You will want to treasure your wedding photographs for years to come. You'll want to look at them and display them throughout the years to help you remember everything: the first kiss, the first dance, and all the other things that made the day special. You will want to show your wedding photos to your children and grandchildren, therefore selecting the wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions you will have to make, and this requires time and attention.
You will not get a second chance at this and therefore it is crucial to find a reliable professional, who is attuned to your vision for the day and is confident that he or she can capture this.
It is very important to hire your wedding photographer as soon as you have set the date; Some popular photographers book a year or more in advance, especially if you are planning a summer wedding. It would be a good idea to reserve the wedding and reception venue as they can influence the style and content of your photos. You should also set a budget for the wedding photographer; As a general rule of thumb, wedding photographs can cost around 10 percent of the total wedding budget.
You need to think carefully about how you want your wedding photos to look. Do you prefer posed shots or do you like the idea in images that have been captured on the spur of the moment, often without the subject realizing that they are being photographed? A modern trend is to present the wedding and reception as a story told in sequence; the choice depends entirely on your tastes and preferences.
When looking for your wedding photographer, you can ask your newlywed friends for suggestions, or you can ask your wedding planner for advice. If you can't get a personal recommendation, try the many wedding magazines, all of which carry advertisements for wedding photographers. Many wedding photographers have websites where you can check out their previous work. This is particularly useful if the wedding photographer does not live near you.
After doing your research, you should make a short list and contact the various photographers by phone. This will establish if they are available on your wedding date and if they are within your budget. Most wedding photographers will be happy to send you a portfolio of sample images, either as prints or digital files, before your first meeting. Make sure the groupings are from recent weddings and were taken in a location similar to yours and also that they were taken at the time of the day you are having your wedding; light can make a big difference in your final shot.
When you meet with your prospective wedding photographer, try to find out who will be taking the photos. Larger studios employ multiple Miami wedding photographers, and even one-person sets often have an assistant. Sometimes the assistant takes the photos of the wedding guests while the main photographer concentrates on the bridal party. You should ask to see the work of the actual photographers who will be handling your wedding.
You will need to discuss the fees. Some studios charge an hourly rate and then charge for the images you want, while others quote a flat rate that includes a specific number of copies. You can often choose from several different packages. Make sure you understand what is included in the package. Once you have selected your photographer, you should discuss the payment terms; You generally need to pay a deposit to secure your date, and don't forget to check the refund or cancellation policy. You should also try to establish who owns the negatives. Some photographers turn over the negatives with the wedding photos, while others save them for making more copies on demand. While it may be tempting to keep negatives, keep in mind that a professional photographer will have more experience in storing them safely.
The most important thing is to take references before hiring your wedding photographer. Check to see if previous couples have been happy with their wedding photos and if they would be willing to recommend that particular wedding photographer.
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