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A wedding photographer is a professional who makes their living by specializing in wedding photography. Some photographers are also videographers.
| Tip: | Always remember that, unless specifically stated otherwise in your contract, your wedding photographer will own all the rights to your pictures. So if you want to reproduce them later or post them online, you will not be able to do so legally without rights to your photographs. In this case, make sure that the rights to the photography are included in your order and that the photographer officially signs a release transferring his or her copyrights to you. (Some photo and copy services may request verification of copyright permission or ownership.) |
| Tip: | Be sure to exercise the Brides' Bill of Rights. Check out as many vendors as you can (including their consumer reviews), and make sure you get your order just as you want it, in writing, as a legally binding contract. |
Choosing a Photographer
There are several questions that you should consider before choosing a photographer:
- What are the photographer's qualifications and experience?
- What is the quality of the photos in the photographer's portfolio?
- How much am I willing to pay? (You should expect to pay somewhere between $600 and $1200 for at least four hours of service. You may even have to pay a deposit upfront. Be sure that the deposit goes toward the total fee.)
- What is included in the offer?
- How many prints and what kind of prints do I get?
- Do I get the pictures in a digital medium (such as a CD)?
- Do I get to keep the negative (original exposed film) or a copy of the negative?
- Does the photographer transfer the copyright to me?*
- What other services (such as videotaping) are provided?
It's important to know the answers to all of the above questions about each photographer you're considering before you buy. Countless wedding photography Web sites answer many of these questions, but it is still important to contact each one to have all of them answered.
| Tip: | Especially important is that you should get the photographer to, in writing, transfer the rights to your pictures to you, as well as the negative, so you can legally do whatever you want with them. |
*Caution: While some photographers do sell their rights, there may be others who may get you to give away your rights. A model release form authorizes the photographer to use your image in his or her photography as he or she pleases. If you don't want your privacy compromised, do not sign a model release form unless it only licenses your image for use in the photography that he or she is doing for you.
How Much Am I Willing to Pay?
You can expect to pay anywhere from $800 to $2400 for four hours of service, depending on what you want. Smaller prints and a CD containing the images are often included. Many professional photographers also offer different levels of service.
Restrictions
Before hiring a photographer, make sure to check with the venue if it is okay to take pictures. Not all private properties allow photography.
See Also
External Links & Sources
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