| Checklists are important when planning for the big | | | | date and times and possible overtime charges, |
| day. There is so much to consider and do, that you | | | | whether the photographer will have back up |
| would never be able to manage without having a | | | | equipment on site and who will take his or her place |
| checklist to organize it all. Well, here is your wedding | | | | in case of an emergency, all the items in your chosen |
| photography checklist all made out for you. | | | | package, the delivery time for the completed prints, |
| 1. Hire a professional -- Under no circumstances you | | | | and who retains the rights to the photographs. |
| should take any chances on this matter. There are | | | | 6. The package -- Well before your wedding, decide |
| many fine points that only a professional can handle | | | | on all the minute details of the wedding photography |
| well, and that is why you should go only for the best | | | | package. This will be a part of your contract and will |
| there is. If the photographer is an amateur he or she | | | | be what you receive in the end. Talk to family |
| might not have experience with angles, tricky lighting | | | | members and look at their wedding albums. Do you |
| situations, and so on. | | | | like the size of their pictures? Do you want them to |
| 2. Consultation sessions -- After hiring your | | | | all be 8x10s or mix of 8x10s and 5x7s? Do you want |
| photographer, have a few sessions so the | | | | all posed pictures or candids? Consider how many |
| photographer would meet your family and will | | | | prints you may want to give as gifts. |
| understand what you want included in your album. | | | | 7. Book enough time -- Look at your event. |
| How many long shots, how many portraits, who to | | | | Generally, the photographer will want to take pictures |
| include in the group photos, the photographer should | | | | of the bride and bridal party about an hour before |
| have a list of what you prefer. He or she should also | | | | she walks down the aisle. They allot an entire hour so |
| know your best angle so your photographs come | | | | she's not rushed, and so that if there are out door |
| out great. | | | | pictures, the groom and other guests don't see the |
| 3. The rehearsal -- You should have a person from | | | | bride before she walks down the aisle. Include one |
| your family who is not actively involved in the | | | | hour before the event, the actual wedding, the cake, |
| ceremony in charge of keeping people together for | | | | and the first few dances. |
| the family photographs. You should also allot a | | | | 8. Location -- After you've decided on the location of |
| specific time for this purpose, which should be | | | | your ceremony and reception scour the surrounding |
| included in the program. | | | | areas for unique places to take your pictures. If |
| 4. The style of the photography -- This is the silent | | | | you're having a traditional ceremony in a church, a lot |
| aspect of the wedding photography. Find out what | | | | of times you can find nice gardens or walkways on |
| style would be suitable for your wedding | | | | church grounds. Also look for interesting places within |
| photographs. This will depend on whether the | | | | the church. Stained glass, for example, can provide a |
| wedding takes place outdoors or indoors, inside a | | | | gorgeous backdrop for your wedding photography. |
| lighted hall or a dimly lit church or chapel, etc. When | | | | Concentrate on smaller elements, not necessarily |
| searching for professional wedding photographers, | | | | larger backgrounds, to create beautiful wedding |
| look at the different styles in his or her portfolio to | | | | portrait photography. Look for a doorway with an |
| see what you like. It is very important that you | | | | ornate frame, or a spot near a window that bathes |
| agree on the style in the beginning, so you have the | | | | you in sunlight. If the weather permits taking your |
| best results. | | | | wedding portrait photography outdoors is also a |
| 5. The contract -- A wedding photography contract | | | | great idea. |
| agreement is a formal document signed by the | | | | There are so many details that surround the planning |
| couple and the photographer that binds specific | | | | of your wedding, and the photography is just one of |
| obligations to each other. It must be carefully looked | | | | them. However, remember that your wedding |
| over before you sign it and agree to the terms. It | | | | photography will be your most important keepsake |
| should not be difficult to understand; however, ask | | | | of your wedding, so taking the time to put some |
| questions and make sure you understand each line of | | | | serious thought into the final product will be well |
| the form before signing. While the price is primary | | | | worth it in years to come. |
| item in the contract, also discuss things like the exact | | | | |