Perfect Pictures
Donna Fennessy
Your wedding photos will be something you’ll treasure long after your big day is over, so you’ll want them done right. To ensure you pick a photographer who will really depict the joy of your wedding, follow these steps:
Step 1: Figure out your budget. Decide how important wedding photos are to you. For many brides, it’s worth investing more money into their wedding photography to allow for a great photographer or a more inclusive photo package. Plan to spend about 15 percent of your total budget on photography – depending on exactly what you want. If you’re looking only for wedding photos, it will be a bit lower. But if you want the total package (an album for you and both sets of parents, thank-you cards, portraits, etc.), it will cost more. Sometimes, you can negotiate within a package: Some studios will allow you to substitute – for instance, if you don’t want thank-you cards, you can add an extra portrait instead.
Step 2: Do your research. What kind of photos do you want? Do you like traditional (posed) or photojournalistic (candid) shots? Do you like color or black and white or a mix of both? (Go to longislandbrideandgroom.com and take a look at photographers’ websites. Also, check out the photographers featured in this issue of Long Island Bride & Groom.) Don’t be afraid to ask friends for references. If you have a friend who recently got married and whose photo album you like, find out if she was happy with her photographer, and schedule a time to meet with them. Ideally, you’ll want to find a photographer whose style matches yours.
Step 3: Meet with a few different photographers. Once you’ve figured out your budget and decided on what type of photographer you want, make appointments to meet with a few candidates. “Make a list of five photographers you’d like to meet,” says Amy Etra, a wedding photographer based in Killingworth, Connecticut. “Figure that two may already be booked, so you’ll have a chance to chat with three of them.” This allows you to see their work and learn more about them. Use this time to get to know the photographer personally. Being comfortable with him or her is really important. You’ll be with them all day long and they’ll become part of the event, so you want to pick someone who you get along with. Ask to see albums, as well as a proof book if possible. This gives you a look at the photographer’s raw, unfinished work.
Step 4: Ask questions. Make a list ahead of time, so you don’t forget anything. Some important points to cover:
• Will you be the one shooting our wedding? Sometimes, studios have several photographers. Make sure you get the name of the photographer you want written into your contract.
• Will you have an assistant?
• How will you be dressed?
• What happens if you get sick? What is your contingency plan? Some will provide the name of a backup just in case your chosen photographer can’t make it.
• How many hours will you be shooting? What happens if we need you to stay beyond that time? Ask about overtime rates ahead of time, so you’re prepared.
• Will you be shooting on film or digitally? The quality of digital and film photography is similar now, so whichever your photographer uses make sure they are experienced and comfortable with that method.
• How many proofs do you promise? Anywhere from 500 to 700 is a good range.
• What kind of proof product will I get? Some deliver their photos on a DVD, while others provide print proofs.
• Will I get to keep the proofs?
• How long will it take to get the proofs/albums/thank you cards after the wedding?
• How will payments work? This can vary considerably depending on your photographer: Some ask for a large deposit to hold the date and then the balance the day of the wedding. Others will spread the cost out over a longer period of time, for example, they may ask for 25 percent to hold the date, another 25 percent a few weeks before the wedding, 25 percent when the proofs come in, and the rest when the album is delivered.
• If I change my mind and decide to order an album after the proofs come in, will it cost more? Many brides who decide to skip albums change their mind once they see their proofs, and some photographers will charge more for an album if you order it afterwards, so be sure to ask.
• What is your cancellation and refund policy?
Step 5: Negotiate the contract. Make sure all the details you’ve discussed and agreed on are written down – from the name of the photographer who will shoot your wedding to the time he or she will start and leave. Remember, it’s not guaranteed unless it’s in the contract. If possible, ask for an itemized contract and keep a copy for yourself to refer to as the day approaches.
Step 6: Talk with your photographer. Let him or her know ahead of time if you want a shot with your favorite aunt or if you’d like photos of your guests at each of the tables, for example. It’s a good idea to give your photographer a must-snap photo list before the wedding. This is your chance to ensure you get the pictures you want, as you won’t have time to direct your photographer on your wedding day. Then relax, let your photographer do the rest of the work, and remember to smile!