Selecting Your Photographer

Start early

Good actual day wedding photographers are hard to come by and they are usually booked months in advance. You can start searching by asking your friends for recommendation. You can also call up the photographers listed here. Check out their on-line portfolio. If they don't have a website, arrange for an appointment with the photographers and look at their portfolio.

Things to look out

When you look at the photographer's portfolio, check the sharpness, colour tones and whether the photos were well-lit. See if you like the style of the photographer by looking at the photos of indoor, outdoor, tea ceremony and wedding banquet.

Years of experience

Five or more years of experience in wedding photography is best. An experienced photographer can even help advise you on your schedule and help you plan. However, an experienced photographer will usually cost more. Get a less experienced photographer if you are budget conscious provided you like the portfolio.

People skills

Talk to the photographer. It is important that he has good people skills as he'll be with you the whole day. He'll also be taking pictures of your friends, relatives and guests. You don't want to have an extra headache on your wedding day.

Know the package

There isn't a standard way of charging by the photographers. Some charge you one flat rate and you buy and develop the films. Some charge you a service rate and a predetermined price for every roll of film used and they do everything for you. The film will be developed by professional labs and the developer will pay extra attention since the photographer is a regular. Sometimes, the results just aren't the same if you are the one who brings for development at the labs. They'll treat you like a novice and will not take extra TLC (tender, loving, care).

• Before you book the photographer
• Check the rate
• Ask about the camera and lens
• Is professional film used (yes, there are many kinds of films out there)
• How is the film developed? By professional labs?
• Are the negatives returned to you
• Are complimentary wedding albums provided and will the photos be arranged for you

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