Shane Co

Photographers

Once your big day has come and gone, your wedding photos become one of your most precious keepsakes. You'll continue to relive the exciting moments as you show them off to family and friends. There is no doubt that they'll become part of your family's legacy over the years.

For these reasons choosing the right photographer is extremely important. This is not the time to cut corners. Have a professional, experienced wedding photographer take your once-in-a-lifetime pictures.

With that in mind, your first priority should be finding a photographer who will complement your sense of style as well as your photographic needs. You should also feel comfortable with this person. After all, you'll be sharing many of your private moments as well as the highlights of your wedding day with them.

What to Look For

Wedding photographers have varied styles and modes of operation. Most will view your event as a series of staged photo opportunities and follow a specific checklist of photos. The benefit of using a Shot List is that you can assume you will get every picture you request. However, rigidity is the downside of this style of photography. Subjects will always be aware of the camera. If using a checklist in not your style, search for photographers who approach weddings with the eye of a photojournalist. They will shoot events as they happen instead of trying to pose participants. This style will certainly produce more natural pictures, but the risk is that you may miss out on some "traditional" photos. Many couples try to find a photographer who can blend the two techniques and capture the best of both.

Note the following when evaluating a photographer's work:

Style - Does the work exhibit a range of styles? Can you see your wedding being photographed in the same way?
Clarity - Are details clearly defined? Is the focus crisp?
Color - Do skin tones appear natural? Do the colors have depth?
Black and White - Is the contrast strong? Do the photos evoke a mood or emotional response?
Composition - Are the images balanced and well cropped? Do the photos make good use of space and shadow?
Underexposure - Are details lost in dark or shadowed areas? Do skin tones have an orange tint?
Overexposure - Pay special attention to photos featuring wedding gowns or cakes. Can you distinguish details in the lighter areas?

Questions to Ask

Are you the person who will be photographing the wedding?
Don't assume that the photographer you're speaking with will be the person who shoots your wedding. Insist on meeting the actual photographer and have them show you examples of their work. You'll also need to have the exact name of the photographer in The Contract. If you don't, a studio to might send any available photographer.
How long have you been photographing weddings?
An inexperienced, but talented wedding photographer can still shoot dazzling photos. But beware, they may also make serious errors in judgment. You might save some money, but are you comfortable with the risk?
How many of your pictures are posed? Candids?
The answers will give you an indication of the photographer's predominant style and philosophy. Look closely at their proof books!
Are you familiar with my wedding and reception sites?
Photographers should be aware of any restrictions or special lighting requirements. If they are not, they should be willing to visit the site ahead of time. And be sure to check with your wedding officiant or the management of your sites to determine if there are any special restrictions on photography. If there are, make sure your photographer knows about them.
Can you give me a price range for an event of this size?
Determine if this person will work within your budget. Of course, if you like them enough you may just decide to increase your budget in order to hire the best.
How many photos will be taken?
The more images you have to choose from, the better your final album is likely to be. Find out whether your pictures will be shot in color or in black and white film, or in some combination of both. During the average wedding and reception, photographers usually take anywhere from 150 to 300 photos. The number varies according to the size of the wedding and the length of the reception. Most photography sessions begin one to two hours before the ceremony and continue through the end of the reception.
Do you expect exclusive photography rights?
Some photographers will reserve the exclusive right to photograph your wedding in their contract. That would bar all family and friends from taking pictures as well as the services of a videographer. Read your contract carefully.
Do you carry back-up equipment?
A good photographer should always have back-up equipment on-site. You can't stop the ceremony while the photographer gets a new camera.
What is your policy on negatives?
Most professional photographers keep their own negatives. If this is your photographer's policy, find out how long they will be kept on file and what the costs of reprints will be. You may also be able to arrange to buy the negatives after a set period of time.
When can I expect final delivery?
Depending on how busy your photographer is, you could have a long wait - it could be months! Go ahead and ask how long it will take to get your proofs�your bridal portrait � your finished albums. You may want to factor delivery time into your selection process.
When do I make the deposit? Pay off the balance?
It's important to get a break-down of all costs - in writing - ahead of time. You need to know what is owed and what additional charges and restrictions there might be. Be aware that most deposits are non-refundable and that there may be additional charges for any overtime work.
When do you shoot portraits?
Many traditional photographers like to shoot wedding portraits before the ceremony. This allows plenty of time for posing, but will also mean that the bride and groom will see each other before the ceremony. Another option is to shoot all portraits except the ones with the bride and groom together prior to the ceremony. Poses including the couple can be taken afterwards.
Do you shoot in black and white or in color?
Some people prefer a retro look using all black and white photography. Others feel that nothing but living color will do. Many couples choose to have some of both. Be sure to discuss these options with your photographer.

Costs Involved

Package deals usually include a set number of prints placed in an album. Get a complete listing of the photographer's package rates as well as any "a la carte" prices.

Photography will be a major part of your wedding budget. Many couples spend from 10 to 20 percent on their photos. How much you spend will depend on your photographer's rates and the level of services you will need.

Basic packages usually start around $1,000, but can easily run much higher. You're paying for the photographer's time, development of your pictures and the finished product.

Portraits
A bridal portrait is a formal portrait of the bride in her wedding gown. These portraits are usually taken at an indoor studio or on location several weeks before the wedding. An engagement portrait is a less formal picture of you and your fianc�e. This portrait is often used to announce your engagement in the local paper. Portrait expenses will include a sitting fee and the selected number of prints made. Sitting fees usually start around $50. Fees will vary depending on the area, your photographer's rates, and the print size you choose. Expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $500, or more, for your formal portraits. You're paying for the photographer's time, development of your pictures and the finished product.
Albums
The number of albums you purchase as well as their quality will determine much of your photography budget. Most photographers offer a wide selection of albums including top lines such as Art Leather, Leather Craftsman and Capri. Be sure to specify the exact type and brand of albums you will want in your contract. Many experts say you can expect to spend as much as $2,500, but you could easily double or even triple that amount with multiple orders.
Candids
The candids are usually taken at the wedding and reception and are assembled into the main album. They may also be used to assemble gift albums for parents and wedding party members. Gift albums are often considered "extras" and will not be covered by many package deals. As always, get all prices and additional fees in writing!

Ways to Save

While you don't want to skimp on photography, there are ways of saving money without sacrificing quality.

Negotiate lower rates for less-popular wedding days or months.
Be specific about the kinds of photos you want. Your Shot List will save you money by eliminating pictures you don't want and it will reduce your stress by ensuring that the photographer gets all of the shots that you do.
Ask your photographer about "ceremony only" packages if your budget is tight. Then ask some of the better shooters among your friends or family to take candids at the reception.
Don't go overboard by passing out a bunch of disposable cameras. The cameras are cheap, but developing the film is not. Just giving a few cameras to key people can be very effective.
Plan extra time into your event schedule for portraits and group shots of the wedding party. You won't feel rushed and neither will your photographer.
Ask a reliable friend to help round up people for photos throughout the event. They can also point out any special persons or groups that the photographer might miss on their own.
Keep prints and albums simple. Special effects and fancy frames cost extra. You can even buy your own albums. But beware of inferior books that might damage your photos!
Don't underestimate the number of photos you will need. Sometimes it's more cost-effective to buy a bigger package than run the risk of having to buy additional prints separately. When something you want is not included, ask about swapping it for another item in the package.
When family and friends ask for additional prints, be sure to mention the price per print. Most will be happy to pay for their own.
Consider doing family and wedding party portraits before the ceremony when everyone looks their best.
Don't waste time looking for your photographer during the occasion. Lots of your best "moments" will happen out of the public eye. Keep your photographer with you or make sure they can find you quickly.
It pays to feed your photographer (and any assistants) at the reception. It doesn't have to be anything fancy, but you'll want to keep their mind on your event rather than their next meal.
Tipping is not expected, but gratuities are rarely refused. If you choose to tip, $25 is considered more than enough.

Shot List

By creating a Shot List you will save money by eliminating pictures you don't want and it will reduce your stress by ensuring that the photographer gets all of the shots that you do. Click here to print out the list to help you decide what photos you might like.

You can cross out what you don�t want and highlight the pictures that you must have. As with everything else about your wedding - it�s your choice!

The Contract

A good contract serves as your guarantee that you will receive the service, products and prices that you've been promised.

There is no such thing as a standard contract. So be prepared to read yours carefully. And don't be afraid to ask questions!

If anything goes wrong, this will be your only recourse. Make sure the contract covers everything that you and the photographer have agreed upon, and that you feel comfortable before signing it.

All photography contracts should include:

Time and date of the shoot
Estimated hours of work and any provisions for overtime
Estimated cost of film and processing
Payment schedule
Contingency clause to cover emergencies such as a sick photographer or equipment failure
Estimated cost of future reprints
Disposition of negatives
Special requests and fees
Minimum number of proofs and their delivery date
Number, sizes and prices of portraits
Number and sizes of additional prints
Type and number of albums
Guarantees and liabilities
Name(s) of any assistants
Photographer's name, contact information and signature

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