Cape Fear Wedding: Photography

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    That makes finding the right photographer one of the most important decisions you'll make. Because photographers are booked months in advance -- more for busy spring and summer weekends -- you need to start looking early. A year or more isn't too soon.
    To help you feel confident about what you want and what to expect, start by looking at friends' and relatives' wedding albums. Ask them for recommendations based on their experience. Look over bridal magazines for ideas.
    When you're ready to interview the photographers you are considering, call for appointments to visit their studios. Before setting a time to meet, tell the photographer what your budget is. If the photographer's rates are out of range of your budget, you avoid wasted time. The photographer may be able to recommend someone else who's in your price range.

   The interview
    When you meet, have specific information about the date, time and place of the wedding, approximate number of guests, size of the wedding party, and any special requests you might have. Take time to look carefully at the photographer's portfolio and discuss what services are covered by the package you are considering.
    An experienced wedding photographer should be happy to provide you with references and detailed price information in writing. Don't forget to ask about reprint rates and how long it will take to fill reprint orders.
    When you have information from several photographers, make a careful comparison of the rates and services. Ultimately, however, your choice may be based as much on your feeling: Will you be comfortable having the photographer playing an intimate role in your entire wedding? Do you have a good feeling for the style of his or her work?

   Shooting instructions
    Before the ceremony, meet with your photographer to review the list of shots to be taken. If there are "traditional" images you don't want, say so. This will save time and money. On the other hand, if there are special people or circumstances you want to be sure are recorded, specify them.
    Use a checklist, such as the one provided here, as a guide for the photographer. SEE: Photo checklist.
    It may be helpful to assign a friend or relative who knows the families to help round up everyone needed for the various group pictures. Be sure to discuss photo arrangements and scheduling at the rehearsal so all parties know what to expect on the big day.

   Points to consider

How long will the photographer be at the wedding and reception?
If you are dealing with a larger firm, do you know who will actually shoot your wedding?
Is there a backup photographer?
Will the photographer be eating at the reception?
How will the photographer be dressed?
Is the photographer familiar with the lighting conditions at the wedding site?
Does the church or other wedding site have restrictions on photographic lighting?
Are there restrictions on where or how the photographer may work during the ceremony?

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Bridal forum Comments about this article	Brides, post a comment:		Vendors, post a comment:
Photography

No restrictions on photography downtown "You should have no problem doing a photography session pretty much anywhere in downtown Wilmington, unless you want to use somebody's private property."
Posted by: John Meyer of Cape Fear Wedding on: Monday, February 21, 2011	Post a reply:

Bridal Pictures "I want to get my bridal pictures done downtown and my sister is going to take these for me as a favor to save money and I'm just trying to find out if we have to inform anyone of this or not."
Posted by: Jamie of Willard on: Sunday, February 20, 2011	Post a reply:

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