Questions to ask before booking a photographer

Various components combine to make Can we see a full gallery of a recent weddings beautiful and memorable. Couples who want to find the wedding? Couples rely on photographers to best photographer for their According to Brides magazine, unlike an capture the smiles and moments that helped make their events unique and to ensure the big day is remembered for years to come. wedding day can ask several questions before making their album or a highlight gallery, a full gallery provides a better sense of a photographer’s style and attention to detail.

The trusted wedding resource The Knot final decision. Will photos be color balanced and notes that an internal study found that, retouched? among 27,000 couples who got married in Skilled photographers are capable of capturing winning photos. 2019, an average of $2,400 was spent on a wedding photographer But photos can be enhanced further in the studio with retouching to document their big day. software to bring out specific effects. Some photographers will

Couples who want to find the best photographer for their wed- polish all proofs, while others only will work on the images ulding day can ask several questions before making their final deci- timately ordered. Confirm retouching details before signing the sion. contract.

What style do you specialize in? What’s included in the photo packages?

Photographers may be able to shoot various styles of photos, but A detailed price list helps you compare one photographer to may specialize in a specific type. For example, some photographers another and decide which elements are covered. Additional prints, specialize in photojournalism, while others may excel at por- having a photographer’s assistant, ordering albums for the parents, traiture. Going with a photographer who has the most expertise or ordering a large framed print can alter costs significantly. Exshooting the style you prefer will help produce the desired results. plore all prices to ensure you’re getting the best value. In addition, Who will be shooting my wedding? consider how many hours of event coverage are included in the

Certain photography studios have several photographers working price. under one roof. Just because you meet with one does not necessar- What is the payment timeline? ily mean that photographer will be on site, unless it is specified in Photographers may accept deposits for their services but expect the contract. a different timeline of payment. Some may require payment in full Have you ever worked at my venue before? before the wedding, while others may offer a payment plan that

Photographers may be familiar with several local wedding venues includes a final payment when picking up proofs or albums. and houses of worship. A photographer who has experience work- Wedding photography is one of the essential elements of a weding in the locations where couples will tie the knot and subsequent- ding and helps tell the story of couples’ special day. Asking key ly celebrate might produce the best results, but lack of experience questions can help couples find a photographer who will produce with particular venues need not exclude other professionals. the desired results. ª