| As you plan your special day, you'll find yourself | | | | make sure all incidentals such as film, travel, and |
| faced with countless options when it comes to most | | | | lodging are included. |
| of the aspects of your celebration. Your dress. The | | | | _____Verify the Poses Your Photographer Will Take |
| food. Your reception venue. Your vows. And then | | | | - Before you hire a wedding photographer, ask to |
| there are decisions to make when you hire a | | | | include any poses that are of particular importance to |
| wedding photographer. | | | | you. If you specifically want shots of your hands |
| Because most brides have never had a need for | | | | with your wedding rings, put that on the list. If you |
| professional wedding photography prior to planning | | | | want images of you and a friend who isn't in your |
| their weddings, the process is most likely an unfamiliar | | | | wedding party, make a note. Your photographer may |
| one. Considering this is the primary way you'll capture | | | | have a list of standard poses he/she shoots, but |
| and preserve memories of your union, it's important | | | | most are flexible with adding others. |
| to choose someone who will deliver the style and | | | | _____Ask About Deposits - Many photographers will |
| options you want at a price you can afford. | | | | require a deposit to secure their services on the |
| The following checklist will guide you through what | | | | specified date, with the remainder payable upon |
| information you should obtain before you hire a | | | | receipt of your proofs. Clarify specific amounts or |
| wedding photographer. | | | | percentages in writing so there are no questions later |
| _____ Conduct an Online Search for Professional | | | | on. |
| Wedding Photography Companies - Before the | | | | _____Confirm Delivery of Proofs and Photos - All |
| Internet Age, you would have had to set up | | | | professional wedding photography contracts include |
| appointments to see different photographers' | | | | delivery of proofs. What you'll need to verify is when |
| portfolios, running across town in a frenzy that only | | | | the proofs will be delivered and in what format. Will |
| added to your anxiety. Now, you can conduct your | | | | the photographer provide paper or digital proofs? |
| search via the Internet to find photographers who | | | | Once orders are placed, when can delivery of photos |
| are available in your local area on the dates you need. | | | | be expected? |
| _____ Preview the Photographer's Work - Take an | | | | _____What Format are Pictures Available In? - |
| in-depth look at a photographer's portfolio online. | | | | While almost all photographers offer print photos, |
| Thanks to high-speed Internet access, it's simple to | | | | many are now also providing CDs of images. Ask |
| view individual photos or slideshows that highlight the | | | | which formats are available and if there is an |
| quality and creativity each one of your candidates | | | | additional cost for digital images. Likewise, because |
| offers. | | | | images are copyright protected, you'll want to find |
| _____Check References - Once you've found a | | | | out if a copyright fee is charged for digital images |
| potential match, ask for references then actually | | | | and what that fee is. |
| contact them. When you speak with prior clients, | | | | _____ Ask About Online Wedding Albums - Another |
| concentrate your questions on the photographer's | | | | add-on service many professional wedding |
| attitude and work ethic. Were they on time? Did | | | | photographers now offer is the set up and |
| they do everything they promised? Were they | | | | maintenance of online wedding albums. Talk with your |
| pleasant to work with? Were they polite to family, | | | | candidates about what types of albums (if any) they |
| friends and guests? Did he/she fulfill the contract | | | | offer and all costs involved. This is a great way to |
| without incident? | | | | keep family and friends updated. |
| _____Agree on Prices Beforehand - Like any other | | | | Using this checklist gives you a hassle-free way to |
| major transaction, it's important to agree on a cost in | | | | ensure you've collected all the information you need |
| writing before the big date. In addition to the cost of | | | | before you hire a wedding photographer. From there, |
| professional wedding photography itself and the | | | | all that's left is to smile for the camera and enjoy |
| charge for photographs you'll have printed later, | | | | your special day! |