As a continuation of Part 1 of the series, Donald Pope Photography discusses the key points to remember when selecting a wedding photographer.
6. Understand the wedding photographers packages. Many wedding photographers will offer the wedding photography bundled in a package or a collection. Make sure your understand what is included in the package. All of the options that you select should be included in the contract. If you opt for a print credit, make sure that the value of the credit is spelled out in the contract. Additionally, make sure that price of the reorders are spelled out in the contract.
7. Shoot list. A shoot list is a list of photographs that are important to capture. Make sure your photographer works with a list. No wedding will have all of the images that the bride and groom wants. There will ALWAYS be some shot of "Uncle Tony" that will be missed, but a shot list maximizes the important shots that will be captured.
8. Understand the contract. If there is any product or service that you want provided, make sure it is in writing. Do not overlook things like wedding album design services and shipping. The contract should spell out all costs. The contract is designed to protect the photographer. You should make sure that the language in the wedding contract protects you too.
9. Back-up plan. Have you ever pondered what you would do if your photographer were to die before your wedding day? What if you photographer got sick before your wedding day? Your wedding photographer should have a contingency plan for these types of situations. Most credible professional photographers have relationships with other photographers that can emergency shoot in the place of your photographer. Make sure your photographer has a plan
10. Do you "like" the photographer? After all the considerations for selecting a good wedding photographer have been covered, ask yourself if you have good working connection with the photographer. During a wedding, the bridal party tends to get tired. Many times they will suggest skipping some photos just to get to the reception. Later that same couple will feel dissatisfied that the photographer didn't push them a bit to get them all shot. Is the photographer that you select the type of person that will push you a bit, yet be able to maintain a good relationship with you? A connection is important.
Now that you have made your selection, it is time to put the subject to rest in your mind for a while. Go out and finish the rest of your wedding planning. Hopefully, if you used a good sorting process, your wedding photographer will capture some beautiful memories on your special day.
DP
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