Step #2:
List Your Objectives. Do you want a photojournalistic style of photographs where nothing is posed and the action is captured ‘as it happens’? Or do you want all posed photographs with no surprises? Or do you want a mix of posed and spontaneous?

Are there specific friends or family members you want to make sure to be in the photographs? Do you want the photographer for the entire day or just for the ‘key moments’? The more clear you are with what you want and need of a photographer for your wedding day the easier it will be to find one that will suit your particular desires.

Remember, it takes as little as 62 photographs to tell the entire story of your wedding. So keep this in mind when evaluating wedding photographic packages.

Step #3:
Ask the right questions of the wedding photographer before you hire. The way you learn about a photographer is to ask specific questions and listen carefully to the answers. Here are 8 tough questions to ask a wedding photographer before you hire.
1. What time of camera do you use? Do you use professional grade film from a cold storage supplier? Do you bring more than one camera set up to the wedding?
2. Do you have a philosophy when it comes to wedding photography?
3. Who will be photographing my wedding? And what is his/her training and experience?
4. Do you guarantee your photographs?
5. Do you have an in-house lab or do you send your film out to be processed? Is it professional processing?
6. Do you offer any extras in service for the wedding day? For example, hairdresser or make up person?
7. Are you a member of any trade associations, and, if so, which ones? Will you show me your certificates?
8. Do you offer written contracts?

Step #4:
Once you are satisfied that you are working with an honest, competent professional, ask for a specific quotation in writing. A written quotation gives you the assurance that you know exactly what your photographs will cost – no surprises.

By following these four steps, you’ll gain all the information you need to make an informed, intelligent decision. If you want quick, cheap wedding photographs, many companies in the phone book can help you. Or you can have a family friend do the job for you. But if you want the photographs of the most important day of your life to be the most beautiful and last for years to come – then follow these guidelines to find an ethical wedding photographer.

RETURN