Wedding Photographer

The photographer you will entrust with preserving your wedding-day memories should be one of the first people you hire: Start searching at least six months ahead of time. Solicit referrals from friends and wedding professionals, and try to interview at least three photographers. If you are expecting three hundred guests or more, consider hiring two photographers. For an average-size wedding, you should expect the photographer to work with an assistant, who can gather guests together and reload image.

Every photographer has an individual style, and you will need to find a like-minded person who is willing to listen to your ideas. Look for someone who has documented the kind of event you are planning - be it an urban gala or a small at-home gathering. During the interview, ask to see an entire wedding album, not just selected shots. In the past, wedding pictures were mostly formal portraits, but today many photographers take a photojournalistic approach instead, telling the story of the occasion. Many couples prefer a balance between the two styles. Whatever your preference, discuss your expectations with the photographer. Also talk about the percentage of images you want in color and in black-and-white. Even if you prefer the timelessness and sophistication of black-and-white photography, it's nice to have some color pictures - that way; you'll remember just what color your flowers were.

Generally, the photography fee is based on the number of hours of coverage, the number of pictures taken (normally between 500 and 1000), and the number of proofs you will be shown (for an average-size wedding, you should expect to see around 250). Be sure to ask how quickly you will receive the proofs (it usually takes about four weeks - or more during the busiest months) and the finished album after you have ordered it (typically about three to five months). You album price should guarantee a certain number of pages, not prints, so the price is the same whether a page has one 8-by-10 image or several smaller ones. When you have chosen a photographer, review the contract closely. It should state when he will arrive, how long he will spend covering the event, what he will wear, the fee, and what is included in it; you also need to discuss the deposit and payment schedule. If possible, arrange a site tour before the wedding to select potential locations; visit sites close to the hour when your wedding will be held so the photographer can get an idea of the available light. He should also note any special equipment he may need to bring.

Before the wedding day, give your photographer a detailed list of the moments that you want him to be sure to capture the image. Also give the photographer the same schedule of events that you give your caterer and your music provider. Assign someone from the bride's family and someone from the groom's family to point out important guests on the wedding day. The more details you provide for your photographer ahead of time, the more likely you will be pleased with the range and variety of your wedding photographs.

(Source: the wedding-perfect.org)