Planning a wedding is one of the most stressful times in a bride's life. When you are looking for a photographer, it can be difficult to make a choice if you have never had to hire this type of professional before. The following tips will help you sort through the available options and choose the right photographer for your most special day.
Basic Questions
When comparing wedding photographers, it's important to ask about the basics first. Most photographers want a consultation with you before they provide a quote, so have these questions in mind before you meet with a potential photographer.
- Is the photographer available for the dates you need? Don't forget the rehearsal, rehearsal dinner, bachelor and bachelorette parties, and other related events that you'll likely want professional photos of to commemorate the day.
- What does the photographer charge? There will likely be a basic fee for services, plus prices for overtime, prices for prints if you choose hard copies, and other fees that may be assessed by the photographer. D
- Does the photographer require a meal or other accommodations? Many photographers have a meal if the wedding guests are having a meal.
- What does the photographer's portfolio look like? Check out the photographer's website if available, or check out their portfolio in person to ensure they are talented and will do a good job memorializing your big day.
Prints
This is the biggest expense in your photography budget. Prints of your event can run into the thousands of dollars depending on how many prints you choose, what sizes you need, and the finishes on the prints. Some photographers will provide these, others will present you with the digital files that you can have printed anywhere you want. Determine the fees for prints and plan accordingly as to where you want to have them printed and how many of each size you and your loved ones will need.
Digital Downloads and Reprint Rights
It is important to determine what your reprint rights are in regards to your wedding photos. If you plan to reprint the photos yourself or send them somewhere to be reprinted later, it is imperative that you purchase reprint rights to the photos when you purchase photography services. Likewise, if you plan to use an online service to print photo books, or if you wish to share the digital files with family members so they can order prints of your wedding, you will need the reprint rights to your photos. Ask your photographer what you are purchasing before you sign the contract. This will help you avoid a high fee to purchase reprint rights later.
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