As I search the sites around town I see LOTS of ads for wedding photographers. I totally understand that budget photography is not a new thing, but it seems as if everyone is going lower and lower in price just to make a sale. Now, I am not saying that a lower price is a bad thing, but it is more than that……just as the wedding photography is more than just showing up with a camera.
Here’s an example of what I normally do with my clients, no matter what price package they pick.
We meet at a coffee shop to do formal introductions. At that time I gather a whole bunch of info about the couple….names, wants, likes, date, colors, wedding party, etc. I have an outline that I use to help me capture everything you want for the day. I take this outline back home after our initial visit and wait – if you decide to pick me (yea….thanks!) then I formally type everything out for you and help create a list of all the photos you want to make sure to capture.
I check in about once a month to make sure you are doing ok. I have been working in the industry for eight years, so I have lots of references of professionals that I trust, that provide just about any service you may need, and I pass those along to you. About two months before the big day, I check in every couple of weeks to make sure we are up to date on your photo needs. I also work with ALL my couples on financial matters….so if you need to make monthly payments, that’s fine…..lump sum, that’s cool too – after the initial deposit ($100) you decide what works best for your budget, I only ask that it is paid off 2 weeks prior to the event.
The month of the event, I take a trip to the venues and check lighting during the time that your wedding will take place. I meet with the planners and make sure I know all the “rules” for photographers at their venues. I map out my travel time and make sure that I take that into account so that I don’t get lost. (eeeek!) I check in with my brides to see how their nerves are holding up, and get some final details such as the outline, vows (so I know what is said…when), and cell phone numbers of Best Man and Maid of Honor – for the day of.
On the day of, I never plan more than one wedding, so I am not rushing anywhere. I make sure I have plenty of backup – photo cards, batteries, etc. I get to the site 15 minutes before I am going to meet anyone to set up – so that I am not setting up during YOUR time…..I am ready to go.
I am friendly with your friends and family, have a great sense of humor, look for the unique shots, make people laugh, capture the moment – and usually, I try to taste some cake!! 
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Afterwards, I usually get your photos back to you by the time you are back from your honeymoon (about a week). I never keep the rights to your photos so you can do whatever you would like with them…..take them anywhere for printing….post them anywhere you’d like. I shoot in high-resolution, touch up all photos using Photoshop, present them to you in color and black & white.
If you ever need an extra CD, I am happy to send it. I keep all my work on my computer for a year, then transfer to the back-up storage….. forever.
Then…..I start all over again….meeting new people and having a great time.
So, see…..it’s not just showing up with a camera!
Smiles,
Roberta