helpful tips

Welcome to our Tips Section. We hope you find our suggestions helpful. 
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask!

 

 Package Pricing versus Ala Carte Pricing
Package pricing schemes are designed to help the photographer allocate resources. He does not want to take 200 images and spend 6 hours at your wedding if you only want to spend $700. 

So, you have to decide exactly how much you will pay 6 to 8 months before you even see the first photograph. And usually you have to pay for most of it in advance.

If you choose a lower priced package, your photographer will probably take less photos for you to choose from and spend less time at your wedding.

With Ala carte pricing, you generally will decide what you need after you have the images in your possession, which is the only time you can tell what you really want. 

How can you decide how much you want to spend BEFORE you have seen the first photograph??

 

 Beware of cheap photojournalist

There are several very good photojournalist in the Dayton area and their prices generally start well over $2,600 and some have minimums in the $4,000 - $6,000 range.  These photographers are very good and have been classically trained in lighting and posing.   They have extended those skills to the more "candid" style of photographing weddings.

There are many "cheap" photojournalist popping up.  They are new, have very little or no training in professional photography and their work resembles Uncle John's snapshots.  If the photographer is charging less than $1,700 and giving you all your images on a DVD or CD, the images will be mediocre.   They are using "auto everything" type consumer digital cameras.   Since the camera is an "auto everything" camera, the camera decides what your wedding photography will look like, NOT the photographer.  

If you plan on hiring one of these types of photographers, I would strongly suggest that you purchase the same camera that he is using (usually in the $1000 range) and loan it to Uncle John.  The quality will be as good and you GET TO KEEP THE CAMERA!!  Since the "auto everything" camera is making all the decisions, it doesn't matter who the operator is.

 

How many assistants will be present?
The photographer should always have at least one assistant but two is much much better. 

Photographers that are attempting to capture over 250 images, pose all the families and wedding groups, manage all the equipment, and be creative at the same time, without the aid of assistants, just cannot do it very successfully!

Two assistants is much better.  With two assistants present, there is much attention given to the small details that can add up to very disappointing images.  When the hair, veils, ties are out of place; when the bride's wedding gown train is left in a disheveled mess at the bride's feet; when necklaces are off center or the clasp is showing....all add up to many disappointing images.

 

Still photographer and videographer relationships
Image if you hired 2 caterers  or  2 cake bakers  or  2 disc jockeys  and instructed them to share the same space at the same time while providing  the best service they have to offer.  Can you imagine the chaos!!?? 

This is the dynamic between a still photographer and videographer.

Photographers and videographers are trying to get the same shot usually from the same angle. This can lead to many problems unless they work well together. Recently there have been many photographers that will not work with certain videographers. Make sure that your videographer will co-operate with your photographer.  It is best to check with your Photographer BEFORE you hire the videographer, to find out if they can work together at your wedding.

 

 Never hire a part-time wedding photographer
You can only re-live these great moments through your wedding photography. Your wedding photographs actually will grow in value to you and your children as the years pass. With photography, you will get what you pay for.

Cheap photography means very low quality images.

Full time studios invest a lot of time and money in making sure that they have the latest technology and training.

Never trust your once-in-a-lifetime photography
to a once-in-a-while-photographer!!

 

 Will the photographer use "double lighting"?
The photographer should use two and three lights for the altar groups and your reception.  The difference is tremendous:  the volume of light and the angle of multiple lighting creates an image that is not possible with one "small" flash mounted to the camera. 

It is the only way to capture the true color and contrast that makes your wedding images three dimensional!!

 

 See proofs/previews from previous weddings
We suggest that when picking a photographer for your wedding, do not be satisfied with a "few" good large albums showing 40 to 50 photos. If the studio is going to take 200 or more, you should see at least one "complete" set of proofs. That is the only way you can be assured of good quality.

You only get one chance at having a great wedding and receiving great photography that records that precious event.

 

 Photographer should carry back-up equipment
Cameras can malfunction, therefore, the photographer should carry several cameras, lenses, and flashes. If the photographer has backup equipment and something should malfunction, your photography coverage will not suffer.

 

 Paper Proofs versus Computer Images
Some photographers today are using what is called  "paperless proofs".  You are better off if you get to view many of your images on photographic paper.  This is really the only way to know what your images will look like. 

Computer monitors are generally not accurate enough to illustrate what your images will actually look like when printed.  The images may be brighter and cleaner when projected on a monitor than when printed.  So you purchase images that you could ultimately be disappointed with.

 In some cases, you will have to order your images while viewing them in the studio since nothing is allowed to be taken out of the studio.  With paper proofs you get to view the images in the privacy of your living room.

 

How many photos will be taken?
You should not have less than 250 images to choose from.  Avoid photographers  that tie the number of images taken to the "package" that you sign up for.  

 

Get everything in writing!
You should get in writing:

  how many images will be taken,  
    what happens if prices change (will it affect your cost),
    which photographer will photograph the wedding,  
    how many hours are included and what extra hours cost,   
    when does the time start and when does it finish, 
    how long after the wedding does it take to receive the proofs,
    how long after the order is placed will it take to receive the albums,
    is the deposit refundable.

Remember, you are paying the bill and you are in charge.  Do not be timid to demand to know all the variables. 

 

 Your best photographers tend to be good golfers
I cannot explain it, but the best photographers in the city and nation tend to be avid golfers. Maybe because of the etiquette and the honesty involved in golf. Golf is a sport without referees. Golf is the character building sport.