Picture Perfect "I DO"
What to look for in a wedding photographer & videographer
by Exposure Network

The question has been popped, families have been informed, the date's been set... now the hard work begins.

You want your wedding day to be special and memorable not only for you but for friends and family. Everything has to be perfect from rings to shoes and everything in between. An important aspect of your day will be your photographs and video. Choosing the right photographer/videographer or company to fulfill your requirements will be one of the most important decisions you will need to make.

Whom do you choose? There are so many bridal photographers and companies out there that narrowing it down to just one can be very confusing. At Exposure Photography we've been doing wedding photography for over 15 years and we've watched the industry change and expand as traditional made way for the contemporary and the contemporary made way for the avant-guard.

Wedding photography today is considered an art form and must be approached as if you were commissioning an artist. A wedding day is a moment in time. If you don't like your pictures you can't re-do them.

T assist you in your search for a photographic artist, exposure has put together a few points to consider when conducting your search. Following them will help you in making the right choice for your wedding photography and videographer.

• Hire a professional photographer/videographer with extensive experience in creating "wedding art". Remember, you can't re-do them, so TAKE YOUR TIME and DO YOUR RESEARCH. Attend bridal shows; view the work of different companies, (artist's). Talk to other couples that have been through the process and get their feedback.
  
• What type of photographs or video would you like: traditional, candid, fashion, black & white, sepia, cross processing or a combination of these. Do you require a love walk intro or baby photos in your video or animations. Deciding on what you want first will save you money later on. Traditional photographs tend to be more expensive that the 35mm candid shots.
  
• It's important to know that not all photographers are experienced in all forms of photography. All professional photographers have a portfolio of their "best" work ready to show you. View it to get a feel of the variety of work the photographer is capable of. Do you like what you see?
  
• It's important to ask to see a complete proof book, not just the portfolio of the "best" work. This will give you an idea of what to really expect. Keep in mind that not every image is a perfect picture! No photographer can guarantee each and every shot.
  
• Compare prices between photographers package price and Ala Carte pricing. One package may work better for you than another. Find out before hand if you take the Ala Carte plan, how much are the reprints and enlargements.
  
• Does the company offer re-touching, scanning, or images on CD Rom? Can photo be made available for viewing and ordering from the companies' web site. Going for an expensive photographer or studio does not guarantee good quality work or even experienced work. Price should not be your only consideration. You will most likely pay more for artistic pictures, infrared, sepia tone, hand colouring, digital manipulations etc. On the other hand a less expensive photographer may not have they experience. So DO YOUR HOMEWORK.
  
• Make sure you meet the photographer/videographer who will be shooting your wedding. Many companies have multiple staff on hand and it is important you get a feel for the personality and work of the actual person who will be there. It's important that you like the person that you are working with, that you are comfortable with them and that you feel you can trust them. After all, they will be controlling the memory of your special moment in time. Prepare a list of must have images that must be take for photographs & video.
  
• Discuss dress code with your photographer/videographer ahead of time. If you want them to appear formal tell them so. It's embarrassing, but some photo staff have been known to show-up in jeans to a formal function. If the dress code is important to you then make sure the persons you hire knows it.
  
• Make sure you understand and agree to the contract before you sign it. Understand the payment terms. Will the photographer (studio) require full payment the day of the wedding? If so what is the guarantee he/she will deliver the proofs, CD Rom package etc.?
  
• What happens if the photographer is sick on your wedding day? Is there a back-up photographer? What is the cancellation policy? Is there a cancellation policy?
  
• Ask for references and contact them.

Taking these steps won't guarantee your wedding will go off without a hitch, but they will help you avoid disappointment and unwanted surprises from your wedding photographer or videographer and the service and product you will receive.

So smile, say 'I Do' and feel confident that your wedding day will be memorable and Picture Perfect!

Exposure Network