Thursday, April 17, 2008 Tips for A Practical, Smooth and Economical Wedding By Ed Dychauco Pots and Pans
PHOTOGRAPHERS and videographers routinely go together. However, you can either choose one or two independent establishments to cover the event. Price range is different for a one photographer/videographer compared to a team of two or three (one for the bride, one for the groom and the other for the venue).
1. Have a budget in mind and choose whether you want one or two or three photographer/videographer.
2. Ask how many shots (for the photographer) would be taken (it is normal to have a thousand shots or more since they use digital cameras now).
3. Ask for the raw copy for you to choose (since some of the better shots look funny!).
4. Ask how many shots would be stored in a CD to be given to you (make sure they are of printable size & quality).
5. Some would accept services only at a minimal fee (meaning, there would be no photo albums to go with the pictures).
6. If albums are included, check out the quality & the number of albums).
7. Ask them how long it would take them to give you the album(s), and or CD (sometimes it takes 2-3 months).
8. Make sure they are using digital cameras (for sharper and better quality pictures).
9. But if they still use films, make sure you get the negatives (for developing in the future).
10. Again, ask for sample pictures & albums and names of satisfied clients.
11. Shop around (for comparison).
12. On-site is fairly new, which means that a video clip is shown during the reception and was taken before and during the wedding (not all videographers do this since this entails fast editing).
13. Ask if the professional fee includes pre-nuptial photography and/or videography to be to be taken and shown during the reception together with the film clips of both of you through the years.
14. Pre-nuptial photography may cost more if shot on location (river rafting, rappelling, mountain climbing, scuba diving, etc.).
15. If it does, make sure you have a hand in choosing the music (this is your story, after all!), check out their samples.
16. Make sure the photographers/videographers know their limitations (like respect for the church or venue).
17. Make sure they are dressed properly and decently (wearing uniforms would be a good idea).
18. Once the contract is engaged, a 50 percent down payment is required (although some take in 30 percent) and in general, 20 to 30 percent of the total fee is given or paid after the affair. Some require the rest of the payment upon delivery of the goods (photos & videos).
19. Stolen shots are far better than posed ones, well except if it's for a portrait or the like because it looks natural and real.
