Photography Tips.
Reprint of an article on The Knot.

If you're going to splurge on anything for your wedding, make it the pictures. They'll preserve your memories of the big day, and memories are priceless. Follow these ten basic tips to get picture-perfect prints.

What it costs. A good basic package can cost $1,000, but you can easily spend three or four times that amount. You're paying for the photographer's time at your wedding, hours spent developing your pictures, and the finished product -- the prints and albums you order. If your photographer is in high demand (especially if she shoots socialite or celebrity weddings), expect to pay dearly (up to $7,000) for the honor of her presence.

Ways to save. Hire your photographer for just the ceremony and an hour at the reception, perhaps. Keep prints simple; special treatments like sepia tones (which create an antique look), multiple exposures, and split frames cost more because they require more darkroom work. A photographer who views his work as art may charge more than a large studio with multiple photographers that functions like a wedding-photo factory. Go solo -- photographers who work with assistants generally cost more -- and choose a package carefully. For example, some packages may include parents' albums, but many don't, which means you'll pay an additional fee later.

Call the shots. Ask recently married friends how many pictures their photographer took (i.e., how many proofs they got) and whether that number was sufficient, so you'll have a frame of reference when you talk to your photographer. A photographer shoots about 300 exposures at an average wedding (ceremony and four-hour reception).

See an actual album. Look at pictures the photographer shot at a previous wedding to see if he connected to the couple and captured the mood of their day. If possible, ask to see a proof book -- the shots the photographer took before the couple chose which ones they wanted. This is his work in the raw.

Beware the bait and switch. Some contracts spell out the studio's right to send any staff photographers to your wedding -- don't sign if that's not okay with you. Some also reserve the exclusive right to photograph your wedding, leaving Uncle John out in the cold. Read your contract carefully.

Leave a tip? It's optional. Established photographers will not expect a tip, especially when their fees will be among the highest in the wedding. That said, a monetary "thank you" is always graciously received, especially if your photographer is a subcontractor or freelancer (i.e. doesn't own the studio). Estimate $20-$25 (think cab fare home, or cash for grabbing a nightcap after a hard day's work).

Don't underestimate. You may think you don't need many pictures, but chances are that once you see the proofs, you'll want more than you thought you did (especially if you've hired a spectacular shutterbug). Err on the side of too many prints.

Negatives are positive. Most professional photographers keep their own negatives -- you'll get the best-quality prints and negatives will be properly stored. Ensure that your photographer keeps your negatives on file according to her policy; you may be able to buy them after a certain period of time.

Let guests help you pay. If you order prints for family and friends, be sure everyone knows the price per print -- or prepare to tack additional fees onto your final tab! Order parents' and guests' prints when you order your own -- you'll avoid reorder fees.

Order your own album. Albums can get incredibly pricey; you might decide to buy your own instead of working with your photographer's wares. Be careful not to put your pictures in cheap albums that may damage them over time. Look for "archival" or "acid-free" on the label.

Get behind the scenes. Choose a photo pro whom you feel extremely comfortable with and don't mind inviting backstage. Some of the most beautiful wedding moments happen while the bride is dressing, while the family is waiting, or during the reception when the couple steals away for a kiss. Keep your photographer aware of your whereabouts at (almost) all times.

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