Complete This Checklist Before You Hire a Wedding Photographer

by Kevin Kinyon

A s you plan your special day, you'll find yourself faced with countless options when it comes to most of the aspects of your celebration. Your dress. The food. Your reception venue. Your vows. And then there are decisions to make when you hire a wedding photographer. Because most brides have never had a need for professional wedding photography prior to planning their weddings, the process is most likely an unfamiliar one. Considering this is the primary way you'll capture and preserve memories of your union, it's important to choose someone who will deliver the style and options you want at a price you can afford.

The following checklist will guide you through what information you should obtain before you hire a wedding photographer.

_____ Conduct an Online Search for Professional Wedding Photography Companies - Before the Internet Age, you would have had to set up appointments to see different photographers' portfolios, running across town in a frenzy that only added to your anxiety. Now, you can conduct your search via the Internet to find photographers who are available in your local area on the dates you need.

_____ Preview the Photographer's Work - Take an in-depth look at a photographer's portfolio online. Thanks to high-speed Internet access, it's simple to view individual photos or slideshows that highlight the quality and creativity each one of your candidates offers.

_____ Check References - Once you've found a potential match, ask for references then actually contact them. When you speak with prior clients, concentrate your questions on the photographer's attitude and work ethic. Were they on time? Did they do everything they promised? Were they pleasant to work with? Were they polite to family, friends and guests? Did he/she fulfill the contract without incident?

_____ Agree on Prices Beforehand - Like any other major transaction, it's important to agree on a cost in writing before the big date. In addition to the cost of professional wedding photography itself and the charge for photographs you'll have printed later, make sure all incidentals such as film, travel, and lodging are included.

_____ Verify the Poses Your Photographer Will Take - Before you hire a wedding photographer, ask to include any poses that are of particular importance to you. If you specifically want shots of your hands with your wedding rings, put that on the list. If you want images of you and a friend who isn't in your wedding party, make a note. Your photographer may have a list of standard poses he/she shoots, but most are flexible with adding others.

_____ Ask About Deposits Many photographers will require a deposit to secure their services on the specified date, with the remainder payable upon receipt of your proofs. Clarify specific amounts or percentages in writing so there are no questions later on.

_____ Confirm Delivery of Proofs and Photos - All professional wedding photography contracts include delivery of proofs. What you'll need to verify is when the proofs will be delivered and in what format. Will the photographer provide paper or digital proofs? Once orders are placed, when can delivery of photos be expected?

_____ What Format are Pictures Available In? - While almost all photographers offer print photos, many are now also providing CDs of images. Ask which formats are available and if there is an additional cost for digital images. Likewise, because images are copyright protected, you'll want to find out if a copyright fee is charged for digital images and what that fee is.

_____ Ask About Online Wedding Albums - Another add-on service many professional wedding photographers now offer is the set up and maintenance of online wedding albums. Talk with your candidates about what types of albums (if any) they offer and all costs involved. This is a great way to keep family and friends updated.

Using this checklist gives you a hassle-free way to ensure you've collected all the information you need before you hire a wedding photographer. From there, all that's left is to smile for the camera and enjoy your special day!

Kevin Kinyon is President of GigMasters.com event planning & entertainment booking service. Find photos, videos & reviews for over 7,000 performers & vendors in North America . Ready to hire a wedding photographer ? Visit http://www.gigmasters.com .

Article submitted Tuesday, January 19, 2010 & read 70 times.

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