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10 Questions to ask your potential wedding photographers ..

So it has reduced its selection of potential wedding photographers. Now you have to decide between two or three. Do you like your work and have similar rates and packages. But still not sure whom to hire. Rates are important, yes, and, of course, you want ask about them. But once you have a pretty good idea of how much you can expect to pay, there are several other things you should make sure this ...

What else can you do to help you make your decision? Contact the photographers who came to their 'short list' and ask them these questions key ten:

1: The photographer will provide a detailed shot list to fill before your wedding?

This list is invaluable to you and your photographer. In this list, you fill in the names of the wedding party and family to your photographer knows who is who, without having to take time for her wedding day to make additional introductions.

Then complete the information on the different shots you want. Would you like wedding photos being prepared? Part of bride and groom's party? Do you want family photos before and after the ceremony? Want photos of the cake cutting and the signing of the documents legal? How long are you giving each activity?

All these details (and more) can be arranged with your photographer weeks or months in advance to complete this list of shot. This ensures that you and your photographer both know what to expect and how long you have for each location and activity. Things are much easier when things are resolved ahead of time!

2: If hired, will give a free consultation before the wedding date?

The answer to this should always be yes. Whether in person or by telephone at least a few days before the wedding, you and your photographer should be a one-on-one debate the types of photos you envision for your wedding day. Especially if you plan on having formal poses of the bride and groom alone. Where would you like to do that? Would you like that arises, or you want something more informal? You have a special idea in mind?

These are things that are best discussed personally with the photographer so that both can be clear about their vision and their needs for wedding photography.

3: How soon after your wedding can wait for your photos?

A standard rule here is that anything less than 60 days is reasonable. More than 60 days is not. If possible, a quote in writing about this (even an email will suffice) or include their wedding photography contract.

4: Does the photographer have portable lighting in case of bad weather or if a thin indoor location?

You want to be sure you hire someone that is prepared for any eventuality. Although portable lighting will not do much good for your ceremony, (nobody wants to see additional lighting created just in front The bride and groom at the ceremony) in all poses, additional lighting can make a big difference during a day of darkness or in a darkened room. Obviously for outdoor ceremonies, connect lighting equipment can be difficult and sometimes dangerous, but if the weather is bad, you want to make photos inside anyway.

5: Do you work in digital or film, or both? Whatever they use, is giving you prints or a CD ROM of images?

These days, most photographers work strictly digital, so you'd think would not even have to ask. But once then a preferred photographer to shoot in film or a combination of both. You should specify this only if there is a charge for what film roll.

Digital photographers have the added advantage of providing you with a CD or DVD with all your digital images instead of you having to go through the expensive process of ordering prints the photographer. A photographer is expected to have to print additional cost factor in their rate.

How to choose and order their own impression of where you want, is much more profitable for you. (Besides being more environmentally conscious.)

6: A very important thing to ensure before hiring any type of service or supplier for your wedding - and that includes your photographer - is if they offer a contract and receipts or invoices?

Do not hire anyone that does not provide any documentation for their transactions. Contracts and invoices and receipts are for your benefit and protection, both as they are for traders and contracted service providers. Always be sure to get a signed contract to pay a fee.

7: Ask your potential if the photographer require a booking fee or deposit?

A professional photographer is required, so I hope they say yes. Professional photographer half does not tend to charge more than 20% for a deposit, sometimes a little less. This deposit guarantees the availability of the photographers for the date and time. It also guarantees to get the exact services you agreed to.

8: Be sure to ask if the booking fee will be refunded the full amount agreed contract for wedding photography. Again, the answer to this should always be "yes."

9: Ask when you are expected to pay the remaining amount for your wedding photography?

Some photographers invoice after your wedding, some require full payment day. Or is acceptable, but more often than not, he is expected to make full payment on or before their wedding day. This applies to paying videographers as well.

10: Finally, always remember to ask if the Photoshop image retouching included in the rates of the photographer or charge extra for that?

In this age of digital photography, Photoshop (or an equivalent program) is exactly like a darkroom. Contrast and color are corrected and adjusted. Stains are removed, sharpened focus, the effects can be added, images can be produced in black and white and color.

Making these adjustments the pictures is part of the work of a professional photographer and should not have to pay extra for this service. If someone does not include this service in their rates of photography, I recommend to hire someone who does.

Now that you have asked these 10 important questions, should be much easier to make your decision!

About the Author

Tamea Burd is a professional, eco-friendly photographer based in Vancouver BC. She specializes in portrait photography, headshots and wedding photography. Visit her website: Tamea Burd Photography

Masters of Photography - Felice Beato