How do I pick a photographer?
I often read Craigslist and other similar forums where people look for photography services for various types of events, everything from weddings to portraits. In many of these ad's people claim to be willing to take on an armateur, novice or student for their event looking at saving money. I understand the wanting to save money and wanting to get the best possible price, however let me ask you this. Do you look for a novice doctor, lawyer, mechanic? I would think you don't. The reason is that over time you have come to realize that experience means an expertise and knowledge far and above someone that is a novice. I realize that photography is not rocket science or brain surgery. It is however a medium that takes years to perfect as one moves towards becoming a professional. Then there are the tools of the trade which often cost thousands of dollars and you have to multiply that times 2 for a pro since they require backup equipment to ensure the job gets done.
If you are prepared to spend thousands on a wedding day you should budget for a professional. You can expect to pay between 100.00 and 250.00 dollars per hour for a professional wedding photographer. However often a package which includes a set number of hours and various types of included services will be packaged at a specific price. An hourly sum usually only comes into play if you go over the hours contracted for. A professional head shot session can cost as little as 200.00 dollars for about 1 hour with a couple of wardrobe changes and a CD with copy right release and touch ups. Having a stylist or make up artist is done at an additional cost to the client. Portrait sessions run about 150.00 which will include a sitting fee and package of prints. These are just some basic guidelines and prices vary depending on geographic location and reputation of the photographer. Keep in mind your big box stores and department stores do not have Professionals working in them, but rather an employee working a camera. This is why their prices are lower then the cost of a Pro. Additionally the equipment and supplies used are inferior to those that a professional would use.
You should also know that any photos taken by a photographer of any type (Pro or Non Pro) are the property of the photographer. They do not need your permission to reproduce them or to showcase them on their website. They are however not allowed to profit commercially from the photo unless a release has been signed by the model or client. Remember this, you are usually contracting a photographer for what is a once in a lifetime event, as such do you want to trust your special day to one who is just learning their craft? I hope the answer is no, but if you are willing to risk the outcome of your event on a novice you must also be willing to be somewhat disappointed in the result. What is it they say? "You get what you pay for".
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