A Few Questions Before I Hire a Wedding Photog

[Chaseme13]

I'm looking into hiring a photog for my wedding. I'm just a hobbyist myself but wanted to get a bit more familiar with what is the norm for the industry before I find a photographer.

Digital files - with the movement more towards digital compared to printed sharing (social media) can I purchase the digital copy of an image I like instead of purchasing it as a print?

In the same regard, say the photog shoots 1000 'good' shots; can I get those in full-resolution, or just low-res? Would it be an extra fee for all full-res? How about requesting RAW?

Cost cutting - without screwing over the photog, lessening the shooting time, how can I cut the cost?

P.P. - I'm pretty good with Post-processing, but without scrapping the photographer's PP style, how do I go about this?

Any other tips or things I should know?

[JMartel]

Originally Posted by Chaseme13

I'm looking into hiring a photog for my wedding. I'm just a hobbyist myself but wanted to get a bit more familiar with what is the norm for the industry before I find a photographer.

Digital files - with the movement more towards digital compared to printed sharing (social media) can I purchase the digital copy of an image I like instead of purchasing it as a print?

In the same regard, say the photog shoots 1000 'good' shots; can I get those in full-resolution, or just low-res? Would it be an extra fee for all full-res? How about requesting RAW?

Cost cutting - without screwing over the photog, lessening the shooting time, how can I cut the cost?

P.P. - I'm pretty good with Post-processing, but without scrapping the photographer's PP style, how do I go about this?

Any other tips or things I should know?

These are all dependent on the photographer. I'm getting married in April so we had to go through this too. From what I saw, wedding photographers had packages that you bought, usually of a certain amount of time rather than pictures. The actual amount of pictures will vary for each wedding. As far as prints/digital, it depends on the photographer and what their preferred method is but most that we researched gave a DVD of high res jpeg files with a small number of prints that you got to choose. Generally most photographers will not give out their RAW files or they will charge a very large amount of money for each one. Again, most seem to have a package, so it would be up to them if they want to reduce costs at all for you.

This was just my experience though.

[stillinamerica]

Just an answer, don't shoot me for it. If you want all the files unedited, buy a camera and hand it to a friend and ask them to take your pictures.

If you want lifetime memories of your wedding, hire a good wedding photographer, talk to them, listen to them and buy one of their packages they have to offer. Simple.

Or: look specifically for a photographer who is offering what you are looking for, good luck with having good images though.

Cheers

[Wazza]

There are simply too many variables, and can probably only get this sorted through contacting a few local photographers.

Firstly, not everyone shoots in Raw (crazy, I know!), but I still wouldn't give out my Raw files. Almost like running across the field naked.
But my packages include full size edited jpgs, and a very rough approximate number, such as 300/500 images.

Perhaps if you really wanted to cut costs, put an advert out, for a Uni/College photographer, who is creative, fun, partially experienced perhaps as a second shooter. Ask them to share some examples, or even further - a range of continuous photos. (Anyone can pull off a magical couple of shots in a wedding, but the key is consistency). With a student, you might be able to negotiate Raw unedited shots, and just pay for pure shooting time.

Alas, the negatives that come with a cheap person. Inexperience, no contract?, no guarantees, no timeless memories if they're shot incorrectly, or the photographer simply doesn't turn up!

[Red Tie Photography]

It depends on each photographer. From what I have seen, if you want raw images or unedited images you get them from craigslist for cheap.
The next step is normally the $1500-$5000 photographer who will usually give you a dvd of the images.
After that you get the high end, $5000+ who you have to buy print orders from.

These are good questions to ask, why dont you narrow down a few photographers you want and ask them. From what answers you get, go from there.

[Federkeil]

Yeah, you are not going to be "cost cutting" by asking for Raw files. Most photographers won't do it. And when they do it costs more not less. You might find some where you are. MN is a long way from me! But there are a LOT of photographers that will sell you high resolution images. You will have to do the research and talk to the photographers in your area. If I had it to do over again, I would be tempted to "cut costs" by hiring the photographer I really want for a short amount of time prior to my wedding. (Weekends book quickly and sometimes photographers will discount a weekday shoot) And a much less expensive one to spend the wedding day with us. (Those are the pictures that I would touch up yourself) But that's just me. The pix I put on my wall were not from my ceremony. Congrats! And good luck!

[stillinamerica]

Originally Posted by Federkeil

The pix I put on my wall were not from my ceremony. Congrats! And good luck!

Good point

[Red Tie Photography]

A way I am going to cut costs when I get my wedding photographer is probably create my own album, make my own prints, etc. I would not edit myself. Id also hire someone most likely that I have shot with before, someone that I know, like them and their style, and will be able to cut me a deal for future work.

[Chaseme13]

Thanks for the swift replies.

I have yet to contact any photographers; sounds like that is the best answer.

FYI...I'm getting married in Temecula, CA.

[Jimconnerphoto]

There are some great spots in Temecula. Congrats on the wedding.
Some ways to save on your wedding photography:
Many vendors will discount Friday and Sunday events.
Decide precisely how much time you will require.
If you have friends getting engaged, refer your vendors.
If you want an album, you may consider hiring the photog you like the most and request cd/DVD only and either order an album from them in the future or prepare one yourself.
Create a budget and let prospective photogs know what your budget is.

Every photographer is a little different. In my case I include high res files with many of my packages
and you can easily print large prints from those files.

[snails]

Originally Posted by Chaseme13

Thanks for the swift replies.

I have yet to contact any photographers; sounds like that is the best answer.

FYI...I'm getting married in Temecula, CA.

I don't do weddings, but I know photographers in the area that do. Drop me a PM if you'd like their contact info. They're reasonable people and would probably work with you on what you want.

[Chaseme13]

Thanks guys for the info.

[JackStrutz]

Originally Posted by Chaseme13

Thanks for the swift replies.

I have yet to contact any photographers; sounds like that is the best answer.

FYI...I'm getting married in Temecula, CA.

Contact my friend Ian Currier. He is an AMAZING photographer and an extremely agreeable person to work with (we are both based out of Temecula). You can find his contact information on his website at http://www.iancurrierphoto.com/ and a more extensive portfolio at http://www.flickr.com/goodoneian/

[symbolphoto]

Originally Posted by stillinamerica

Just an answer, don't shoot me for it. If you want all the files unedited, buy a camera and hand it to a friend and ask them to take your pictures.

Worst advice ever.

Originally Posted by stillinamerica

If you want lifetime memories of your wedding, hire a good wedding photographer, talk to them, listen to them and buy one of their packages they have to offer. Simple.

Best advice ever.

[symbolphoto]

If you try to cut costs in your wedding, the photography is the LAST place to cut. Think about it, what's going to last after the wedding day?

Photography. That's it. If you must cut costs, Zagiace has good advice.