| Finding a wedding photographer can be a daunting | | | | exchange, kiss, formals, 1st dance, bouquet toss, etc. |
| task given the sheer number of photographers in | | | | 6. Request a wedding day photo schedule. One |
| large Texas Cities like Dallas, Austin & San | | | | element (possibly the most important) of wedding |
| Antonio; A search of the Austin, Texas Yellow Pages | | | | photography that is frequently overlooked is the |
| yields over 393 professional photographers alone! And | | | | Wedding Day Photo Schedule, which details when |
| let's not forget the "weekend warrior" photographer, | | | | shooting begins/ends (i.e., number of coverage |
| who operates off of the photography grid and | | | | hours), who will be photographed during formal |
| whose numbers can only be estimated. So how does | | | | photos and provides a specific time line for each |
| a bride find the right photographer in a sea of | | | | wedding event that will be photographed. If the |
| wedding vendors? Here are some suggestions: | | | | photographer doesn't provide one, then request it - it |
| 1. Referral = 1st hand experience. If you know | | | | will be invaluable. |
| someone who got married recently then make this | | | | 7. Is there a limit to the number of photos captured? |
| your first lead. Check out the photographer's website | | | | Find out how many photos the photographer |
| or portfolio and talk to bride/groom who hired them. | | | | estimates will be captured on wedding day and how |
| If you like a particular photographer's work and he | | | | many photos will be provided after image selection |
| she gets a favorable review, make an appointment | | | | editing. Most photographers who use digital cameras |
| to meet with them. If you like a photographers work | | | | can give you an estimate based on the number of |
| that you've found elsewhere, don't be afraid to ask | | | | hours of coverage provided at the wedding. |
| for references. | | | | 8. Do you get a CD with full-sized images? Many |
| 2. Pick a photographer based on his/her style. If you | | | | photographers are reluctant to provide you images |
| like his/her photos from past weddings, then you'll | | | | from your wedding on CD, even though you may |
| probably like the photos they capture at your | | | | pay them handsomely for covering the event. Ask |
| wedding! Find out what is the photographer's primary | | | | about getting the images on CD and if this costs |
| style? Traditional posed shots? Candid or artistic? | | | | extra. |
| Photojournalistic? Other? Then decide which style you | | | | 9. Inquire about back-up cameras and equipment. |
| like best. | | | | Does the photographer you are meeting with have |
| 3. Try not to meet with too many photographers. | | | | back up equipment in the case that his/her |
| Ideally you will want to select less than 5 wedding | | | | equipment malfunctions or fails? Professionals will |
| photographers in your area whose style you like and | | | | frequently have on hand 2-3 cameras, numerous |
| who are in your price range (don't be afraid to ask | | | | lenses, and at least 2 of everything else. Wedding |
| this question when telephoning). Meeting with too | | | | photographers always have to be prepared for the |
| many photographers will get confusing and will likely | | | | unexpected! |
| be counterproductive to your search. | | | | 10. Beware of inexpensive photographers. The old |
| 4. Do you like the photographer you met with? This | | | | saying "you get what you pay for" is applicable when |
| is the person that will be following you around for | | | | it comes to wedding photography. If someone |
| hours photographing you, your fiance and family | | | | posting on Craig's List offers to shoot your wedding |
| friends on your big day. Be sure it's someone that | | | | for $250, it's probably b/c they are new to |
| you feel at ease with; otherwise your uneasiness will | | | | photography. If your wedding budget doesn't allow |
| show up in the photos. | | | | you to hire a professional and you think that |
| 5. Ask to see images from an entire wedding (start | | | | photographs from wedding day aren't that important, |
| to finish). Just about anyone can put together a | | | | then hiring an amateur may be OK. However, if |
| slideshow of good pictures they have taken over the | | | | images from the big day are important to you, then |
| years. But a professional wedding photographer can | | | | don't skimp on photography; hire an experienced |
| capture great photos from every segment of a | | | | professional. You'll be glad you did. |
| single wedding - bride dressing beforehand, ring | | | | |