Six Costly Misconceptions About Wedding Packages

MISCONCEPTION #1:
You can book a good wedding photographer a couple months before the wedding date, no need to rush.

 False: There is in fact a ‘wedding season’ and the photographer you want may not be available on your day. Most photographers who specialize in wedding photography are booked for the entire day for one bridal party – to capture the entire story of the wedding. Call and interview your photographer early.
MISCONCEPTION #2:
Anyone with a good camera can take good photographs.

Not True! As you probably know, a professional photographer has spent years perfecting his craft, has taken hundreds of thousands of photographs, learned all about lighting, film quality and other technical factors as well as how to get the best angles to capture the essence of a person. His talent for catching the moment, his eye for detail and heart for sentimentality is what will separate the professional from the weekend hobbyist. For the most important day of your life, the professional photographer is the one who will do your special day the justice all those hours of planning it deserves.


MISCONCEPTION #3:
One wedding photographer’s photo packages are the same as another.

No. Each photographer determines the number of photos, the type and quality of photo album, the sizes to be included and any extra services as well as prices on their own. Some do not offer custom packages designed by the wedding couple. Others offer limited choices. Those photographers who specialize in weddings will offer the best variety of packages, with custom changes available at a competitive price. Ask to see package lists and what options you have outside of their lists.
MISCONCEPTION #4:
Having the right equipment is all a wedding photographer needs to take good wedding photos.

Absolutely False: Although equipment, film type, processing and photo finishing are important, more so are the talent, expertise and personality of the photographer. Ask for referrals and testimonials as well as checking out his portfolio.

Also important is how comfortable you feel around the photographer. This person will be following you around all day long taking photos, gathering your family and friends around, capturing the most romantic moments of the biggest day of your life on film. If you are not comfortable with the photographer, it will be reflected on film. Pay attention to his personality. A really good wedding photographer is the ultimate people person – gets along with everyone.

MISCONCEPTION #5:

The photographer who offers the lowest price is the person I should hire.
Maybe – but not always. Here are some points to consider:
(1) The price may not be for the number and sizes of photos or amount of time you need the photographer for the day. The photographer may offer very limited services for the price.
(2) The price you see advertised may not be the price you pay. Many brides have learned that the low price they saw listed lasted only until the photographer got the proofs from the wedding. Then they were pressured into paying a lot more for a variety of add-ons.

MISCONCEPTION #6:
Any honest, reputable wedding photographer should be able to give you an exact price quote over the telephone.

I wish this was always true, but it isn’t. Honest, reputable wedding photographers almost never price all the photographic packages they offer by the number of photos. Instead, wedding photographers like to meet with the bride and groom to be and discuss the couple’s needs and all the services the photographer can offer.

To give you an idea of how most wedding photographers estimate the cost for an individual wedding package, here are three things to consider:

First, the amount of time you need the photographer for your wedding day. Price can vary if you want him for only three hours to hit only the highlight moments of the wedding versus 7 or 8 hours for the entire day to capture the entire ‘story’ of your wedding day.
Second, the number of photographs and sizes of photographs you want. If you are giving away photos as gifts to the bridal party, parents of the couple, grandparents, etc., the package may have to be customized and cost a little more.
Third, any custom or special features you want with your photographs. Engraved photo albums, custom framing, type of photo finish, photo engraving, black and white as well as color, engagement photos, all may add to the final total.