| > | | | | wedding photographer who is affiliated with a |
| Choosing a wedding photographer, one of your most | | | | company, make sure you know who is taking the |
| important vendors, is a major decision. Use this helpful | | | | pictures that day. Sometimes, bigger companies have |
| checklist to identify the right wedding photographer to | | | | an apprentice or assistant taking your pictures. |
| capture the special moments of your big day. | | | | [ ] Film: Ask what type of medium the photographer |
| Choosing a wedding photographer is incredibly | | | | uses. Can he or she accommodate film and digital |
| important since it's one of the primary ways to capture | | | | requests as well as color or black and white? |
| the special moments of your big day. It can be a | | | | [ ] Capabilities: Remember - you will have choices to |
| complicated decision though, and there are certain | | | | make, including how many hours you need the |
| things to consider when picking the right one. Consider | | | | photographer to stay on and take pictures. What |
| an engagement picture shoot with your photographer | | | | pictures do you want taken? Where do you want |
| prior to the wedding. Chances are he or she will be | | | | pictures taken? How many albums do you want? |
| with you the entire day! This will get you used to the | | | | Well before the day of the wedding, provide your |
| photographer being in your face all day taking pictures. | | | | photographer with a list of the pictures you want |
| As an added benefit, it will ensure you are more | | | | taken, including the bride getting ready, groomsmen, |
| comfortable and less self-conscious about pictures | | | | family, ceremony, and reception. This ensures that you |
| being snapped every three seconds. | | | | have ample time to discuss the shots that are "must |
| Use this checklist to make sure you're meeting all the | | | | haves." Plus, the wedding photographer is better |
| requirements couples look for when choosing a | | | | prepared. |
| wedding photographer. | | | | [ ] Developing: Can your wedding photographer put |
| Wedding Vendor Checklist | | | | together a proof book with pictures from the wedding |
| [ ] Budget: Pricing may vary anywhere from hundreds | | | | as well as a wedding album? Furthermore, you should |
| of dollars to thousands, and is based on experience, | | | | inquire how you'll receive your pictures and how long |
| quality, packages, day and time of wedding, and | | | | the turnaround takes. Some photographers upload |
| reputation. You'll also want to consider if the | | | | pictures to a website and then charge you for every |
| photographer can travel to your wedding spot and | | | | picture, while some give you all the negatives and then |
| how long he or she will be there. | | | | you print your own pictures. The rest may just give |
| Package pricing can be tricky however. For many | | | | you the proof book to select pictures from. If you have |
| couples, choosing a wedding photographer is based on | | | | the option to take them all, do it! |
| price. Carefully review what is included in these | | | | [ ] References: Don't forget to ask your wedding |
| pre-priced packages. Most of all, speak up and | | | | photographer for references. The past experiences of |
| negotiate items you agree with. | | | | other couples will help you make a more well-rounded |
| [ ] Experience/Style: What is the photographer's style? | | | | decision. |
| Whether it's traditional or artsy, you'll need to pick a | | | | The Trick to Choosing a Wedding Photographer |
| wedding photographer that suits your style or theme. | | | | If you have a wedding planner -- which is highly |
| For example, a 'barefoot on the beach' theme may | | | | recommended - you'll soon learn that he or she has |
| necessitate a photographer that shoots exclusively | | | | relationships with all types of vendors and can |
| outside and is experienced with artistic nature shots. | | | | introduce you to a few photographers who have |
| You'll also want to review a website or portfolio | | | | proven their mettle. This type of scenario is a win-win |
| before choosing your wedding photographer. During | | | | situation for everyone. If having a wedding planner is |
| the interview, ask the photographer to bring along | | | | unrealistic, referrals are a good place to start. Ask |
| pictures or albums of previous work. Ask yourself how | | | | friends or family which photography studio they used |
| obtrusive the photographer is during the actual | | | | for their weddings. The internet, bridal magazines, and |
| shooting. Does he or she blend into the background | | | | shows are other good methods of research when it |
| while taking pictures or is it a more obnoxious | | | | comes to choosing a wedding photographer. Make |
| approach? | | | | sure you interview several photographers to find the |
| Finally, what is the photographer's personality like? Can | | | | right fit - just book fast - good photographers go |
| you imagine yourself getting along with the person | | | | quickly. |
| during the ceremony and reception? If you select a | | | | |