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Here are some tips on finding a photographer
1. Get some suggestions from friends with wonderful wedding pictures.
2. Go to caterers,florists, or consultants to get recommendations.
3. Log onto the web and and search under wedding photographers.
4.Check wedding sections in regional or city newspapers.
5. Check the yellow pages under photography and weddings.

Selecting a photographer

You will need to decide what type of photography you are interested in. There are many different types of photography
1. Color and/or black and white
2. Film or digital
3. Traditional. These photographers capture a classic posed style of photography where everything is carefully controlled to atcheve the best results.
4. Photojournalistic. This is a more documentary style where events are captured as they unfold.
5. Faux-journalistic. This is a hybrid of two above. This is the kind of photography you see in bridal magazines. It looks un-posed and spontaneous like photojournalistic but was really posed and controlled.
6. A photographer that does a combination of all three.

Tear out photos from magazines that appeal to you and show them to your photographer. It will help the photographer visualize what you are visualizing. Also, many photographers can recreate a pose or set-up with a visual.

After you have some photographers in mind, call them and ask if they are still available for your wedding date. Next ask for a price range. Don't ask for specific prices yet. Photographers will offer a number of different packages and options. It's best to just get a range and get specifics during the consultation. Set up about 2 to 3 appointments with the photographers that seem to meet your budget needs. Keep a record of the photographer's name,contact information,prices,and who referred them. Once you pick a photographer,you'll need to agree on a contract.

The Consultation

A consultation is important because it gives you a chance to see visually what you will be receiving. You will also learn if you will feel comfortable with the photographer and if you can trust them. During a consult you can expect to learn about pricing, procedures, and more. Every photographer is different so meet with at least three to get a better idea of those differences.
Questions you should ask each photographer
1. What style of photography does he/she use, such as traditional, journalistic, or posed?
2. Does the photographer shoot in color and black and white?
3. Does the photographer like to have full control or no control over what is shot?
4. Will the photographer your speaking with be the photographer that shoots your wedding.(If not ask to meet the one that will be.)
5. Has the photographer shot many weddings?
6. How many other weddings will the photographer be shooting on that weekend?
7. Will the photographer do special request shots?
8. How does the photographer determine the price he will charge?
9. What kind of camera does the photographer use?
10. What kind of lighting will the photographer use? Look at the samples closely to see if they have high technical quality.
11. Can the negatives be bought from the photographer?
12. Do you think this person is a good person for you to work with during your entire wedding?
13. Ask if you can see all the photos shot at one wedding and not a compilement of differnt weddings. Pay attention to your emotional response and the comunication skills of the photographer.
14. What does the photographer think is important about wedding photography?
15. Does the photographer bring backup equipment?
16. Why does the photographer choose to shoot weddings?
17. What percent of the photographers business are weddings?
18. Are engagement portraits offered?
19. Will you have an assistant?
20. Are there any product guarantees?
What are the advantages of hiring a pro?
1. A professional will be timely and will know how much time is needed to do the job. They will also have experiance at organizing that time to your best advantage.

2. They will have the right equipment and film to do the job correctly. They will also have backup equipment in case something fails.

3. A professional will be comfortable with the job and not get nervous and make mistakes.

4. They will use a professional lab that is in the business of meeting high standards of print quality.

5. A pro will be used to working with individuals, couples, and groups to make the formals go smoothly.

Answers to Questions
1. Do I get to keep the proofs?
Yes, Crouse Photography shoots digital and you will also reiceive the full size image files.

2. What about getting a wedding album?
Yes. You can add an album to your base package or order one after the wedding at any time.

3. Who chooses the pictures that go in the album?
The bride and groom choose the album pictures from thier proof book.

4. Do you do black and white photographs?
Yes, I do color, black and white, color and blackand white together, and other digital special effects .

5. What technical details in sample photographs should I watch out for?
a. Lighting quality.
b. Look for a mix of distant, medium and close-up pictures.
c. Make pictures are well focused.
d. Make sure posed shots are interesting.
e. Ask to see one wedding start to finnish and not a collection of highlights from a dozen different weddings.

6. Should we do the formals before or after the ceremony?
Some couples think it is bad luck to see each other before the ceremony. If following this tradition is important to you, all of the photos of the bride and groom together will be done afterwards, but solo shots can be done before. However, there are advantages to doing all the posed shots before.
a. Flowers, clothing and make-up are fresh.
b. More time can be scheduled.
c. It may be dark out if you have a late ceremony.
d. Guests will have to wait for you at the reception.

7. Suppose I want more copies in five or more years?
I keep negatives and CDs forever. I do not get rid of them. If I do decide to stop business I will try to contact all of my customers and offer the negatives and CDs to them.

8. What if you are sick or have an emergency on my wedding day?
If this should happen, I will do my best to find a replacment photographer who I feel works as well as myself or better. If I can not find a replacement you will recieve a full refund of all deposits paid.

9. Some photographers ask that no one else take pictures during the formal shots, what is your policy?
I do allow guests to take snapshots however they must be told by the couple that they must wait until I get my shots first. This will slow down photography, and many guests taking pictures will take the attention of the subjects away from the photograher. The diverted attention will ruin the professional pictures that you are paying for. Also, If the photographer is using light-triggered strobes the flashes will cause the strobe to fire wasting the bulb and battery life.

10. Is it really illegal for me to make copies of your pictures?
Yes. According to federal law, images produced by a professional are copyrighted the moment they are created. You will have to obtain permission from your photographer or have copies made by your photogrpher.

11. How can we be sure our photographer won't mess up?
There is always an element of risk due to its technical nature. You can lesson the chance by booking a competent photographer and clearly communicating your event information.Plan everything out and stick to plan as closely as possible

12. Our photographer did a great job, should we tip him/her?
No. The size of your reprint order is one indication of your satisfaction. Also, recommending the photogrpher to others.

A Costly Mistake

1. Do not shop for price over the phone. Asking for price before viewing the work devalues their time, and skill. Decide if you like the style of the photographer first and then discuss price. Most photographers will work with you if you have a budget in mind.