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Perfect wedding photographs. Are they possible? Here is a guide to ensuring that your wedding photos are perfect at the end of the day. After all, the last thing you want is to have is bad photos, instead of the wonderful ones that you are going to cherish for the rest of your lives.
Speak to Friends
Speak to recently married friends and ask how many pictures their photographer took and whether that number was sufficient, so you'll have a frame of reference when you talk to your photographer. A photographer normally shoots about 500 exposures at an average wedding.
See an Actual Album
It is a good idea to look at pictures the photographer shot at a previous wedding to see if he connected with the couple and captured the mood of their day.
If possible, ask to see a proof book, which is the shots the photographer took before the couple chose which ones they wanted.
Keep it Simple
Keep your prints simple. Special treatments like sepia tones, multiple exposures and split frames cost more because they require more darkroom work. Also, a photographer who views his work as art may charge more than a large studio with multiple photographers.
Read the Fine Print
Some contracts spell out the studio's right to send any staff photographers to your wedding. Also, some photographers reserve the exclusive right to photograph your wedding, leaving Uncle John out in the cold. Read your contract carefully!
Don't underestimate
You may think you don't need many pictures for your album, but chances are that once you see the proofs, you'll want more than you thought you did.
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Negatives
Most professional photographers keep their own negatives. Ensure that your photographer keeps your negatives on file according to their policy; you may be able to buy them after a certain period of time.
Share
Allow friends and family to order prints directly through your photographer.
Get your Own Album
Albums can get incredibly pricey, although you might decide to buy and create your own instead of working with your photographer's wares. If you do decide to buy your own album, beware of purchasing cheap albums which may damage your photos over time. Look for "archival" or "acid-free" on the label.
Black and White
Plain and simple, black-and-white photography is preferred for documenting emotional moments. The fewer colors your eyes have to process, the cleaner and easier an image is to absorb when viewing.
Behind the Scenes
Choose a photo pro whom you feel extremely comfortable with and don't mind inviting backstage. Some of the most beautiful wedding moments happen while the bride is dressing, while the family is waiting, or during the reception when the couple steals away for a kiss.
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