Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer

1) How many weddings have you done?

2) What specifically is included in the cost?

3) What happens if I cancel? What happens if you cancel?

4) Do you use a contract?

5) Do you carry liability insurance?

6) What is the photographer's style -- traditional, photojournalistic, etc.?

7) Do you shoot in a digital format that can create both color and black and white versions of the same picture?

8) What will the photographer and assistant wear?

9) Can I look at a complete wedding album you have shot?

10) Are you the wedding photographer who will actually take our pictures?

11) Can I give you a list of specific shots we would like?

12) Do you have backup equipment?

13) What time will you arrive at the site?

14) Is my wedding the only one he or she will be shooting that day?

15) What is the ordering process?

16) Are any of the images edited and/or retouched?

17) Have you been to this location? If not, will you visit beforehand?

20) Why did you choose to be a wedding photographer? (this question will allow you to determine whether your photographer is truly passionate or just cares about a paycheck)

21) Will you stay additional time if the wedding runs behind?

22) How long do you estimate the formals will take?

23) Do you have any samples of church weddings? (very important if you are having a church ceremony with a no flash policy)

24) Has every picture in your portfolio been taken by you (or the photographer which will be covering our wedding)?

25) What are your payment terms?

26) Am I able to add or subtract once the contract is signed?

Why Wedding Photographers "Overcharge"

I cringe at the days when I thought my camera that I purchased from Walmart was amazing. It took nice pictures and the price was great.

I couldn’t understand why so many photographers charged so much for weddings. Surely they were making a killing and only out to drain brides dry of their money simply because the word “wedding” was being used.

For months, I toyed with my new camera while simultaneously browsing other photographers’ portfolios online. My pictures didn’t seem so nice anymore. In fact, I was horrified at the comparisons. Determined to produce quality images and eventually enter the professional world, I began my research:

I was completely floored as I started going over numbers:

Camera - $3,000
Lens - $1200…each?!
Insurance - $800
Advertising - $1000
Taxes - 30% (seriously?!)

As I compiled my list, it didn’t take long for the total to reach the ten thousand mark and I quickly realized that it wasn’t that professional photographers were vultures - it was just impossible to survive when charging only $1000 for a wedding.

Under $500-$1000 seems like a really good deal, but in the end it will likely produce $500-$1000 worth of images with a camera purchased from Target or Walmart. Those pictures of your grandparents and parents will likely be your most cherished possessions when they pass. A “cheap” photographer could likely provide you with blurry photos that will quickly fade away. When you think about it, spending so little may actually cost you more.

And you can’t put monetary value on memories.

Image Watermarks - Show the love

Facebook and Twitter have blown up to the point where sometimes it may feel that they are taking over the world. They each allow us to keep in touch with friends and family, worldwide. Finally we have a way to share pictures without constantly receiving that ‘over attachment limit’ message so often received when attempting to send pictures via email.

Many photographers add their watermark to images that they give you for online display. Before cropping out that watermark, realize that not only is it illegal but you are also hurting your photographer. Watermarks are not only a viable way to control image stealing, but also a main means of advertising. If you’re sharing your professional pictures online, you likely loved your photographer – so why not share it with everyone you know?

Someone always knows someone that is looking for a photographer, and that watermark or image credit serves as a great referral! Lulu posted her pictures, excited to share her first professional photo shoot that she’d ever had. She had no idea that a friend of hers had been searching for a photographer for an upcoming event. By mentioning Frozen Moments on her upload, her friend was able view the website for a company that she knew was reputable.

So next time you upload your awesome new professional pictures, think about how someone you know would love an experience just as awesome as yours.

FARMER'S MARKET WEDDING

About a week ago we decided to do some hands on research for one of our photo shoots. The photo shoot will be inspired by a "local" farmer's market. Everything from the from the reception decoration to the favors will be from a farmer's market. Most people have a farmer's market within 20miles of them. Luckily for us, we live near Lancaster County (Amish country/Dutch country). So, naturally, we were very exited about going to our local farmer's markets for inspiration and to test out the yummy treats.  There is so much fresh produce, meat, baked goods, crafts, candy, nuts and the list goes on and on.

Find out what days and times your local farmer's markets are open and visit!

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!

Happy 4th of July everyone!

What are your plans? Family picnic? Vacation? A wedding?

There's so many fun things to do and so many things to be thankful for.

Jason and I are on vacation to the Jersey Shore (between Cape May and Wildwood) with my parents. We are excited to see fireworks, craft shows, walk the boardwalk, lay out on the beach, boat rides, good food, and more! More importantly we remember why we have the freedom we love.

Thank you to those who sacrificed their lives, their families, and their possessions so long ago.

Thank you to those who continue the sacrifice to keep our country free.

GOD Bless America! :)