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Photography
Long after the wedding cake has
been eaten; long after the flowers have wilted; long after the
thank you notes have been written you will have one tangible
remembrance of your wedding - the photographs.
As important as finding the
right dress, the right cake and the right caterer are, finding
the right photographer is just as, if not more, important.
And, like selecting a reception site and caterer, selecting
and hiring the right photographer is one of the many planning
tasks that should be faced early in the process.
Most photographers' services
are booked anywhere from 12 to 18 months in advance,
especially during the busy spring and summer months. If you
wait too close to the wedding date, instead of booking the
photographer you want, you may end up with the photographer
that is available. Keep in mind, most photographers can only
shoot one wedding a weekend. That means on average they only
have 52 available dates.
For most brides, however,
selecting a wedding photographer is one of the few areas where
they have no idea what to expect or look for. Begin by looking
at photographs from the weddings of friends and family. Ask
for their suggestions or recommendations. Also, look in bridal
magazines to determine what kind of shots and poses you like.
Being an educated bride is your best tool for getting the kind
of wedding photos you'd like. Once you have narrowed the field
to three or four photographers, make appointments to visit
them in their studios. When making the appointments, tell the
photographer what your budget will be.
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After the reception,
photography is usually the most expensive service. Basic
wedding packages in the area generally start in the $1,500
range and can go up to several thousand dollars. By informing
the photographer of your budget before the appointment, you
may save yourself some time and trouble. If the photographer's
rates are higher than your budget will allow, there is no
point in spending the time interviewing him. In most cases
they will be happy to recommend someone in your price range. |
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 When you visit, be prepared
with the information the photographer will need to give you an
accurate proposal. In addition to the date, time and location
of the wedding, you should know how many people you will have
in the wedding party as well as any special photo requests you
have. Not only will you want to view his work, you will also
want to discuss all phases of the photography.
Ask for references and a
detailed list of what the wedding package you are considering
will include. Once you have this information from two or three
photographers, take the time to carefully compare the various
packages line-by-line, as well as the rate for reprints and
timeframes for orders.
In the end, the final decision
on who you hire may come down to feelings. Your photographer
will be involved in your wedding and reception, all day. It
should be someone you feel comfortable with and who you feel
will do the best job for you.
Contracting a photographer
doesn't end your responsibilities. You will want to meet with
your photographer shortly before the wedding to confirm the
list of shots he will take at the wedding. Getting these
wedding shots are a once in a lifetime opportunity, so you
don't want to miss any shot.
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If there is something special
you want, for example if your great-grandmother will be there,
you need to let the photographer know ahead of time. By the
same token, if there are some "traditional" wedding
shots you aren't interested in, perhaps the picture of your
hands over the bouquet, let the photographer know so they
won't waste their valuable time (which you are paying for)
taking pictures you don't want. It is also very helpful to
assign someone familiar with the families to assist the
photographer rounding up everyone for the different photos.
Some other things to remember.
Be on time. If your photographer is arriving at the dressing
location at 9 a.m. to take preparation shots, be ready at 9
a.m. Whatever amount of time you normally take to get ready,
double it. And if you plan to take portraits at the church
immediately after the ceremony, inform everyone involved the
night before at the rehearsal dinner that they need to remain.
By starting early and discussing everything you want with your
photographer, you will have photographs from your wedding that
will bring you happiness all your married life.
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