Don't overlook your photos!
by Brenda Allan - OurLastingMemories.com

At the end of your special day, all you have left are your cherished memories and your photographs. Choosing a photographer does take time, but is well worth the effort because you can't go back and re-shoot your pictures.

Begin the process of selecting a professional photographer in the early stages of planning your wedding. Though this may seem like a daunting task, you will easily find a photographer that accommodates your needs. Regardless of your budget, it is important that the photographer you select meets two simple criteria: 1) clearly understands what you want, and 2) has a personality that is compatible with you and your family members. Remember, your photographer will be working with you from the time you make the initial booking until you pick up your albums - that could be up to an 18 month cycle.

Here are some important things to consider when choosing a photographer:

Make a List of Photographers
Start by creating a list of potential photographers for your event. An easy way to make a list is to ask family and friends to recommend a photographer. The internet is also a valuable tool as it will allow you to find additional photographers and view their portfolios online. Attending wedding shows is another great way to familiarize yourself with different photographers. Finally, looking at the photographer's portfolio is an easy way to determine if you like their photographic style and to narrow down your list.

Select a Photographic Style
There are a variety of photographic styles that you may be interested in. The most popular are the traditional "posed" style or the newer "photojournalistic" style. A photojournalistic style can include many candid and fun photographs that may have been shot on an angle or with extreme close-ups. You may want to find a photographer that combines both styles. Your special day is unique, so find a photographer whose style best suits your needs.

Create a Short List
Make a short list of photographers you are interested in based on referrals, internet searches, and bridal show contacts. Now it's time to get on the phone: 1) ask the photographer whether they are available on the proposed date of your wedding, and if so, 2) set up an appointment to visit their studio. Remind yourself not to get caught up in prices over the phone. There are many factors that photographers consider in structuring a price, so don't try to get them to commit to anything until you've decided if you even want them to photograph your event.

Pay Attention to Package Prices
Photographers package their prices to include:

• Number of hours they are working on your wedding day.
• Number of photographs you are ordering for albums and portraits.
• Your photo albums and the time it takes to assemble them.

Pay attention to the photo album you choose as you will want to showoff your pictures for many years to come. That means that the inside and the outside of the album should protect your pictures and should last you a lifetime. Ask photographers to show you a sample of the different albums that are included in their packages and to explain to you the differences between them.

Your Shot List
A few weeks before your wedding day you should provide your photographer with a "Shot List" you have created listing all the people you want photographed. If you have a wedding planner, you should also provide them with your Shot list. Having a Shot List will help to ensure that no pictures are overlooked and it will help to make the day run smoother. When creating your Shot List, keep in mind the amount of time allotted for picture-taking on your wedding day and try to make your list as realistic as possible. One last thing, make sure that all of the people you have included for portraits are on time and dressed appropriately.

Selecting a Photo Album
You want to make sure that the album you choose is perfect for your precious photographs - there are many things to keep in mind. As nothing is more special than being able to show your pictures to your friends and family for generations to come. Your pictures and your albums should be able to stand the test of time. Make sure you choose the right album!

Your album should not only be beautiful but it should be well built with features that work for you.

Here is some information you should consider:

1. Is the cover made of a durable and long lasting material that can be cleaned?
2. Do you want to store your album in its box or do you want to display it on your coffee table? Knowing what type of leather is being used is critical - anything that is pure leather will scuff and dent easily.
3. Is the cover made with a wood spine to prevent warping, and are they guaranteed not to warp?
4. Do the covers have strong endholders to keep the pages in place, such as brass, that will not break?
5. Can your album be personalized with your name and the date of your wedding?
6. Does the album give you the option of multiple pictures on one page?
7. Are the album pages protected against tearing and fraying with brass corners and plastic edges?
8. Can pages in the album be removed if it or the picture is damaged?
9. Is the album distributed in Canada, or will it take several months to be shipped from abroad?

Don't Take Chances
The photography portion of your event is extremely important, so do your best to make sure that nothing is overlooked. A photographer that has built a solid reputation in the photographic industry will be a wonderful addition to your special day. They will capture your wedding in an organized and professional manner.

Summary

• Create a list of photographers
• Browse photographers' web sites
• Decide on a short list of photographers who you want to call
• Make an appointment to meet the photographer (do not focus on prices over the phone)
• At the meeting, get a breakdown of all costs and what is included in the package, including photo albums, wall frames, and desktop frames
• Choose and book your photographer
• Create a shot list

Brenda Allan - OurLastingMemories.com