Be Sure Your Wedding Photog Is Up To Speed With Your Wedding Details
You've found the right photographer to shoot your wedding, but how do you know he or she will do the job you paid for? Get it ALL in writing. Everything you want photographed needs to be specified in the contract. NEVER depend on a verbal agreement that the photog can stay a bit longer to photograph your wedding day, only to find out later that you got charged overtime. If it's not covered in the contract, don't expect it to happen. Too often brides and bridegrooms get overwhelmed with wedding details, that they overlook important details that can cost them.
The contract you sign with your wedding photographer should specify everything that you want and have paid for. If you want some pictures in color and some in black and white, specify how many and which ones; ceremony pictures? Reception pictures? It sounds like nit-picking, but a good photographer will expect that and should be cooperative. If he says don't worry, we'll take care of it on the day, you could be in for a nasty surprise.
Things that should be included on the contract include: The exact number of hours the photog will be expected to shoot, including start & end times. How many locations? How long at each location? The name of the photographer doing the shooting. How many roles of film will be used? color or black & white? Number of proofs you will receive and complete package details. Date the proofs will be ready. How long the photographer will keep your negatives. What is their overtime rate if they do stay late? What is their re-order price? What's their cancellation & refund policy?
In the event of equipment failure, will there be a back-up camera? And don't forget to get the photographer's signature as well. That contract is your legal agreement for what you are paying for and will help you if something goes wrong. Weddings have become such big business now that many companies are even offering "wedding insurance", so shop around for a decent price if you go that route. For more tips on booking a wedding photographer go to www.theknot.com.
