Detroit Area Wedding Guide
Choosing a Wedding Photographer
Choose a Photographer
Photographs are emotional ties to our past. Memories of happy times that allow us to relive our past. And the wedding day is one of those happy memories that no one wants to forget. Fifty years from now, the anniversary couple still want to relive every minute and every detail of that beautiful day. That is why the choice of photographer is so important. He or she will be entrusted with your memories.
Good photography is not expected to be cheap. And probably no one begrudges the expense of good work but that is the problem with hiring a photographer. You are buying something you cannot see until after the fact. Not only do you not see the finished product but also you do not know how long the work will take to complete. Indeed, extensive consideration should be placed on choosing the right photographer.
Photographers who are good at their work usually are booked every weekend. It is essential to choose someone as soon as possible but at the same time, do not rush the selection process. Spend your time researching and reading. Find the photographer's website and view pictures from previous weddings. Should the photographer house his or her photos in a gallery, go and preview the photos. Attend wedding shows and see samples of different photography.
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Once you have found a couple names of photographers who exhibit the type of pictures you would like, call and set up an appointment. Meet face to face so that you can see other albums of work and check his or her personality. Also discuss pricing because wedding photographers will vary dramatically in the packages and prices.
Some photography studios have more than one photographer. Your appointment should be with the person who will actually film your wedding. Also, the samples of work should be from the same photographer and not the studio in general.
Some of the questions that should be asked and maybe even included in the contract to avoid confusion are:
Who owns the photos?
Can they be copied?
Are the proofs marked and can they be used to make enlargements?
How many proofs can you choose from to get your final pictures?
Can you keep the negatives?
Can you choose between color and black and white?
Can the photographer do a particular special effect that you like?
How much influence do you have in the photos? Will the photographer permit you to provide a list of "must-have" photos in addition to the candid shots and pre-arranged photo session?
Will extra props be used?
As with other wedding vendors such as the caterer, the florist and the videographer, be sure to request a written contract from the photographer before making a deposit. The contract should include at least the following terms:
the name of the actual photographer being sent the day of the wedding
how many photographs will be received and in what sizes
where will the photos be taken? For example at all locations - the bride's home while getting ready for the wedding, the church, the wedding photo session in the park and the reception
the date that you will receive your proofs
the date that you will receive the completed package
details explaining what will happen if the photographer does not show up for any reason
the date, time and locations of events on the wedding day
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is the deposit refundable and under what circumstances
extra costs involved such as travelling expenses, special equipment, cards and books
total cost, deposit amount, balance due date and balance due amount
While we prefer to take people at face value and we do not think about the terrible things that may happen, it is really important with photography to have everything in writing and in detail. If the cake is not perfect, although you might be disappointed, it will not ruin your wedding day but if the photographs turn out poorly or the photographer does not perform satisfactorily, you will have lost money, valuable time and a once in a lifetime chance to capture your memories.
In order to preserve a little of the day in case something goes terribly wrong, have a backup plan for photographs. We are not suggesting hiring two photographers but rather maybe an amateur in the family who enjoys photography might take some photos to be safe. Also, a student may enjoy helping out for the day for a small fee. You might also consider leaving disposable cameras on the tables for the guests to take candid shots.
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