Experience
_____Many years of experience as a photographer.
_____Considers this his/her profession, not just a weekend hobby.
_____All editing and printing are done “in house”, not hired out. (Verifying your Photographer has knowledge of editing and printing software.)
_____Can offer another camera during shoots.
_____Actual Photographer will be doing the shooting.
***Remember…..experience pays off and shows in your prints. Look at your photographer as a long-term asset. He/She is there as your family grows and kids carry on your traditions.
Equipment
_____Camera is of professional quality. Ask to see his/her camera. You can tell if it is quality. If it is a “point and shoot” camera……RUN!!!!!
_____Adequate equipment to properly light an evening wedding or a dimly lit room.
_____Knows limitations of his/her editing software when exposures are concerned.
_____Backup options for prints available in case of fire.
_____Knowledgeable of how big a print can go before it becomes “grainy”. (Great way to know quality of their equipment.)
***High quality equipment is not just for looks, it is vital. KNOWLEDGE + GREAT EQUIPMENT = HAPPY PHOTOGRAPHER AND SATISFIED CUSTOMERS
_____Many options available to enhance prints……..burning, dodging, vignettes, etc……
_____Variety of professional printing….canvas, mental, watercolors, linen…etc…
Things To Shoot
_____Engagement pictures.
_____”Save the Date” cards.
_____Preliminary/Bridal Portraits.
_____Bridal lunches/groom gatherings (golfing, target shooting, etc.)
_____Church rehearsal.
_____Rehearsal dinner.
_____Getting dressed–hair and nails.
_____First Peek—For bride and groom only. You and your soon-to-be hubby, see each other before the wedding. You will be amazed how this relieves pressure and stress….Make great photos too!!!
_____Wedding.
_____Reception.
_____Thank you cards ***These are the basics. If you want to add more options for photos, feel free to.
Location…. Location
_____Uses various backgrounds.
_____Utilizes grounds.
_____Offers timeless photos.
***Consider everything about your location. You want many options with beautiful backgrounds, whether it is in a pecan orchard or you sitting on your Grandmother’s couch. Better to have too many prints than too less. Remember…..don’t date yourself. Keep things simple for instance, no bell bottom pants, fad clothing, strange hair dos, awkward cakes, or big veils!!!Think about what will be in your prints.
Style of Shooting
_____Photographer has a personality.
** If you are not are not happy and having a good time while shooting, it will show in your prints.
_____Creative (Not just straight forward, down the aisle shots.)
_____Incorporates details–flowers, earrings, shoes, backgrounds for other prints.
_____Captures personalities of your wedding party, family, friends, etc..
_____Allows bride/groom to “own” their wedding. Encouraging personal effects…shots with Grandma’s hanky, including the family dog, or the bride standing on a hay bale.
You must let your photographer know exactly what you want. This will allow him/her to focus on details in your prints. (If you don’t want your prints to have your “red solo cups” in them, tell your photographer!!!!)
Time
_____No rushing.
_____No limited number of prints.
_____All events of the wedding are photographed.
This is your day! Your photographer should be there—no matter how long it takes.
Final Product
_____Finished album—story book with flush mount pages.
_____Prints edited—all distractions removed—open eyes, sweat, stray hairs, power lines, exit signs, etc…
_____Your wedding uploaded to web site for preview and reorder.
_____Backups in case you lose your album/pictures.
_____Reprints of wedding books available. (Mom’s book, second album).
_____Framed prints available–various sizes and many mediums (premium photo paper, metal, canvas, linen) to choose from.
Price
_____Affordable price for creating lasting memories.
_____No hidden cost.
If you checked off this checklist….You should have yourself one awesome photographer. Note to self…..your wedding prints are the only things that will ever matter again. Cut corners on your dress, cake, and reception, but not on your pictures!!! Photos will outlive you, your children, and your children’s children. Make them the best! Congratulations!!!!
Jay S. Cope
2801 Robin Lane
Texarkana, TX 75503
903-832-8997
photoarts@cableone.net
