A well made wedding album will be the key to unlocking your wedding memories for years to come, so choosing a great photographer is very important.


1. How should the studio or photographer be selected?

One of the best ways is to ask friends and family for referrals. Who have they worked with in the past? Once a few names have been gathered, appointments should be made. Visiting each studio or photographer is the best way to sample each studio's work, style, and services. Every studio is different.

2. When should we sign the contract with a photographer?

Plan on beginning your search for a photographer nine months to 1 year before your wedding. Many popular photographer's schedules fill up quickly so the earlier you start, the better chance you'll have of getting the one you want!

3. How does the studio or photographer price their photography?

Some studios price everything a'la carte; everything is purchased separately including the photographer's time, wedding album, pages, and photographs. There can be many hidden costs. It is often much simpler to choose a photographer that takes the complete package approach.

Packages that are all inclusive. You pay one price for the wedding album with the finished portraits, as well as the photographer's time and services for the day. You know what you are paying up front, with no hidden costs.

4. What kind of photography coverage do I need on my wedding day?

Do you want complete all day coverage? (strongly recommended) Or do you want only limited coverage (ceremony and altar formals only.) I strongly recommend that couples get complete wedding day coverage which includes the following: Pre-ceremony, Ceremony, Altar Formals, Park Photos, and Reception Coverage. Why complete coverage? There are only three things that you leave your wedding with-- the ring on your hand, your spouse on your arm, and that album of photographs. Full coverage will enable you to capture the entire day's events so that you'll be able to look back and savor the memories forever!

5. If your prices change before my wedding day, do I pay the increased prices?

Some studios constantly change their reorder prices or album print prices. Be sure that the prices are guaranteed at the signing of your contract.

6. Do we need an engagement session? Why?
We strongly recommend that all couples have an engagement session. This is a great way for a couple to see how they are photographed and interact with their photographer. The photographer gets to know the couple and understand the likes and dislikes of the Bride and Groom. The engaged couple also has the opportunity to use these photographs for newspaper announcements. (Moms love these!)

7. Who will be photographing my wedding?

Be sure that you know exactly who will be photographing your wedding, and who's work you are viewing in the sample albums. Be sure to take the time to meet with your photographer to establish a rapport. You'll want to be sure that you are comfortable with both their ability and personality!

8. Does the photographer carry backup equipment?

Any good studio or photographer should carry doubles of all equipment.

9. What film format does the photographer use when photographing the wedding?

There are currently two different film formats that weddings can be photographed with. One format is 35mm, the other is medium format. 35mm is limited with its grain structure for enlargements (8X10's) as well as the small 3-1/2X5 images which are used in the wedding album. 35mm film tends to be contrast and grainy. Medium format is the ideal format for wedding photography. The negative is 2.5 times larger than 35mm. When enlargements are made they don't have to enlarge them as much therefore reducing the graininess of the finished portrait. In short, the medium format gives you better quality for the photographs in your album as well as any enlargements. Some photographers now only use digital make sure you know which and see pictures from both formats to choose what's best for you.

10. What photographs will be taken at my wedding? Do I have choices?

Any studio or photographer should provide a photo check list to the couple as to what photographs will be taken. The bride and groom should also have a request list, a list of photos that the bride and groom would like to have.