By Sarah Babineau of Drive Productions
They say you have two things left when your event is over: your pictures, and your memories. Few hosts regret having fantastic pictures of their guests at their fundraiser, corporate event or wedding day, but I have talked to more than one couple who do not speak about their wedding album because it is a sore subject.
That said, a photographer is one of the most expensive event service providers you can hire. So it can be tempting to cut costs by having a friend, family or staff member take photos of your event.
Here are some thoughts to consider when hiring a photographer:
Images
Let’s face it, years after your event, the only thing you may remember about your photographer are the images of your event. But those can be among the most valuable treasures you own if your event is a wedding, Sweet 16, Bar Mitzvah, Anniversary Party, Birthday Party or other major life event. Great photographs of previous years’ events can also be valuable for fundraisers and corporations as a way of getting your guests excited for future events. Make sure you take a look at several online galleries before you set up your interviews with photographers. The online photos are the photographers’ best-of-the-best, and looking at several galleries will give you a good yard stick by which to measure the talent available for the price.
Referrals
Next to talent and price, you want to make sure your photographer has a solid professional reputation. Online testimonials are good, person to person contact is better. Try to get at least one phone number or email address from a happy client who can attest to your photographer’s professionalism, punctuality and presence.
Time frames
Check with your photographer for how you will get your pictures after your event. Will they be posted online for viewing right away? Will you receive a proof book or CD with the images? Do you have to go through the photographer to order reprints or can you take the CD to any photo developing shop to customize your images? And the burning question all photographers hear sooner or later: how long will it take until I receive my album? Average time for your proofs is between 2 and 4 weeks. Albums are very labor intensive and can take up to 4 months to be completed.
Package Options
Understand exactly what services you can expect for your money before you hire your photographer. Does an album come with your package? Can you add albums after the package? Can you add extra time on the day of your wedding, party or fundraiser if you find there are still some photo-worth moments taking place when the photographer’s time has run out?
Make sure you know how long you can expect your photographer to stay (most photographers won’t work on a strict timer, but if you’re intending to keep them there for extra 45 minutes to an hour, you should expect to pay them the additional time).
Another good thing to find out is how much retouching, copying and resizing your images will cost. These are all things that become important to hosts, but sometimes not until well after the contract has been signed and deposits accepted. Make sure you know the full cost of all the services you want when you compare rates.
See Tips from the Pros : Hiring a Photographer Part 2 (coming soon) for more ideas on which services are worth ponying up the cash for, and which you may opt to skip if the cost is a deal-breaker.
Sarah Babineau
Drive Productions
Acoustic Duo & DJ Team
www.DriveProductions.net
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