Wedding Invitations

Ask what type of insurance coverage your photographer has for lost or damaged photos. Check his or her references. Be sure to view current samples of a photographer’s work before making a hiring decision.

Negotiate an agreement that the proofs will be included in the cost of your photo package. These pictures are great to send with thank you notes or to make up mini-albums for grandmothers or special relatives.

Also, having the proofs will eliminate the need to order extra individual photos for some family members who request them. You can give them a framed proof instead.

Be sure your photographer is sensitive to the details—how your gown is hanging, your hair, if your face is shiny from excitement, and so on—so that he or she can address these issues before taking formal pictures.

Ask your photographer to bring two working cameras to your wedding, just in case one of them malfunctions or the film is bad.

Have your photographer and videographer film the moment when your groom first sees you, whether it is before your session with the photographer or at the moment the doors open and you begin walking down the aisle. This candid image of his facial expression is worth a thousand words.

Make a master list for your photographer of all the formal shots you want taken, detailing the particular groupings you would like so you are sure to get at least one picture that includes each of your most important guests.

Get everything in writing and read all of the fine print in your contracts. Be sure you understand all of the points of your contract, including issues of deposit refunds and loss or damage to pictures, before signing on any dotted lines.