Wedding Shopping Tips
In your search for a wedding photographer there are many important considerations. Foremost is whether or not you like the sample photographs which he or she displays. In this process there are several factors which you are well advised to keep in mind. It is a great idea to view as many photographs from a single wedding as possible. You may be able to view a complete proof book from a recent wedding or a finished bridal album. My personal advice is to view 40-60 images from an individual event. These images should incorporate all phases of a wedding including pre-wedding portraits, ceremony photos, formal post wedding images and reception coverage. If you are able to view a good number of images from several weddings there are a few more details to consider.
The next important factor to confirm with your prospective photographer is whether or not the person who created the images that you have viewed will be the same individual who will be with you on your wedding day. This is especially important if you are considering employing a local studio which has several photographers on it's staff. If a studio sales person or owner is vague or evasive when you ask about who will be your photographer, I would advise to look elsewhere. If they are straightforward and agree to put into a contract who will be your photographer, they would appear to have the integrity which you are looking for. Another issue to ask about regarding your photographer is whether or not he or she will be with you for the entire day or if a second photographer will take over at some point. If the owner of a studio is well known and in high demand, he or she may commit to photographing 2 or more weddings in a single day. Not being able to be in two places at once, the owner (or other in demand photographer) may split time between two or three weddings in a single day. This may be satisfactory if you know what to expect. If you ask this question and find that another photographer will finish up your wedding it is a good idea to look at samples taken by the second photographer.
In addition to who will be with you on your wedding day, it is imperative that your photographer clearly spell out in a contract what you will receive for the money you pay. Several items are important. It should be clearly stated how much time the person(s) will be with you on your wedding day. If you do not book the person to the end of your reception, you may want to inquire how much any extra time will cost. It is also important that your contract shows whether or not sales tax is included in the prices you are quoted. Sales tax on a $3,000.00 wedding package comes out to $247.50. My personal preference is to include sales taxes in any price quote. I feel that brides & grooms prefer an "out the door" price quote.
Another consideration is what your package will consist of. Again, clarity is important. Items to consider for your package include: 1. The entire set of proofs 2. The entire set of negatives or digital files 3. How many images & what sizes will be in a finished bridal album 3. Cost and contents of parent albums 4. Whether or not you want to include any loose prints in your package. Some photographers may use what is called "a la carte" pricing in which a fee is paid for the photographer's time and prints or albums are additional charges. I prefer clear package pricing.
I hope this information helps you in your search for a photographer. If you have any questions or would like to discuss your photographic needs please feel free to call at 408-984-2064 or email at gmrshall@pacbell.net
Best wishes,
Guy Anderson