TIPS FOR CHOOSING YOUR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
Experience Level - Has this person photographed other weddings? Does he/she do this for a living or for fun?
(A) Our photographer, John Walker, has been photographing wedding for quite a few years. Although it started as a "hobby" in the beginning, clients have been asking for 2 Hearts As 1 Photography & Photo Productions to beautifully photograph their wedding for many years.
Photographic Style - Are the images that you are shown, what you would like to see? There are "buzz" words flying about everywhere about photojournalism, formal, classic candid, and so on. Do you want a mixture of black and white or only colour photos?
(A) At 2 Hearts As 1 Photography & Photo Productions, we take every effort in taking photojournalism, formal, classic candid, etc. photographs of your special day. Whether it be for Wedding Photography, or Family Portraits, we strive to give our clients what THEY WANT, not what we think they may want in beautiful photographs.
Truth in Advertising - Is this the photographer that will be photographing your wedding or will they send in whomever is available. Don’t be shocked, this happens more often than you can imagine. Be certain that you know which photographer is going to be there and that you see HIS/HER work and meet with that individually face to face.
(A) John Walker meets each and every one of our clients before their booked session with us. This way, our clients can meet their personal photographer and get to know him a little bit better.
Personality - Is the photographer that you meet someone that you can get along with? Is the "chemistry" there?
(A) 2 Hearts As 1 Photography & Photo Productions strives to make each and every one of our clients (new and old) feel comfortable in their photographer choice. We also surpass expectations, and treat each and every client like they are our only client.
Appearance - Ask the photographer how he/she intends to dress. Is this person well groomed?
(A) Weather it be a formal gathering, or casual attire, 2 Hearts As 1 Photography & Photo Productions dresses to meet and surpass our clients expectations.
Price Range - Although, the last thing you want to do is shop by price, is this person within your budget? If not, is he or she worth the price difference? Make sure you understand what everything costs, including reprints and albums.
(A) Many of our photography packages are within your budget. We also do customized packages to suit your budget without cutting out experience or beauty in each and every photograph we take.
Delivery - How long does it take to get your proofs back, thank you cards, your finished album, your bridal portrait, etc.?
(A) Although it states in our contracts that your wedding photographs could take up to 6 weeks for deliever, we usually deliver within 3-4 weeks of completion.
Offering - Whether it’s a la carte or a package, do you understand what you are getting? Is there any room for changes and will it cost to do so? Sometimes the packages are fixed, sometimes they can be customized, in any case, ask. How much time will he/she spend? What if you need more time? Make sure that you know what’s coming.
(A) As mentioned, we also offer our clients customized packages to suit every need and budget.
Contract - Do you understand the contract. Is it fair? Is everything spelled out? When it comes down going to court, only what is WRITTEN really counts, not what was promised. Make sure that you have no doubts before signing. Read it ALL.
(A) Our contracts are easy to read, and easy to follow. There are no hidden "surprises" when you book with 2 Hearts As 1 Photography & Photo Productions.
What about deposits and payments? What does it say about cancellations and the photographer not being there? If the photographer protests, ask him why? This is one area NOT to take lightly. You could be disappointed for a long time.
(A) A non-refundable 25% deposit is required within 7 days of confirming your booking with us. During this time, your photogapher will meet with you personally to go over any paperwork, contracts, etc. that needs to be done. At this time, you can also ask John Walker any questions you may have. The remainder is then due on the day of your booked session. If you must cancel due to circumstances, we understand.
References - A personal reference is always the best and people love to talk. Get a list of references from the photographer and check them out personally. A photographer who doesn’t have references or is afraid to give them to you may not be the person that you need to hire.
(A) A lot of our sessions are booked through word of mouth. Be sure to check out our website under "Testimonials" to see what past clients have said about our work.
Other Questions: (some questions may be repeated from the list above)
- Have you shot a wedding at my location before?
- What time will you begin and how long will you stay until?
- When will the proofs be ready?
- Do we get to keep the proofs?
- Do you mark your proofs?
- Where and how are your proofs marked?
- How much extra for unmarked proofs?
- How long do you keep the negatives and will you sell them to us?
- Do you have tele-photo and wide-angle lenses?
- Do you work well with the other vendors? i.e.: coordinators, caterers, videographers.
- Can you work from a photo checklist that we create?
- How will you be dressed?
- Do you process and develop your own film and prints?
What goes on the all important contract?
- The name of your photographer
- The time that he/she arrives and leaves
- The number of proofs you will view in order to pick your enlargements and/or keep
- The description of the package you ordered
- A list of guaranteed prices for enlargements. If they have a brochure with prices then get the photographer to write down that the prices on the brochure they gave you are the prices that you will be charged.
- The cutoff date for these brochure prices.
- All additional charges, services, taxes, travel, etc... Get the exact cost on the contract.
- An explanation of what happens if your photographer doesn’t show up.
- The date and deposit amount and how much is still owing.
- Your name, address and phone number. The names and addresses of the ceremony and reception locations.
4.6/5.0
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