What to ask the photographer

When you see what you like, you need to ask what you'll get. Photographer's wedding packagaes vary and it can be difficult to compare like with like. There are many formas a package could take. Generally it will include on-the-day costs of the photographer, the proffs and a certain number of reprints. You need to ask if you will get all the proofs, or just the photographer's selection? How many prints will you get in addition to the proofs and will they come in an album and what will the charge be for additional prints? You need to know the reprint price because if you want lots of them, you do not want the costs to be prohibitive.

Some photographers make their mony upfront on the wedding day. Others are cheaper and make their money on the reprints. So you need to know exactly what you are getting.

The photographer owns the copyright to your weddingphotographs. This is standard across the profession. People want the negatives (or the digital file) to save money. It is unusual, but for a large fee a few photographers will sell you thenegatives or the digital file. There may be a day that when you can get the best quality images at home on your computer and printer, but that day is not here yet. For now, leave it to the professionals.

The photographer's package price should include a meeting the week of the wedding. On your wedding day it should include some pictures of the bride (and groom) getting ready, arrivals, the ceremony and the reception. It might not include the photographerstaying to the very end of the day. So check if it will include the speeches, the cake cutting, the first dance and party. If not, and when you want those photographed, will they charge extra to stay? When will you get your photographs? You should expect to receive them within two to four weeks of the wedding. How will you receive the photographs? A good photographer is going to feel comfortable meeting-up with you to go through everything. But make sure you know exactly what you are going to get in your hand on that day and what your options are. Many photographers can also post your photographs on their website for friends and family to view and order directly.

Other factors that affect cost include whether you will get an engagement portrait, whether you will be presented with an album and what type of album that will be. If the photographer has to travel a long distance there may be additional expenses such as overnight accommodation. May photographers now also offer a 'Wedding Book', which is a hard-backed coffee table style story book of your day. You can create your own layout, write your own text and include details such as invitations, place cards, menus and add your honeymoon pictures. Smaller paperbacked versions can also be produced to give to family and friends. However, these are expensive!

A good photographer will be covered by a professional indemnity  insurance in the event of something going wrong. Besides asking whether they have an indemnity insurance, also ask what their back-up plan is if something goes wrong.

If you are happy with both what you see and what you'll get, secure the booking without delay. But only pay a deposit when you have all the details you have agreed in writing. Also arrange a date to meet within two weeks of the wedding.