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Wedding
Photography: Costs, Tips & Trends
If you're
going to splurge on anything for your wedding, make it the pictures.
They'll preserve your memories of the big day, and memories are
priceless. Follow these ten basic tips to get picture-perfect prints.
WHAT IT COSTS
A good basic package can cost $3,000, but you can easily spend three
or four times that amount. You're paying for the photographer's
time at your wedding, hours spent developing your pictures, and
the finished product -- the prints and albums you order. If your
photographer is in high demand (especially if he shoots socialite
or celebrity weddings), expect to pay dearly (up to $10,000) for
his presence.
To
guarantee picture-perfect wedding photos and avoid miscommunication,
request a written contract. Here are the critical points to review
-- and get in writing:
* Name and contact information for you and your photographer
* Correct date(s), exact number of hours, starting time(s), and
locations (rehearsal dinner, home, ceremony, reception) where the
photographer will be expected to shoot, with exact addresses
* Name of the photographer who will shoot your wedding and the number
of assistants
* Number and kind(s) of cameras to be used
* Number of rolls of film to be shot (color and black and white),
type of film, and cost per additional roll (if needed)
* Number of proofs you'll receive, and complete package details
* Date your proofs will be ready and how long you can keep them
* When and how you'll receive your order (albums, prints) once you
place it, and any other delivery details
* Length of time the photographer will keep your negatives
* Total cost (itemized if possible)
* Overtime fee, if applicable
* Reorder price, if you decide to order additional prints later
* Deposit amount due
* Balance and date due
* Cancellation and refund policy
* Name of an acceptable substitute in case of emergency
* In the event of equipment failure, a guarantee that a backup camera
will be on hand
* Photographer's signature
ADDITIONAL ITEMS TO CLARIFY
* Style of photography, such as formal portraits, documentary-style,
candid, combination, straight shooting, unconventional composition,
and formats
* Subjects to be covered, such as pre-wedding preparations, ceremony,
cocktail hour, and reception. Give your photographer a must-take
shot list to eliminate any confusion.
SIGNING THE DOTTED LINE
* Once you've made sure that all bases are covered and all information
is correct, sign the contract.
* Make a copy of the document for your files so that you can consult
the contract as your wedding day approaches
(Tips
from the widely recognized wedding site The Knot)
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