Selecting your photographer.

Selecting the correct photographer for your individual needs should be one of the most important decisions in the preparation of your wedding. There are many considerations to be dealt with, in addition to the cost.

Of course, one needs to work within a budget. So, let's start out by saying that it's difficult to pay too much for something you really like. Yet, the initial price is usually the one obstacle that prevents many couples from selecting the photographer who undoubtedly could give them the best value for their money.

Quite often the difference between the price of the photographer you really like and one who you feel is “within the budget” is miscalculated. Understandably, of course! When wedding plans come down to dollars and cents, it's hard to keep spending “a little more here...and a little more there.“ Somewhere along the line, you may feel, you have to give a little. There's only so much money available.

One can and should expect to get an estimate for the cost of wedding pictures on the telephone. At the same time, you should not expect to be given details about sizes and numbers, before sitting down with the photographer face to face.

So, then, how much money should pictures cost? Prices can be as different as the time, talent and technique of the photographers being considered. Certainly, among competent photographers in highly competitive areas, or among photographers in their formative years, you can expect to begin at around a thousand dollars. Spending less than that would be a high-risk gamble....and not worth the “savings.”

Other photographers may begin somewhere around a thousand dollars and go upwards from there. A true specialist, one who has a reputation for consistently delivering the best, might begin at two or three times that amount. When considering the cost of a photographer, you really want to know the “final” price, more than the “asking” price. It may be good to ask the photographer's opinion as to how much do you think that it would cost you in order to get a complete coverage that would please you.

There are other serious considerations when selecting a wedding photographer. Your primary focus should be on the photographer's ability and/or desire to be flexible. In particular:

•Does the photographer have a philosophy and “game plan” for what he or she would like to accomplish on your wedding day?

•Can the photographer adapt his or her approach to include well-executed formal portraiture (as much or as little as you prefer) that doesn't appear to be stiff and/or unnatural?

•Is the photographer willing to also include candid and photo journalistic images as a part of the wedding coverage?

•If you are interested in black and white or hand-colored images, is the photographer qualified and willing to provide these services?

•Without causing stress, will the photographer be able to work sufficiently well enough within the time parameters set up by you and/or the bridal coordinator as to when the photographs will be taken? Does the photographer have suggestions as to how the timing can best be planned?

•Can the photographer be creative, even when the bride and groom don't want to be photographed together until after the ceremony?

•Does the photographer have any knowledge of facial analysis, so that he/she can create the most flattering pictures of each subject?

•Is the photographer willing to stay at the wedding as long as necessary to complete the wedding day coverage?

•What is the photographers policy for change of dates and/or unforeseen cancellations?

•What is the photographers policy for the selection of the finished photographs?

If, after meeting with your photographer, you feel that this would be a sound investment in your future happiness with the photographic memories of your wedding day, you should expect to make a commitment. At this time, you should also ask to have all the details on the method of payment, expecting to leave a retainer to hold the date.

Once a competent photographer's service is secured for your wedding date, rest assured that this is undoubtedly one of the best and most intelligent decisions that you could make in the planning of your wedding.

Remember, you're going to be concerned with the price only one time...when you buy. But, you're going to be concerned with the quality of the photographs for the rest of your life!

Frequently Asked Questions and Wedding Tips

What Should I Look For In A Photographer?
1) Experience - Wawro Photography has captured over 300 weddings.
2) Background - Terry had a degree in professional photography and taught photography for many years.
3) Personality - You need to like the photographer involved in your wedding. 
A good rapport with your photographer and the ability to communicate is necessary for a successful wedding day.
4) Full-time photographer or weekend warrior- Wawro Photography is a full time wedding photography.
5) Camera equipment - Wawro Photography uses only the highest quality professional equipment on the market today.
6) Flexibility - Wawro Photography adapts to our customers' needs and special requests.
7) References - Eighty percent of all weddings photographed by Wawro Photography are direct referrals from past clients.

How much do I need to spend to find a quality photographer?
An investment of  $2500 to $5000 for photography should be expected if you are looking for an experienced photographer. In this price range quality and service will be very high. Remember you are looking for someone who can be very fun to work with and still be able to be creative under the time constraints and pressures of a wedding. These skills are highly desirable and they only come with experience.

When Should I Start Looking For My Photographer?
This will depend on the month in which you choose to be married and the region you live in. 
As a general rule 10 to 15 months in advance will be required to obtain a quality, professional photographer.

Will the photographer take a lot of time after the wedding before we go to the reception.
At Wawro Photography we get 80% of our work done prior to your reception. 
This way we can take those candid photos you love to have while you enjoy the most precious moments with your family and friends.

I'm worried about getting along with my photographer.
Make sure you are able to meet and talk with your photographer prior to your wedding. 
He'll be with you all day long so there are many things you need to coordinate with him.  Good communication is vital between photographer and client to ensure all your needs are met.

Wedding Photography. Whether you consider photography an art form or a science, or a mixture of both, one thing is certain, wedding photography extends a photographer's technical, artistic and people management skills to breaking point.
Our mission is to capture the special moments of your wedding like no other professional wedding photographer. We not only provide you with the traditional wedding pictures we all come to expect in a memorable wedding album, but we also capture those brief little moments that make weddings so special.
Seeing those treasured moments as they begin to happen, allows you to relive your wedding day forever.