Weddings FAQs
Shouldn’t I be asking “What do I get and how much does it cost?”
Even shopping for shoes or furniture you wouldn’t ask that question first until you find the style and quality you like. After you have looked through a photographer’s website and portfolio; viewing candids, composition, formals, inside and outside lighting, you will know if this photographer has the technique, style and spirit to be the one to be responsible for capturing the most important day in lively and rich images. Then it would be wise to discuss a range you wanted to spend for photography and also the products you wish to have such as an album, online viewing, and a DVD.
How do I find the right wedding photographer?
You should choose a wedding photographer based on several considerations. Do your research. Check online, ask your friends or neighbors, ask local Chambers of Commerce; and keep your eyes and ears open when you go to a special event or to a mall with photo exhibits. Secondly, once you have a list of photographers and met with each of them in person, you must love her work. Look for a photographer whose work moves you, whose style you love, and who tells a story the way you want your story to be told Another factor to consider is personality. Since your wedding photographer will be with you the whole wedding day, you need to make sure that you feel comfortable with this individual. One way to gauge this is to ask yourself: “Would we be friends with this photographer even if we weren’t getting married?” If the answer to this question is “yes,” then this is the person to book.
What photo style do you offer that is different than other photographers?
I celebrate the individuality of the bride and the groom and their families and friends in each of the weddings I shoot. Each wedding has its own personality, and I try to listen and then capture that personality in lively and beautiful images.
Will you be the photographer at our wedding or will you substitute an assistant?
If you establish a rapport with the person you met in person and discuss your wedding plans in detail, that is who should be photographing your event. This photographer does not assign an assistant to photograph the most important day of your lives together! Some photographers do, so read your contract thoroughly!
So, how much does wedding photography cost?
Prices range drastically from one photographer to another due to their years of expertise, products you choose to purchase, travel and set up time, and a number of other factors. It is difficult to quote just one price fits all since each couple is unique. If you want great images, trustworthiness, and a ”friend” to be your wedding photographer, be prepared to consider it an investment and not just how “how much.” Expect better photographers to charge the higher rates. With an inexperienced photographer, he/she may charge you as little as $10 for a print. And, it is reasonable for an excellent photographer to charge you $40 for a print of the same size. That is because you are getting a better product from the experienced professional. If you are looking for a bargain and shop by email or phone for pricing, you are following a recipe for poor to mediocre photography. Photography is about 10% of the total wedding budget. When couples value photography highly this translates into a bargain for the memories it will hold dearly in your hearts!
What should I look for in a wedding photographer?
I tell brides and grooms that the number one thing to look for in their wedding photographer is personality. The photographer is the only individual who will be with you all day, and you want to feel comfortable with the person. So, when you are meeting them, you are checking them out for comfort. See how you feel around them. Can you picture them with your family and friends? The right choice for a photographer will make your wedding day! It isn’t the cake, nor the colors of the bridal party gowns, or the types of flowers for the wedding bouquets. It is the photographer that will make your day go smoothly. Choose wisely.
Shouldn’t my photographer have a designated back-up in case he/she is sick on my wedding day?
That would be ideal, but consider the plight of the backup photographer who has to turn down weddings just in case she/he is needed for yours? I am part of a network of photographers, and do have many people I can call in an emergency so not to worry!
Who designs my wedding album and when will I receive them?
I have the experience and know-how to design all albums and would be delighted to do that for yours. I use a professional lab and album companies and turnaround time, once designed, is less than three weeks.
Why should I hire a more expensive photographer? Aren’t they all the same?
Not all photographers are the same. Do you see a difference when you shop Walmart and Macy’s? The same holds true with photographers. Attending workshops, learning new techniques, investing in my business makes for a better photographer; and therefore, worth more. Also, the integrity and trust you build with me gives you the sound mind that I will follow through on my promise to give you images that jump off the page and delight your spirit. Because I work hard with you, my clients, helping to orchestrate the event prior to the day and responding to any and all questions along the process; whether a wedding or event, my value to you has increased and we get fantastic images from the get go. That attention to detail coupled with the “know how” is the difference between a mediocre photographer and a great one.
What are the advantages of hiring a professional wedding photographer?
A professional photographer will be timely – arriving at your wedding promptly, and getting the results to you on time. A professional has just the right equipment and film for photographing your event. Having attended many weddings, an experienced wedding photographer will be at ease at your wedding. A professional uses a color laboratory that is in the business of meeting high professional standards of print quality. And, a professional is used to working with individuals, couples, and groups to make the formal photography go smoothly. When you think about the cost of photography, remember that the photographer’s fee is only part of your investment: You, your parents, your extended family and your friends will be relating to the photographer during your wedding. The pro knows how to relate to all of them with a professional demeanor. Don’t waste time on your wedding day with a photographer who doesn’t know the score and won’t produce results you will love!
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Kind Words
Echoes of our weddings still chime through our days. We are truly newlyweds in our delight. It was wonderful to have you there ~ and with camera in hand. The pictures are great! I’m so glad you captured the waltz ~ you were the only one who did. Your photographs are clearly at a high artistic level ~ you saw the subtle, the beautiful and the meaningful.
Joan’s studio is located in upstate NY, and she travels anywhere in the world to be a part of your world… Contact Joan Heffler Photography at joan@joanheffler.com or call (518) 346 – 4485 to speak with this professional for more information on portrait photography, corporate photography, branding photography, event photography, and wedding photography in Albany, Saratoga Springs, Schenectady, Troy, Saranac Lake, Lake George, Bolton Landing, Lake Placid, Syracuse, Upstate NY, Capital Region and/or Capital District, Tri-County Area, Upper Hudson Valley, Hudson Valley, Adirondacks, Berkshires, Western Massachusetts, Vermont, Northeastern New York and New York State.