For your upcoming wedding, if possible, you should allow yourself about 10 to 12 months to find the right photographer and/or videographer. Typically, these professionals book far in advance so good planning is crucial. This will give you a much better chance of scheduling a high quality individual.
As you begin your search, use the following criteria to help you make the best decision. Remember, the photographer and/or videographer should be willing to offer whatever information you need s if you are met with hesitation, you should continue your search.
Photographer
- Can retouching be done?
- Does the individual know how to create special effects?
- Are sample photographs from other weddings crisp, clean quality?
- Can you keep the negatives? If so will you be charged?
- Are various types of shots offered?
- What does a finished wedding album include and what is the overall cost?
- Do you feel comfortable with this individual?
- Is the person being interviewed the same person that will shot the wedding? If not, who will be and what are this persons credentials?
- What happens in the case of emergency? Is there a backup person and if so, who is it and how will contact him or her?
- What type of payment is accepted? When is the deposit and final payment due?
- How early can the photographer arrive to capture candid shots?
- How late can the photographer stay and will he or she take shots at the reception?
- How are proofs viewed? What is the timeframe to receive your final photos?
Videographer
Just as you need to know what you will be buying from a photographer, it is important that you know exactly what your video package will include. Therefore, the following information will help you through the process.
- Multi-camera
- Stills
- Unedited tape
- Narration
- Titles
- Close-up shots
- Background music
- Interviews with guests and family members
- Is it possible to integrate interviews in various parts of the tape?
- What creative options for taking are available humorous versus seriousness?
- What all is included in the price?
- Will you receive an itemized agreement with all aspects of the videography listed?
- As with the photographer, if there should be an emergency, will there be a backup videographer available? If so, who will this person be?
- What is the number of tapes in the package?
- Will the tapes come professionally packaged with a case, labels, album, etc?
- How early can the videographer arrive to capture footage?
- How late can the videographer stay?
- How much would it cost to have the videographer stay longer than scheduled?
- Who will have physical control over the tape? If the videographer, would you be able to purchase it?
- What are the guarantee, refund, and cancellation policy?
- Can you choose the music?
- What type of equipment will be used?
- How many years does the videographer have with weddings?
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