When choosing photographers for weddings, there are a number of key factors to take into account: Experience - Has this person photographed other weddings? Does he/she do this for a living or for fun? Are there any testimonials, and previous customers with examples of the work? Photographic Style - There are many photographic styles you can choose from thses include, photojournalism, formal, classic, and so on.
Its also possible to have colour or black and white and a number of variations, its best to look as some examples to help you decide whats best for you.
Misleading advertising - When you are choosing a photographer for weddings its important to check that the person you make contact with is actually the photographer that will be attending your wedding, many photographers sub work out to free lance or other photographers (quite normal) be sure you have met the actual photographer who will be doing your wedding and have seen examples or their work specifically.
Appearance - Check with the photographer how he/she intends to dress, its important for most that the photographers appearance is suitable for attending their wedding.
Price - Although, the last thing you want to do is shop by price, its important you are fully aware of the costs, make sure you know whats included in the price, and if you have to pay for any extras such as pictures on cd, albums, reprints, additional copies etc.
Delivery - Check how long it will take to produce and deliver the finished works, if your getting married abroad, check the delivery will cover international and is secure.
Contract - Make sure you fully understand whats in the contract, who owns rights to the pictures etc, if there should be a dispute at any point, only whats written in the contract will count.
Deposits and payments - What does it say about cancellations and the photographer not being there? If the photographer protests, ask him why? This is one area NOT to take lightly.
Having a photographer not show up or worse not show up and take your deposit, it is not something you want to deal with on your wedding day.
Other points to consider: - Has the photogrpaher shot a wedding at this venue before? - Do you use an assistant? - Do you bring spare equipment and is it the same quality as the main equipment? - What time will you start and how long will you stay? - When will the proofs be ready? - Do we get to keep the proofs? - Do you mark your proofs? - Where and how are your proofs marked? - How much extra for unmarked proofs? - Do we get to keep our negatives or originals on CD or dvd? - How long do you keep the negatives and will you sell them to us? - Do you use digital photography? - Do you have tele-photo and wide-angle lenses? - Can you work from a photo list that we provide? - How will you be dressed? - Do you process and develop your own film and prints and or edit your own digital images - Can you touch up and enhance images using digital software? Does this cost extra? Whats in the contract? - The name of your photographer - The time that he/she starts and finishes.
- The number of proofs you will view in order to pick your enlargements - The description of the package you ordered - A list of guaranteed prices for enlargements, re-prints etc - The cutoff date for prices quoted.
- All additional charges, travel etc - make sure the exact cost is shown on the contract.
- An explanation of what happens if the photographer doesn't show up.
- The date and deposit amount and how much is still owing.
- Your name, address and phone number.
The addresses of the ceremony and reception locations