Selecting the right photographer/videographer is one of the most important decisions you'll make as you plan for your wedding. Years from now, those images will be your foremost souvenirs from this important day. Keep the following things in mind when choosing a photographer/videographer:
Important points to consider
Inspecting the photographer's work, ask yourself if the pictures are clear and crisp, with proper lighting. Are the pictures emotionally pleasing?
Does the photographer capture the essence of the moment, and of the event?
Does he or she take good shots of those present, at opportune moments?
Looking at a sample of the videographer's work, do the wedding tapes you've sampled show any sense of creativity?
Do the videos have a romantic, dramatic, or humorous angle?
Do the videos tell the tale of the couple?
Questions for the photographer
What are the photographer's fees?
Can you keep the negatives? If not, how much will additional copies or sets of prints cost?
Will the photographer charge you for the proofs?
Does the final charge include an album?
How will the photographer operate on the day of the wedding?
How many hours will he or she be there?
Will s/he be unobtrusive while taking pictures?
How much time will be required to get quality shots of the wedding party?
Will you receive unedited, raw footage from the videographer's recording of the event, or will it be packaged into a professional-looking record of the experience, complete with titles, narration, background music, interviews with attendees, and the like?
How many copies of the tape will you receive?
How much are additional copies of the tape?
Will the tape be professionally packaged with a box and album?
How long will the tape be?
Will you receive an itemized list of what your payment will cover?
What are the photographer's cancellation and refund policies?
What kind of equipment will the videographer use?
It is broadcast-quality?
What is the video format?
How is the sound on the sample videos?
How will the videographer operate on the day of the wedding?
How many hours will he or she be there?
Will s/he be unobtrusive while capturing video?
How much time will be required to get quality shots of the wedding party?