Advice
Before You Hire a Photographer
...what one photographer wishes every couple knew.
I've been photographing weddings since 2003, and during this time I've learned a great deal about the wedding industry. I've seen the good, the bad, and yes, some quite ugly situations. It's my sincere hope that I might help some new couples avoid the bad and ugly through sharing some of the things I've learned on this page - particularly if I'm not selected to be their photographer, since being there allows me to personally and directly head problems off at the pass.
So please keep the following in mind about what you can expect, what you should get, and what you should not settle for in your wedding photographer.
1) Get Your Negatives! - I can't stress this enough. Make absolutely *certain* that your photographer's fee includes your right to get and duplicate any and all photos the photographer takes! There should be an option to get all negatives on DVD, and this should be included in the photographer's fee. Prints might be an additional fee, but you should be able to do that yourself, where and when you choose.
2) View Entire Albums - not just a few of their best photos. Viewing an entire wedding from start to finish gives you a much better idea of what you can expect from your photographer at your wedding.
3) Meet Your Photographer - Photographers vary greatly in quality and experience. If you use an agency to hire a photographer, make sure you get that photographer whose work you appreciate. Don't let the agency switch the photographer (possibly for a less expensive, less experienced photographer) at their whim.
4) Like Your Photographer - You'll be surprised how much your photographer's personality matters on your wedding day. For that whole day, they will be your best friend, staying by your side every bit as much as your closest family members (or they're doing something wrong).
5) Don't Get Hung Up on Fancy Technology - It's a poor craftsman that blames their tools. Film, digital; Canon, Nikon; these things do not make a good photographer. You could give a good photographer a disposable camera and still expect good results. Judge them only by what they produce, not the toys they own. (but don't get me wrong - toys *are* cool)
Photographer Checklist:
I wish you the very best in your hunt for your wedding vendors. If there is anything I can do, or if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.
Read More...what one photographer wishes every couple knew.
I've been photographing weddings since 2003, and during this time I've learned a great deal about the wedding industry. I've seen the good, the bad, and yes, some quite ugly situations. It's my sincere hope that I might help some new couples avoid the bad and ugly through sharing some of the things I've learned on this page - particularly if I'm not selected to be their photographer, since being there allows me to personally and directly head problems off at the pass.
So please keep the following in mind about what you can expect, what you should get, and what you should not settle for in your wedding photographer.
1) Get Your Negatives! - I can't stress this enough. Make absolutely *certain* that your photographer's fee includes your right to get and duplicate any and all photos the photographer takes! There should be an option to get all negatives on DVD, and this should be included in the photographer's fee. Prints might be an additional fee, but you should be able to do that yourself, where and when you choose.
2) View Entire Albums - not just a few of their best photos. Viewing an entire wedding from start to finish gives you a much better idea of what you can expect from your photographer at your wedding.
3) Meet Your Photographer - Photographers vary greatly in quality and experience. If you use an agency to hire a photographer, make sure you get that photographer whose work you appreciate. Don't let the agency switch the photographer (possibly for a less expensive, less experienced photographer) at their whim.
4) Like Your Photographer - You'll be surprised how much your photographer's personality matters on your wedding day. For that whole day, they will be your best friend, staying by your side every bit as much as your closest family members (or they're doing something wrong).
5) Don't Get Hung Up on Fancy Technology - It's a poor craftsman that blames their tools. Film, digital; Canon, Nikon; these things do not make a good photographer. You could give a good photographer a disposable camera and still expect good results. Judge them only by what they produce, not the toys they own. (but don't get me wrong - toys *are* cool)
Photographer Checklist:
-
Negatives on disc included in fee?
Duplication Rights (make sure you can make your own prints in the contract)?
Online album for friends and family to view (duration? Password protectable?)?
Specific photographer (able to meet/get to know the photographer you'll have beforehand)?
Whole event (so you don't have to worry about 'going over')?
No Hidden fees such as (unreasonable) travel costs, overtime, etc.?
Album(s) included?
Videography included (keep in mind, this takes a very different skill set)?
Know All (hidden) Costs Involved - get a quote for exactly what you want before you sign anything.
I wish you the very best in your hunt for your wedding vendors. If there is anything I can do, or if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.