10 Questions to ask your Wedding Photographer

Feb. 6, 2010 - PRLog -- For many brides, their wedding is the first and only time they will plan an event of this size. The vendors you choose will have an enormous impact on your day - and the photographer you choose will have an impact on how you remember it as well.
To help you with this decision, here are 10 questions you should ask your photographer to make sure you get exactly what you want.

1)      Will you be the photographer at my wedding? Many studios have more than one photographer on staff. Be sure you meet the photographer who will shoot your wedding and you are looking at his or her actual work - not the "best of" samples from the studio.

2)      Do you have references?  Call or email a few recent brides for references and listen carefully to what they say. Google your photographer; many brides will write reviews of their vendors on web sites and wedding forums.

3)      Will you do a site visit?  Your photographer should be familiar with your venue and know where the best shots are before the big day. They should also make an effort to contact your event planner so that they are on the same page during the event.

4)      How do you handle the formal photos?  The formal photos can be very challenging, with family and friends eagerly waiting to go to the reception. An experienced photographer will be able to handle your formals with speed and patience so that you get the photos you want and everyone can get to the party as soon as possible.

5)      When will the album be delivered?  Most photographers wait for you to select the photos before designing the album. For some brides this is an overwhelming task. Ask if your photographer is willing to create an initial album design to get you started. Once you finalize the design, you can expect your album in six to eight weeks.

6)      Is retouching included?  If not, how much do you charge for retouching?  Touch of Color? Black and White? If retouching is not included it can really add up. Keep in mind that the sample albums you see will be filled with touched up photos.

7)      How much of your business is wedding photography? Photographers who specialize in wedding photography are more familiar with managing the smooth flow of your day and capturing all the key moments of your day. How long have you been in business?  How many weddings have you photographed that were similar in size and scope to ours?

8)      How many cameras do you use and do you bring back up equipment?  Most professionals carry 2 or even 3 cameras to quickly switch between different lenses. Plus you want to be sure that your photographer is prepared should any of his equipment malfunction.

9)      Do you include a high resolution DVD or Flash Drive of your images?  If so, do you provide us with a letter of rights to reprint?

10)  How many hours are included? What do you charge for additional hours?  Is there a travel fee? Are there any other costs we have not discussed? Hidden fees can add up, so be aware of what you are getting yourself into.

Thank you for the opportunity to earn your business. I hope you find this helpful.  As always, I am happy to answer all your questions.  Check out my work at www.athousandmoments.com. Please do not hesitate to contact me via phone or email.  May you have a fabulous wedding.

Best Wishes,
Erik Waddell

Principal Photographer
A Thousand Moments Photography
blog.athousandmoments.com
617.894.4042
erik@athousandmoments.com
www.athousandmoments.com

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