Wedding Photography – FAQs
by MWS
Designs
How much do I need to spend for good wedding photography?
While
every couple's budget is different, a general guide is to spend about
15% of your total budget on photography. However, budget is not the only
determining factor. How much you value photography has a lot to do with
how much you will choose to spend. Some couples are happy with a proof
book of photos that document the day, while others want enlargements,
thank you cards, a bridal album, parent albums, and more to remember their
fairytale wedding. Keep in mind that your photographs are one of few lasting
elements of your wedding day and budget accordingly.
Why should I hire a professional photographer?
You might think you can save a lot of money by having a friend or
relative take photos at your wedding instead of hiring a photographer.
You can… but at what cost? Professional photographers cover many
weddings each year and are able to handle all the surprises that may come
up during the day. They have back up equipment and bring plenty of extra
film. They use professional film labs and films that meet the highest
standards. A professional will be comfortable photographing your wedding
and can help put you at ease. Asking a friend or relative to photograph
your wedding is an unfair burden. Your friend will not be able to enjoy
your wedding day the same way a guest would. What happens if the camera
fails? Will there be back up equipment? Will your friend know how much
film to bring? If anything goes wrong, will it hurt your friendship? You
are investing more than just money in your photographer. You are trusting
that person to capture the beautiful memories of your special day. It
is an investment that shouldn't be taken lightly.
How far in advance should I book my photographer?
It
is a good idea to start looking for a photographer as soon as you have
your ceremony and reception venues booked. Your photographer will spend
a good part of your wedding day with you, so it is important not only
to find a studio that you like, but also a photographer within that studio
who you would feel comfortable with on your wedding day. Photographers'
schedules fill up quickly and booking 6 months to a year in advance is
a good guideline.
Will you follow a checklist of photographs I request?
This is the best way to ensure that you get the photographs that are important
to you, and it helps the photography to run smoothly. Using a checklist
on the wedding day means you don't have to worry about an important shot
being missed. A checklist is a great way to communicate with your photographer
the aspects of the day that you most want captured and any special people
that cannot be missed. Perhaps the traditional posed family shots are
what you really want to see. Or are candid shots of family and friends
more important to you? Maybe you want black and white taken only at certain
points in the day. These are all things that can be covered with a checklist.
It is one more thing that can help you to have a stress-free wedding day.
Should
we get engagement portraits?
Engagement portraits can do more than provide photos of you as a couple.
Having engagement portraits done is a great way to get to know your photographer
and see that person in action prior to your wedding day. On the practical
side, many couples have their engagement portrait enlarged with a mat
for signing at the reception. Others have used their engagement portrait
on their invitations, on bombonieres tags, as a display at the reception,
or just to hang on the wall at home. Outdoor portraits done at a location
that has meaning to you will have special appeal for years to come.