Important
Things To Consider When Choosing a Wedding Photographer
Experience
Level - Has this person photographed other weddings?
Does he/she do this for a living or for fun?
Yes, I have been a taking wedding photographs professionally for over 20 years. It is one of my passions and I really enjoy the pressure and challenge in delivering creative images with interesting lighting that captures the spirit of the day and of my bride and groom.
Photographic
Style - Are the images that you are shown, what you
would like to see? There are "buzz" words flying about
everywhere about photojournalism, formal, classic candid,
and so on. Do you want a mixture of black and white or
only colour photos?
Any of our color digital photos can be converted to black and white. If you would like me to use my judgement and convert a selection of your photos for you let me know (no charge). I normally provide a selection of black and white photos as part of the album. A full set of black and white versions of your images is available for a slight extra fee.
My style is my style. I like to be creative at every opportunity but don't get too trendy or far out where the photograph is more important than the subject. I really like the hairlighting and back-lit scenes that have fill flash so the subjects aren't squinting. This is about you and your big day, not about how abstract or weird I can make the photos. It's photo journalistic with lots of candids as well as includes the timeless quality formal portraits and family groupings you will appreciate years from now.
Truth
in Advertising - Is this the photographer that will
be photographing your wedding or will they send in whomever
is available. Don't be shocked, this happens more often
than you can imagine. Be certain that you know which photographer
is going to be there and that you see HIS/HER work and
meet with that individually face to face.
I, Crede Calhoun am your wedding photographer, guaranteed.
Personality
- Is the photographer that you meet someone that you can
get along with? Is the "chemistry" there?
I pride myself on being fun to work with and as unobtrusive as possible. Look at my photos and you will see lots of smiles. A personal meeting will help you feel confidant that we don't have a personality conflict.
Appearance
- Ask the photographer how he/she intends to dress. Is
this person well groomed?
I wear a tie and sport jacket and dress pants. If you want me in a tuxedo please inquire.
Price
Range - Although, the last thing you want to do is
shop by price, is this person within your budget? If not,
is he or she worth the price difference? Make sure you
understand what everything costs, including reprints and
albums.
My pricing is firm and includes what is detailed on this page. You can add to my packages but not subtract. Not much room to go down in price especially for a Saturday wedding. I book 16-20 Saturdays a year and they are the premium day. Some brides book me two years in advance (this laso locks in your price).I am very competitive. If you have questions just ask, but remeber, you will end up ownng over 600 of my high resolution images.
Delivery
- How long does it take to get your proofs back, thank
you cards, your finished album, your bridal portrait,
etc.?
There is approximately 8-12 hours of studio work in the review and adjustment of images, assembly and the production of your package. Delivery time is 6-10 weeks. I personally adjust, correct, balance and individually process your full set of 300 album images, and upload the full set of album images within two to three weeks of the wedding (sometimes this is done within one week). This allows you to see the ones I have chosen and pick your package enlargements. Remember their are another 300-400 photos (outtakes) I don't choose for your album which you get as well (on disc), and many of these are excellent as well.
Offering
- Whether it's a la carte or a package, do you understand
what you are getting? Is there any room for changes and
will it cost to do so? Sometimes the packages are fixed,
sometimes they can be customized, in any case, ask. How
much time will he/she spend? What if you need more time?
Make sure that you know what's coming.
I am onsite for up to 8 hours. Normally I don't fuss about a late night but let me know if you plan on using my services for over 8 hours. Add'l fees of $150 per hour may apply. Common additions to my package are: extra long day or extra days, travel and lodging, rehearsal dinner coverage, engagement photos, a full set of black and white images in addition to the full color set, complicated retouching (to remove facial blemishes, improve expression, reflections in glasses, unwanted backgrounds or people, special effects, creativity and time above and beyond what I normally provide
Contract
- Do you understand the contract. Is it fair? Is everything
spelled out? When it comes down going to court, only what
is WRITTEN really counts, not what was promised. Make
sure that you have no doubts before signing. Read it ALL.
My contract is my word and the terms and package are outlined in this webpage. Print out the pages for reference. I have never let a bride and groom down. If you really need a contract I'll send you one. My emails and correspondance to you is enough to hold me financially liable for a no show. See next question too.
What
about deposits and payments? What does it say about
cancellations and the photographer not being there? If
the photographer protests, ask him why? This is one area
NOT to take lightly. You could be disappointed for a long
time.
If something were to happen, I would move heaven and earth to find a replacement (and in fact I know many pros to call on), and I have even checked myself out of the hospital to complete a commitment to a bride and groom. If I missed your wedding from a verifiable circumstance beyond my control, and I couldn't find a pro to cover for me, I would refund your money in full. The only thing to be really aware of is that your deposit is not refundable should you cancel. If by some chance I am able to replace your cancellation with another wedding for that day I will refund your deposit in full. However, the chances of this are nil considering the way way in advance nature of booking wedding vendors.
References
- A personal reference is always the best and people love
to talk. Get a list of references from the photographer
and check them out personally. A photographer who doesn't
have references or is afraid to give them to you may not
be the person that you need to hire.
References? Sure.. Just let me know and I'll email you some folks email addresses to contact in person.
Other
Questions: (some questions may be repeated
from the list above)
- Have
you shot a wedding at my location before? I am an expert at location photography from my commercial photography experience.
- Do
you have an assistant? NO unless it is a still/video package, then you have the
videographer too.
- Do
you have backup equipment and is it the same quality
as the primary equipment? YES
- Do
we get to keep the proofs? YES
- Do
you mark your proofs? NO
- Where
and how are your proofs marked? NOT AT ALL - You Own Them
- How
much extra for unmarked proofs? NOT necessary
- Do
we get to keep our negatives? All my work becomes your work
- How
long do you keep the negatives and will you sell them
to us? I maintain the files for at least
180 days
- Do
you use high speed film to expose natural light? I shoot with flash and natural light.
- Do
you have tele-photo and wide-angle lenses? YES 80-200mm, 12-24mm, and 24-105mm lenses
- Do
you work well with the other vendors? i.e.: coordinators,
caterers, videographers. For Sure especially at the venues I shoot at alot like Chanteclaire Farm, and Will O' Wisp. Well oiled machine of good attitude and professionalism.
- Can
you work from a photo checklist that we create? Formal groupings for sure. Bring a copy to the wedding and make sure you have someone to help me coordinate the groupings. Actual poses, hum? I'll listen to what you have in mind and try to please, but in the end I have full artistic control. My style is my style and I can't really be expected to duplicate someone elses.
- How
will you be dressed? Nice. Suit Coat, Dress Pants, Tie, shaved, washed. Tux? $50 extra fee. Hot days I may loose the jacket but keep the tie.
- Do
you process and develop your own film and prints? I shoot all digital now after shooting film for weddings for 15 + years. I have been a digital professional since the profession was born. I know photoshop and work in it every single day as part of my commercial photography business. If you want film, I offer 6X7 medium format at a premium.
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