Choosing the Perfect Wedding Photographer – Possible Or Not?
I used the search engine through theknot.com, because I knew that the website worked very hard to only recommend proven and reputable vendors.
I found a company called Bella Pictures, and even though it was a bit expensive, I set up a meeting with a representative after examining the work samples on the site. I met a very friendly woman named Jodi at a Starbucks. She showed me photographer samples, album samples, and gave me a folder full of package options. She answered all of our questions professionally and thoroughly.
I was impressed – and hooked. I didn’t even take the time to check out other photographer companies. I went to see my parents shortly after the meeting, and I showed them the folder. They thought that the price was unreasonable.
After doing some research, however, I found that their package options were actually of average price for a wedding photographer. Also, I got to keep all my negatives on digital CD after the wedding. A lot of photographers own the rights to your negatives after the wedding, and you have to pay to reorder prints.
“My mom told me that I should put as much money as possible into the catering and reception. I disagreed. I would rather have peanut butter and jelly sandwiches served at my wedding than have less than beautiful pictures to look at!
I also argued that no one would remember what we had to eat at our wedding in a year, but that I would still have my pictures. As you can see, I had made up my mind and was a bit overzealous about the issue.”
I ended up getting the wedding photographer that I wanted, and it was a wise choice. I waited until they offered a discount on the package that I wanted, and I booked them then. The photographer they sent was incredible. He was patient, friendly, and didn’t miss a thing. I have a couple thousand images on CD from my wedding, and the company is creating a beautiful and quality album for me.
I got several guarantees, as well. They assured me that every photographer had back-up equipment on site. They even matched me with my photographer based on my style preference, and I was able to preview his work and accept him as my wedding photographer for the day.
I came across a few tips along the way. I read once that hiring a general photographer is less expensive than hiring one that specializes in just weddings. Also, make sure you know before you sign the contract if you will own the rights to your own images. Ask about back-up equipment, time frames for albums, and definitely make sure you see previous samples of the photographer’s work. Remember you will be looking at these pictures, and sharing them, for the rest of your life.
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