Is it possible to see a sample album from an entire wedding? It is relatively easy to showcase a few amazing shots, but being able to see an album with the entire wedding will help you know whether or not the photographer you are considering is consistent in their work. There are no do-overs at your wedding and you don’t want to have to pay several thousand dollars only to find that your wedding photographer was having an “off day.” Look for someone who consistently produces images that inspire and move you.

How soon do we get to see the photos and how soon do we receive the wedding album? Each photographer has  a different work flow and a different time-frame for post-processing your photos. When you meet with your photographer, make sure that their timeline is consistent with your needs. As for the album, we have all heard the horror stories who didn’t receive their albums until over one year after they have approved their album images and layouts. Ask questions about album turnaround time and ask that this time-frame be added to your contract.

Do you include a disc of the images? Including a full disc of the images (which is different from a DVD slide-show of the images) is a hot button topic for many wedding photographers. This is a practice which varies from photographer to photographer. Some photographers will include this with their higher priced packages and some will include it for an additional fee. There are also some photographers who will give this as an anniversary gift on your first anniversary. Still there are other photographers who do not include the images at all. There are valid reasons for each of these  approaches and you will need  to be comfortable with the one your wedding photographer employs.

How many hours of photographic coverage are offered? Many wedding photographers offer different packages that also offer different time frames for coverage. Usually the less expensive packages offer the fewest number of coverage hours. It will be important for you to define whether or not “start to finish” coverage is important or do you just want coverage of the bride getting dressed and the church ceremony. Many photographers are not willing to discuss options but if it is important to you it should be a topic discussed during your interview with your photographer.

Remember, when you hire a photographer you are hiring the photographer for their personality and their creative ability. Make sure during your interview you feel comfortable with your photographer. Make sure you read their “raves” or their “testimonials” on their website or blog and if possible talk to some of their clients. If they are confident with their work they should allow you to speak with their clients, if they say no this should be a red flag. Be honest and upfront with your photographer and let them know what you expect. if you desire add it to your contract.

As a wedding photographer in Western New York we cover the areas of Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Rochester and the Southern Tier. We do not packages per se but work together with the bride and groom to develop a package that will meet their needs.