers charge in different ways for their services.
When interviewing a photographer, discuss the number of pictures he takes, the cost of each print, the style and cost of the albums he offers, and whether there are travel costs or extra fees included. Photographers' fee can vary tremendously. Use the forms included in the back of this section to make accurate comparisons.
Most photographers that do a number of weddings offer a package, which is a predetermined number of pictures in various sizes for a set fee that includes the prints and the album. Generally, pictures are less expensive when ordered this way. Check to see if packages are available for parent' albums.
Flat Fee - Care Minimum
Here you pay a single amount for the photographer's time, film, and expenses. This amount is usually based on an estimate of the number of shots expected. You will get proofs and negatives, but printing the photos and any cropping or retouching will be done on your own nickel. Most often, in these cases, you'll take possession of the negatives. Be aware that this can become a big project, turning these proofs into professional quality photo albums.
In other instances, the flat fee will include the photographer supplying a photo album and handling the printing of the photographers for you. Usually, they'll then retain ownership (and possession) of the negatives, although they may sell you the negatives more cheaply later.
Photo Packages
Most photo packages specify a limited amount of time, usually from two to eight hours, with the price going up accordingly. After that, hourly overtime rates would apply, which can range from $85 to $250/hour. These packages may also include a set number of prints of various sizes, say twenty-five 5x7s and ten 8x10s in a particular type of photo album. You might consider asking them is removing the album from your package will allow you to receive an additional discount. It's very likely that you'll receive one as a wedding gift or, at the very least, find one more to your own liking.
Hourly Fee
Here, photographers charge a flat hourly fee, which may or may not include film and expenses. It's important to find out what the additional charges will be for getting proofs and ordering the photos.
Location Charges
Some photographers charge more for changes of location. Others offer no location limit and are willing to shoot in as many locations as you've selected. If you're dressing where the ceremony will be held, and the ceremony and reception will be at the same location, then this won't be an issue. If however, there's no dressing room at the ceremony site, or your ceremony and reception will be held at different places, you might have as many as three locations for the photographer to travel to, so you'll need to discuss this with him.
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