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When looking to hire a photographer, there are things you must keep in mind to make sure you are covered. This little checklist of questions may prove to be useful:

- what does their price include? Is it just their time and talent - will you have to pay for every simple 4x6 print you want to get? 

- will you be provided a disc with your photos? If yes, what resolution will the photos be in? Will they be so small that they will blur when you make a 4x6 print? 

- are there any hidden fees? Will you need to pay sitting fees, fees for extra people in the photos, fees for post-processing of your pictures, fees for incurring fees?  

- how long will the photographer spend with you for the package price? Will you have to pay per hour after the time is up? Get this in writing! 

- how much will you need to pay ahead of time? If they require half or the full amount prior to the day, get it in writing!!!  

- do they use digital or film photography? As fantastic as film photography is, it may be best to go with digital photography for your event. Imagine finding out a few weeks after your wedding that something went wrong with the film or camera and not a single picture turned out!

- do they have ways to back up the photos they take? Do they have back up equipment in case something goes wrong? If you are paying $3,000+ for a wedding package, you should not settle for less!

- will you get one or more photographers with your package? If not, how much more will a second photographer cost? If you are planning a medium-large wedding, strongly consider having two photographers - there is only so much one person can photograph at a time!

- how long it will take to have your pictures and products ready? There is no reason for your photos to take more than 2 months to be ready, unless you have ordered many specialized products (photo books, etc). Get this in writing as well!

- - - - - Make sure to read your photographer's contract in full before you sign anything! - - - - -

If something does not feel right, either have the contract adjusted or shop around for someone else. You should never be worried about signing over your wallet or soul.

Please let me know if you have any questions, or if you feel there is something else I should add!

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