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ccweddings.com covering
the Central Coast
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10
Tips for Choosing a Wedding Photographer
By Charles W.
Falk
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Experience
Level - Has this person
photographed other weddings? Does he/she do this for a living or for
fun? In this industry, photographers come and go daily. A brand new
one may be pretty good, and everyone has to start somewhere, but do
you want to trust your once in a lifetime event to a newcomer?
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Photographic
Style - Are the images
that you are shown, what you would like to see? Can you picture
yourself photographed the same way? Is there a satisfactory mix in
different styles? There are "buzz" words flying about
everywhere about photojournalism, formal, classic contemporary, and so
on. All colorful adjectives aside; do YOU like it?
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Truth
in Advertising - Is this
the photographer that will be photographing your wedding or will they
send in whom ever is available. Don't be shocked, this happens more
often than you can imagine. Be certain that you know which
photographer is going to be there and see HIS/HER work and meet them.
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Personality
- Is the photographer that you meet someone that you can get along
with? Is the "chemistry" there? People have walked away from
hairstylists and tailors for less. This is a person that you are going
to spend most of the day with; the most important day. Could you
handle it? Does he or she seem service oriented?
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Appearance
- Ask the photographer
how he/she intends to dress. The last thing that you want is a
conflict at the wedding about the photographer wearing a sweatshirt
and jeans with sneakers at your favorite country club. Is this person
well groomed?
- Price Range - Although,
the last thing you want to do is shop by price, is this person within
your budget? If not, is he or she worth the difference? A lot of times
we tend to surpass our budget constraints to get what we really want.
If you see and like it, you'll find a way. In any case, make sure you
understand what everything costs, including reorders.
- Delivery - How
long does it take to get your proofs back, your finished album, your
bridal portrait, etc.? Go ahead and ask. Some photographers take
months to deliver your proofs. Be sure of how long things take to turn
around.
- Offering
- Whether it's a la Carte or packages, do you
understand what you get? Is there any room for changes and will it
cost to do so? Sometimes the packages are fixed, sometimes they can be
customized, in any case, ask. How much time will he spend? What if you
need more time? Make sure that you know what's coming.
- Contract - Do
you understand the contract. Is it fair? Is everything spelled out?
When it comes down going to court, only what is WRITTEN really counts,
not what was promised. Make sure that you have no doubts before
signing. Read it ALL.
What about deposits and payments? What does it say about cancellations
and the photographer not being there? If you are not sure, ask legal
counsel to look it over. If the photographer protests, ask him why?
This is one area NOT to take lightly. You could be disappointed for a
long time.
- References
- A personal reference is always the best and people love to talk. Get
a list of references from the photographer and check them out
personally. A photographer who doesn't have references or is afraid to
give them to you may not be the person that you need to hire.
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