I recently ran across an article on how to cut corners, and where to cut corners on costs for your wedding. I was happy to see that they mentioned here, not to waste money on sub-par photographers or videographers. For the entire article see urbo.com and R.J. Wilson's list.
#4 is repeated here:
"4. Sub-Par Photographers and Videographers
These days, everyone with an iPhone will volunteer to do your wedding photos. Then there are the "fauxtographers," who think they're professionals just because they own a DSLR (that they operate on auto mode). While smartphones and point-and-shoot cameras have come a long way, you shouldn't let a non-professional handle this critical task.
Photos are how you are going to remember the day for the rest of your life.
If you spend money on one thing for your wedding day, let it be the photographer.
Wedding photographers may look expensive at first glance, but it's important to pay enough to guarantee quality results. Too many married couples have tried to cut corners on photography, only to end up with wedding pictures they hate. Plus, if your mother or co-worker takes the job and you end up with a disappointing wedding album, you can't exactly ask for a re-do."
Lesson: Don't waste your money on fauxtographers for your wedding, learn how to hire a professional photographer.
Here is another list that I found on mnbudgetbride.com with suggestions of what to ask your photographer when hiring them. I've filled out the answers for you if you were to ask The Imagery:
--Are they the actual photographer that you will see on your wedding day? Yes, and if your package includes a 2nd photographer, it will always be someone hand-picked as equally qualified. Rod Oman is the lead photographer and only photographer.
– How many weddings have they photographed? Not sure, over 100+
– How long have they been a wedding photographer? Since 1990.
– Can they provide you with a contract? Yes. However, we work with a lot of repeat clients, and I often just outline what we'll do in an email for them because they've worked with us for so many years. We are also fully insured. (but never had to use it) Also, because we have been in the community for so long and are involved in many professional organizations, it is easy for us to find a very (and I emphasize VERY) qualified replacement for us, if and when that should ever need to be the case in an emergency.
– Can they give you a firm timeline for when your images will be delivered to you? Within 2 months of approval of your wedding design. Wedding designs take 1 month after you have selected your images for the album. Some brides take a year to decide on their images, so there is a $100 discount on upgrades to albums if images are selected within a month of the wedding.
– Do they shoot, and include any editing services? Is there any extra charge for editing? We color correct the digital files so they are all a beautiful, even exposure and true consistent color that you and us will be proud to show off. If you order printing through us, we fully retouch, and in some cases, you may want us to digitally enhance the images as well, to turn them into works of art for your walls. If albums are ordered, all the images selected for the album are fully retouched. Beware of photographers that display a high number of black and whites, which may truly be a case of “they had bad color and exposure from the camera.”
– Can they provide you with digital images (and how will they be delivered)? All our packages include a drop box of digital files, some of the higher end packages have the digital files put to a customized USB and photo box
– Do you have to order prints directly through the photographer? We recommend that you order through us for the quality, but it is not required for our weddings.
– Do they charge extra for a print release? No.
– Are they insured? Yes.
– Are they registered with the State of Minnesota, and an actual business? Yes.
– Do they charge a deposit? Is it reasonable? We charge ⅓ of your collection price as a deposit to reserve the date. Collections range from $2200 to $6500.
– When is final payment due? Within 2 weeks of your wedding.
