   
Choosing a wedding photographer is not an everyday task, here are some compelling questions about wedding photography
What are the advantages of retaining a professional wedding photographer?
A professional photographer will be timely - arriving at your wedding promptly, and delivering the finished proofs on time. A professional has just the right equipment and film for photographing your wedding. Having attended many weddings, an experienced wedding photographer will be at ease at your wedding. A professional uses a color laboratory that is in the business of meeting high professional standards of print quality. The professional is used to working with individuals, couples, and groups to make the formal photography go smoothly. When you think about the cost of wedding photography, remember that the photographer's fee is only part of your investment: You, your parents, your extended family and your friends will be investing time with the photographer during your wedding. Don't waste time on your wedding day with a photographer who won't produce results you love or produce them on time!
So, I want a professional to photograph my wedding. What do I do next?
Visit as many wedding photography sites, then choose 3 photographers to call. The one you like best on the phone will be the one you like best in person. Visit the photographer in a neutral location what I mean sit down and have a cup of coffee. Bring your spouse with you or your maid of honor. On your wedding day you will want the photographer to have a second point of contact; just in case he can not find you he can direct his questions to someone next in charge. Once you have decided on a photographer whose work has meaning to you, discuss prices, deposits, packages, quantity of pictures and so on.
What is a good question I should ask the photographer?
Once you have established that the photographer is available for your date and location, you will want to ask, "If we select you, will you be the photographer covering our wedding?" Some studios have several photographers and you may be speaking to an office clerk not the actual photographer. The sample albums may have been done by photographers who do not even work for the studio anymore. And the second question should be, "Can you please provide some references?" Any photographer or studio that can not then buyer beware. It is also a good idea to check the Better Business Bureau.
"What do I get and how much does it cost?"
Even shopping for a new dress or a coat you wouldn't ask that question until you find the style and quality you like. After you have seen a photographer's portfolio and paying close attention to:
•Candid photos (These are also called photojournalism technique)
•Complete coverage (Bride getting ready and Groom getting ready all the way to the departure of the Bride and Groom from the reception)
•The use of Color, Black and White, Sepia, and Exposure techniques
•Creativity with the album that is available
You should know if this photographer has the technique, style and spirit to be the eyes through which you and your children will see your wedding day. Of course, you should determine if the photographer is within your budget, give or take a little, but what you really want from photography is great memories of your wedding day. Look for an established and reliable photographer whose work moves you, whose technical quality is tops. If you find a photographer who makes you happy, you have chosen the right person for the job. When we have invested in items that will be with us for the rest of our lives, our satisfaction has been highest when we have paid that extra bit for the best quality. You will always be glad that you spent just a little bit more than you planned then going with the cheapest one you could find. The type to very careful of are the ones on websites that offer "FREE" and services under $1000 for complete coverage. You will find that you get what you pay for.
So, how much does wedding photography cost?
Fees range from $1000 to $8,000, and even more! Photographs will be your only permanent record of the day. IF you want the best photos be prepared to spend a minimum of $1,500. Expect the best photographers to charge the higher fees. The better the service the better the delivered photos to you for your enjoyment. Do not just shop a photography service by phone it is a short road to a highway of disappointment. Some planners have found that photography runs between 10 and 20 percent of the wedding budget. When couples see the value of great photography and are on a limited budget, they will spend 20percent to 25 percent of their wedding budget on a great photographer.
Sometimes brides miscalculate the cost of a good photographer by 50 percent. IF you are looking to spend $1000, then realistically expect to spend $2000.
I just want to spend $1,500, but all the good photographers start at $2,000 and up. What do I do?
First understand that photography is not a commodity. Some people can tell the difference between poor photography and good photography, and they are willing to pay for it. Also, understand that the photographer has costs that he has to incur as well. And the wedding photographers job is not over when he leaves the reception. Now he must download all the photographs and edit them all one by one in a photo editing software like Photoshop, Lightroom, Aperture, and these are not free programs. Photoshop costs about $700 on its own and we will not start talking about the current price of gas!!LOL
What about a small wedding, with thirty to 50 people, and I have a budget for a photographer of about $1200?
The first thing to consider is the date you are expecting the photographer to plan on accepting the job. The wedding season in South Texas is from April to October and if you plan a small wedding and want the fee adjusted the photographer is going to have to turn away bigger weddings. Can it be done and will I work with you and your budget? YOU BET!! I will even work out a payment plan if you need that consideration too.
What does MyStudioPhotos.com charge for a Saturday or Sunday Wedding?
Costs, which include an album and proofs, and the high-resolution files, start at $1,300.
How long should the photographer stay at the wedding?
I could meet you where you are getting ready, at the brides room in the church, your home, or if we are doing a destination wedding in your room, and keep taking pictures until you leave the reception. If you just want a few hours of photography, with a few formal shots and some photos of the ceremony. My typical coverage starts two or three hours before the ceremony and ends when you and the groom leave the reception hall.
What are proofs?
Not too long ago the photographer would provide photos in a Proof Album that contains 4X6 pictures of day’s events. The newlyweds would pick and choose which ones they wanted and what sizes they would like them to be printed. But now it is easy to scan these photos and print what they want with out the photographer knowing it. Most wedding and family photographers have moved on to digital proofs that can not be enlarged. When you view your proofs on line now the photo will only print out to be about 3X5 any larger and it will look distorted. The next precaution taken with proofs is to watermark them.
What about getting an album?
Most offer "Packages," each package has a desired number of hours, images, and certain number of pages in the album. It might be better to get a package that includes an album that the photographer will assemble for you, because most of us never get around to putting our pictures in albums if we have to do it ourselves. Think about ordering a parents' albums as well.
Who chooses the pictures that go in the album?
The bride and groom usually decide what goes in the album. The photographer may let you specify the sequence of the pictures, so that the album really shows the wedding the way you want to remember it, with important images enlarged, and related candids grouped together. Some photographers will suggest a layout for your album or design the album with you, using proofs or computer images to show you what the final album will look like. You will benefit from the photographer's eye and feel for the wedding. You will probably let your parents decide what pictures go in their album.
What details in sample photographs should I watch out for?
Lighting quality is important for superior photographs. The lighting in photographs should be natural and flattering, so that the pictures look three-dimensional. Limit the use of on-camera flash it can ruin wedding pictures.
Do I want film or digital capture?
Digital is the preferred way, because so much can be done with the photo after is stored on a computer and then enhanced in Photoshop.
What else should I look out for when I am looking at a photographer's samples?
You will want to view an album of a wedding from start to finish, not just a collection of highlights from different weddings. You want to see how the photographer captured and entire wedding and then you can expect this type of wedding album.
What can we do to keep the photographer from running my wedding?
It is best to set down with the photographer at least a week before your wedding day and give him a time line. At that time he will be able to discuss the best time to get the group posed shots and when to get some alone time with the bride and groom.
Should I have two photographers?
Some studios offer two-photographer coverage - where both are taking pictures. One concentrates on the formals, the other on candid wedding shots. Other studios emphasize the relationship aspect of photography: photographs grow out of a relationship and cooperation of entire wedding party and the photographer. For this approach, a second photographer is not needed.
Most brides don't want to be overwhelmed with thousands of images from their wedding day. One photographer can provide more than enough photos.
Some photographers ask that no one else take pictures during the formal photography. Is that reasonable?
Yes. If the photographer is trying to work quickly through a series of formal pictures, a snap-shooter might slow the process. The problem arises when there are several cameras aimed at a formal group - the subjects will be looking at different cameras. The diverted attention will ruin the professional's picture. Or, if the professional is using a light-sensing trigger device ("slave") on a second flash, other flashes will trigger this flash, ruining the pictures [that you are paying for] and wasting battery power. On the other hand, many guests find snapping a few pictures a pleasant part of attending weddings, so it should not be a big deal for your photographer to be relaxed and let people snap away when formals are over. Ideally, guests should show respect for the bridal party and photographer and put down their cameras during the formal photos.
I want to make copies of my photos. Does my photographer really own the copyright of his/her pictures? Do I still have to pay the photographer if I make the copies myself at a copy shop?
Yes and absolutely yes. According to federal law, images produced by a professional photographer are copyrighted the moment they are created. Federal law prohibits copying or reproducing copyrighted material without permission from the owner of the copyright, i.e., the photographer. If you copy or scan your photos, the photographer should be paid just as if you were buying reprints. If you or your videographer transfer the proofs to videotape, the photographer should be paid just as if you were buying reprints. If you don't feel comfortable paying for these copies, find a photographer whose work is so good that you are glad to pay. When I really appreciate something I purchase, like a fabulous meal, an antique, a good pair of shoes, or even medical care, I do not mind paying a premium for getting the highest quality. Look for the photographer who will provide you the satisfaction of paying for job well done.
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