CONGRATULATIONS...

...on arriving here! You'll just love this page. Here you will quickly acquire the necessary tools to shop for a wedding photographer. Think of it as looking for 'Mr. Right'. It will be a fun-filled adventure!

The #1 reason for this FAQ: I've heard of unscrupulous low class photographers who tend to give everyone in this business a bad name. I hear the many stories as well. Through Tyme, informative information and those of us (part time or full time) that know we are reputable can put a stop to the sadness of couples who have been 'taken to the cleaners' with their once in a lifetime wedding photos.

First, I'd like to say something about digital photography. Like many industries, photography has done a complete about face in the last 10 years with rapid advancements in technology. Many couples ask if photos are taken digitally or with film. I believe this concern arises because anyone with digital equipment can photograph weddings - no experience needed. Couples want to be sure the person they are talking to has the experience, proper equipment and knowledge necessary. You should not be able to tell a digital image from film if properly done. Digital photography offers many advantages for both the client and photographer. Photographers coming from the film era have old habits of trying to get it right in the camera eliminating many unnecessary fixes.

COMPARING PHOTOGRAPHERS

• Compare the same items - apples to apples. Are the albums on display the ones included in the package?
• Are the previews delivered in envelope, or in a book or is it a proof less system? You may be told that a proof less system is the 'new' way (needs internet access) or traditional previews are out of date.
• How many pictures are taken?
• How long is the photographer with you? Is it time based or when a particular activity is over?
• Make sure overtime fees are known in case you need additional time.
• What about 'add-ons'? (mileage, shipping, engraving, added pictures in the album, etc.) What are the 'extras' that aren't included?
• Are black and white photos included?
• How does the photographer dress on the wedding day?
• Can the photographer walk the talk? Always, always view work before making a decision. Check group photos - are they clear and is the lighting pleasing without lots of hard shadows? Always ask to see a complete set of wedding photos. It's very easy to pick the best from the last jobs and only show those. One or two completed works usually gives a good indication of past performance. Also, no two weddings are alike so don't compare the two as you are viewing. Don't get caught up in looking at flowers or what people are wearing! Only look at the photography aspect. Photos should be in focus, cropped for the importance of what it is supposed to be without lots of ceiling or unnecessary things. Some photos may appear slightly blurred intentionally for a mood. What about professional organizations - maybe a sales tax permit. How about certificates or awards?
• Does the photographer come with an assistant and if so is that person photographing as well? (Some photographers are very efficient and work well alone.)
• The next time you are at a wedding notice what you like and don't like about the photographer. (Remember, not everyone is perfect.) Ask those recently married the same question of their photographer.
• Ask if back-up equipment is brought along.

You are not looking for the best of everything in everyone; honesty, knowing the business and a sense that this is someone you can spend your wedding day with (next to hubby) should be answered with a "yes". You may want to consider these points before price. Notice it was the first bit of information listed here!

The following is part of Tyme Photography's wedding packet given at the consultation.

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What exactly is photojournalism? You'll get a broad range of responses on this one. Simply, it is characterized by the subject's unawareness of being photographed. Or as I tell clients, "As it happens."
2. What styles of photography are there? Which is better? When one speaks of style in wedding photography it is thought of as traditional, classical, casual, etc. In today's weddings we hear of architectural (archways or columns), interpretive (telling a story with expressions or personality- not looking at the camera), relaxed, (sitting, kneeling, leaning), or moving, (implying movement or about to act on something) just to name a few. Competent photographers create images using all of the above and look for the simple things such as tears or a pair or feet dancing. Would you rather see all faces, perfectly lined up poses and people looking at the camera? At the least you would like to have photos of the little things you spend money on that will be soon forever forgotten.
3. Should I hire any professional photographer? NO! Why? Would you go to an engine mechanic for a transmission? Unless you have seen their photo work in weddings you cannot expect a newspaper or sports photographer to have the experience to pose 20 people in 60 seconds, be an expert in dealing with divorced parents who don't even want to see each other. Get the picture? Wedding photos are often thought of as something to do in your spare time because anyone can do it. Not True! Sports photographers might take 200 shots to get 'the' one. Weddings demand a high percentage of great images in a short amount of time. Remember what I mentioned earlier about getting it right on the first click.
4. Why should I hire a pro? A professional brings years of experience not to mention any schooling, workshops and seminars. They are experienced in posing large groups quickly and know how to approach divorced parents that may not even want to be in the same room together. Believe me, every wedding is different and each one presents new challenges for the photographer. Many photographers won't do weddings (as you may learn) because it is not a controlled photographic environment. As some put it, 'Its too much of a hassle for the money." BUT, THAT'S THE NATURE OF THE BUSINESS.
5. Why shouldn't I hire cousin Joe? Joe isn't a pro but has taken pictures all his life and there awesome and he has a great personality! Ask yourself how important are your wedding pictures? A pro brings years of experience in all lighting situations, posing large groups; not to mention the equipment plus the extra stuff for back up. While Joe is having dinner he'll miss the bride giving the flower girl a big hug with tears in her eyes.
6. When should I reserve my photographer? Now! Can't be early enough after you've set a date. The good ones go like bees go to honey because they are well known. Eighteen months is not unusual. At six months during the heavy months you need to be lucky. When you find 'Mr. Right' photographer be prepared with financial compensation.
7. What about my guests taking photos? My Aunt is a camera freek! No problem. Photos at the reception, outside or prior to the formals, etc. don't effect my work and present no problem. Photos during the 'alter formals' or anytime the photographer has studio equipment set-up or is setting poses should be avoided by others. It is the responsibility of the bride and groom to inform good intentioned camera buffs to tuck cameras away until the photo session has ended. Now lets be reasonable - I'm not talking about grandma with her point and shoot who wants a photo of her only granddaughter. The reasons are: A. Someone has paid good dollars to have a professional photographer take the best photos possible in the short amount of time allotted. There is no second chance. B. Nothing is more aggravating to a pro to see irises almost closed because of someone's flash going off just before he presses his shutter. This is not what someone is paying for. The image now has to be taken over wasting time. C. Lighting equipment could be knocked over causing personal injury or breakage to expensive equipment. D. Time is of the essence and the work is demanding. Production can't stop and wait for people or have them be in the way when working with limited time.
8. What about an in home photography business? Yes! Where would this country be if businesses weren't started at home! Many prefer to do only on location work and don't need a studio.
9. Are disposable cameras worth it? No! Purchasing the cameras, collecting them, getting the film processed is time consuming - not to mention some of worthless 'junk' that was taken when cute little Billy shot up a roll of everyone's feet. You probably won't get all the cameras back. People may have good intentions of getting the film processed for you but often forget. Flashes are not good for more than twelve feet and not all cameras are created equal. Try a brand and get the film processed first. One of my clients was one up on me and they bought film for people to use in their own cameras. However, that was before the digital revolution.
10. Will it matter if the church or reception hall is dark? No! A pro will have the necessary tools to make it appear like it was 12 noon. Photos may be on the romantic tone of dim lighting as well. What you should not get is lots of brightly lit subjects with dark backgrounds.
11. Should I have altar formals before or after the ceremony? We at Tyme Photography say, "This is your day, do it your way". We do understand the reason(s) for not wanting to see each other before the actual event. However, there are negative issues you need to understand to make a wise decision.

    You decide. Here are the facts:

    Pros	Cons
    Hair & makeup are still fresh	Delayed reception - plan accordingly
    Everyone is more relaxed & natural	Folks are anxious to get pictures out of the way
    Photo time is not time sensitive	All must be attentive - not in restrooms, not snacking, etc.
    Couples private time can be accommodated	Church may not be available for time needed
    Altar prior to ceremony without anyone present	Children are bored by this time
    Photo time is more creative	People have their minds on the reception
    You are receiving the most for your dollars	No amount of retouching will fix frustrated looks

    Some photographers will not do the photos after the ceremony. Reason? The photographer is sometimes blamed for photos that often result with static expressions when taken after the ceremony.
12. What about a videographer? This is entirely up to you. You may decide you want both worlds. It really comes down to which of the two can you (or cannot) live without. Think about how you want to view your wedding in the years to come - in an album or on a TV screen - or is it important to have your favorite wedding picture on the wall and a few family photos scattered about.
13. Who owns my pictures? The creator. Without getting into copy write laws the only way to transfer ownership is with a written release. You cannot scan, copy or duplicate the images in any way. This also means that the photographer may use your images for advertising and display purposes. Most will give permission to use a particular image for a specific purpose. Wal-Mart insists on a release because they could be sued by the photographer if they copied an image you brought to them from a studio.
14. How much should I pay up front? Whatever the studio says it should be - within reason. The reasoning behind the amount you pay is it needs to be substantial enough so you don't look elsewhere. Most people can afford a $50 loss if they find a better deal elsewhere. They would think more about giving away $500.
15. How much should my total investment be? $100-$20,000+! Different parts of the country have different costs. Competition: if there is only one studio within 50 miles you may pay more compared to a larger city of 50 studios. Some photographers work at higher rates per hour, some feel they offer more in experience and reputation. Beware, some charge whatever the market will bear regardless of how good they think they are.

 

ABOUT THE CONTRACT

Now that you've found 'the one' now what? Every reputable photographer will have some sort of agreement even if the only reason is to protect himself. You also need to be protected as well. The following is not intended to be a complete list of items listed on an agreement. Naturally you'll want any contact information, even of the parents for future reference.

1. Wedding date, hours of coverage and starting time (if known at this point).
2. The number of images between two numbers (this is usually based on the type of coverage).
3. Exactly what is included in your collection (package).
4. When the previews will be ready and how long you may keep them. Also when your album photos will be ready after you place the order.
5. Length of time images will be kept on file (some keep only the images that you order from).
6. If you or the studio cancels what happens to the monies paid?
7. Deposit amount due.
8. Dates when other payments are to be made and how much.
9. Any overtime fees and in what increments is the time charged.
10. The total cost (itemized).
11. What happens if the photographer dies or gets sick.
12. Reorder pricing policy and payment details.