Tips on Choosing a Wedding Photographer
Among the saddest complaints Better Business Bureaus receive concern wedding photographers who do not deliver what was promised. The vast majority of professional photographers will indeed provide unforgettable images of your special day. But you need to do some research beforehand.
The BBB offers the following suggestions to prospective brides and grooms:
- Ask for photographer recommendations from family, friends and co-workers.
- Check with the BBB for reports on the photographers you are considering.
- Schedule interviews with two or three to get a feel for the types of services they offer, the quality of their work and related fees.
- Ask the photographer if he/she is the one who will be photographing your wedding. If so, that should be stated in the contract. If not, request to meet personally with the photographer who will be shooting your wedding and review photos from several events before making a decision.
- The price should not be the only determining factor, but you should know what fees you will be charged for what services.
- Does the photographer work with an assistant? If so, is that included in the fee?
- Ask for references and talk to previous clients. A photographer who is reluctant to provide references is of questionable quality.
- Is the photo package fixed or customized? How many photos are included and what about reprints, enlargements and albums?
- What is the time frame for delivery of proofs and other products? Is there a Web site to view your images? Can you keep the proofs or negatives?
- What type and how many cameras will be used? Is color and black-white photography included?
- What is the payment schedule? Is a deposit required; if so, how much and by when?
- What types of photographs can you expect – formal, informal or spur-of-the-moment?
- Does the photographer know the policy of your church, synagogue or other institution; some have very specific rules regarding photography.
- Obtain a written contract that details every service to be provided and the name of the photographer who will shoot your event; the location, date and time length of all events; the type of package; a list of guaranteed prices for enlargements and any additional charges, like taxes or travel fees. The contract should also specify what happens if your photographer doesn’t show up, as well as the cancellation/refund policy.
Greetings to all of our bride and grooms following our blog.
If you haven't already, now is the time to consider an engagement photo session.
In addition to having great photographs to put in your wallet or purse, you will have flattering pictures to share with friends and family and to add to a save the date card. Many brides and grooms have their engagement pictures put in a wedding guest book to be signed on their wedding day by friends and family.
When you meet with us we will be happy to explain our engagement package and show you sample books.
Check back tomorrow for the Better Business Bureaus list of questions to ask potential photographers.
Thanks for visiting our Blog.
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Over the past two weekends we have attended both the Cincinnati and Dayton Bridal Shows where we had the opportunity to meet nearly 500 of our area's future brides and family members. We congratulate all of you as you begin to make the transition from singles to engaged and then to married life.
As you narrow down your choices of wedding photographers we look forward to meeting with many of you to further discuss your plans and At Studio 206 to see if we are a good match. During this meeting you can examine more of our work, review our contract, get your questions answered and generally get to know us better. At a later date I will post a list of questions to ask your wedding photographer as recommended by the Better Business Bureau. (At Studio 206 is Accredited by the Dayton BBB)
At our current staff and resource level we will only photograph about 40 weddings a year, so that we can deliver finished product on a timely basis as specified in our contract. We suggest 2010 brides still looking for wedding photography schedule a no obligation meeting as soon as you can.
We feel honored to be considered to take perhaps the most important photographs in your life. We take your trust seriously and will make every attempt to delight you with precious memories.
Again congratulations and check back tomorrow for more information.
We have so many exciting changes to At Studio 206. We are off to a great start for 2010. Please keep checking back for more updates to the company and websites. In the mean time, by chicking above on one of the tabs you can view the photographers of At Studio 206. Hope everyone had a great Holiday.
Adam and Stephanie had a beautiful wedding. Everything turned out perfect and the weather was very cold, but no snow! Their flowers looked awesome. And the reception looked amazing. Stephanie and Adam are such a sweet couple. There love for each other shows so much. I am so happy that I got to know the couple on a more friendly basis. Before their wedding Stephanie and I had a long final meeting together. Chatted about girly things that you do on your wedding day. = ) I love photographing weddings because they are such a happy time. It was a great way to end our wedding year for 2009. Really looking forward to all the great changes to At Studio 206 for 2010.
http://www.pictage.com/photographers/slideshows/viewslideshow?autoplay=1&slideshowid=10292&slideshowkey=yspscbydaeromglt
Over the beautiful weekend we had, I was able to enjoy the nice weather with Leslie and Jeff. We couldn't believe the warm weather we had on Saturday. This is a couple that I go to church with. They are so sweet. I had a lot of fun with them. Looking forward to showing Leslie the pictures.
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Mike commented on January 13th, 2010
Thanks this was very helpful.