February 23, 2007, Newsletter Issue #156: Interviewing Your Wedding Photographer

Tip of the Week

When you are planning a wedding, you need to capture the moments and that means hiring a wedding photographer. There are many ways to locate a wedding photographer, including recommendations from friends and families or letting your fingers do the walking either via an Internet search or in the Yellow Pages. But when it comes to interviewing your wedding photographer, there are a few things you definitely want to know.

First and foremost, don't walk into your interview with the photographer blind. Do your homework. In 2006, 2,271,343 weddings are estimated to occur in the United States. That's nearly 3 million opportunities for wedding photographers in the United States alone. In the United Kingdom and France, the number of weddings expected to take place will reach a combined 2 million opportunities. The average wedding will cost around $26,100 U.S. with market value of items associated with weddings, such photographs, reaching over 59 billion dollars U.S.

A standard photo package in the United States for a wedding would include up to 7 hours of coverage, unlimited number of images, videography, online proofs and 35 to 70 matte or glossy finish prints in varying sizes. The average cost for this standard package is about $2400 U.S. An elite or premium package would include another photographer, more time, specialized sessions with the bride or groom for a portrait layout and a higher number of prints at $3600 U.S.

Knowing these basic facts can help you to know what it is you're looking for when you begin the interview.

Are you actually interviewing the photographer who will be at the wedding or their corporate representative? Do they have samples of wedding photography they have done before? Do their samples of wedding photography include the types of images you have in mind? What is the minimum pricing package? What is included in the package? Do they offer digital packages? Do they include video or is that separate? Do they work with assistants? Will they be available for the rehearsal dinner? What is their booking schedule? (This is important, you don't want your photographer booking another wedding that is too close to yours on the same day) What is their standard method of working? Are they willing to listen to your input? What contingencies and guarantees do they offer? How soon after the wedding will you be able to see the proofs? (2-4 weeks is normal)  

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