Tips Choosing a Photographer Critical points: Avoid miscommunication, request a written contract. The Contract should contain the following points: 1• Name and contact information for you and the photographer/s taking the pictures. (You want the person you choose to show up for your wedding pictures not someone else!) The number of assistants and their name/s 2• Correct date(s), exact number of hours, starting time(s), and location/s addresses (rehearsal dinner, home, ceremony, reception etc.) where the photographer will be expected to shoot. 3• Number of proofs you'll receive, and complete package details 4• Regarding proofs, state when they'll be ready and if they are included in the package price. Ask for an estimated date when your pictures/albums/Cd will be ready. I would recommend you get your pictures properly printed by a professional lab. Keep in mind the photographers work load has increased substantially since we started with digital photography and it may take a few weeks before you will receive your final prints. 5• Ask your photographer about your negatives/RAW files (Digital). Most professional photographers will keep the negatives, it is their only assurance that their work will be protected and printed properly. • Ask about the reorder price/s. Financial Matters 6• Deposit amount and date. (A deposit is typically paid at signing of the contract) The photographer is now committed to you and your wedding, the contract should state that,they will not accept other work for that day.(if the coverage you agreed on was for a full day.) •The balance due on: specify a date. Usually it is the day before or when the photographer arrives at the wedding. You can ask a trusted family member to take care of these little but important details. • Ask and get in writing the Cancellation and Refund policy. >Ask for clarification if you not sure what the contract says.< (Just remember when you book the photographer he/she did not book anyone else for that day they could have..) Back-up 7• Ask the photographer to provide you with a name of an acceptable substitute in case of emergency. 8• In the event of equipment failure, a guarantee that a backup camera/equipment will be on hand. Signing 9• You and the photographer should sign and date the document/s. 10. Special Request Checklist I provide couples with a Wedding Checklist as part of the Contract. My checklist asks for any special requests this also includes the style of photography. (Styles of photography, such as formal portraits, documentary-style, candid, combinations etc.) Special Moments I recently had a wedding where a special gesture was made by the groom to the bride’s daughters no one was aware except the bride, groom and me, that this was going to take place. I was ready and captured a hart warming moment forever. There are many of these wedding moments you don't want to miss. The best way to ensure your photographer captures them is to inform him/her of all the events and details that are important to you. (i.e.Your Grandmother made the decorations for the tables, or flowers anything and everything that is near and dear to you.) The list of must shoot photographs is very important. This is some of the basic requirements choose wisely, and get the details on paper. Hire someone from a recognised association like the Maritime Professional Photographers Association (MPPA) We are a group of dedicated photographic artists bound by our Association's code of ethics. Our members strive to be the best that they can be to serve our clients with the highest standard of service possible. Most important, enjoy your wedding! Feel free to send me an e-mail or phone me with any questions. |
||
