Selecting your photographer is one of the most important decisions you will make when planning your wedding. After all, once the cake has been eaten, the flowers dried, the gown packaged and the thank you cards have been mailed, the one thing you will have to remember your wedding are your photographs. Following are some comments and suggestions we offer to assist you in making this very critical decision. What kind of camera equipment will be used?
We use professional medium format cameras and electronic flash units. We carry at least two of everything just in case in the unlikely event there is a malfunction, we have a ready backup available. There are no re-shoots at weddings. Make sure your photographer is prepared.Will your wedding be the only event your photographer is shooting that day?
We only schedule one event per day, insuring you get our complete and undivided attention.Will the photographer you meet with be the one who actually photographs your wedding?
We do not use "hired hand" photographers. I will personally
photograph your wedding.How will your photographer be dressed the day of your wedding?
You would be surprised at what some photographers will wear to your
wedding. Ellen and I always wear appropriate formal attire.Beware of "hidden costs" in wedding packages.
Some examples:
Do the albums include photographs?
Sounds funny, but be sure to ask! Some photographers will include an
album, but then charge you for the photographs used to fill it! Our
albums not only include the photographs, but you may select any sizes
you wish to fill the pages.Who owns the preview prints?
Most photographers only "loan" you the photographs.
You must return them in a week or two or be forced to purchase them separately if you want to keep them. We will deliver finish quality preview prints of all of the photos we take at your wedding, displayed in a preview album (not some crummy cardboard box).
The prints and album are all yours to keep.Is there an additional charge for leather albums?
Our albums are genuine leather, custom made to your order. Other photographers will include a vinyl album in your package and offer to upgrade to a leather album for hundreds of dollars more.How will your photographer develop and print your images?
We use only professional labs who print your photographs on archival paper which is designed to make your images last a lifetime. In fact, our photographs are guaranteed to be free of defects due to materials and workmanship for 100 years!Some answers to frequently asked questions:
Why are the packages so expensive?
Yes, you will invest a lot of money in your photography. But when put
in perspective withyour other wedding expenses, photography
generally accounts for only about 10 percent of your wedding budget.
When you consider that other than your rings and maybe your
wedding gown, your photographs are the only tangible thing you will
have to remember your wedding for years to come,
it is money well spent.
"The joy of low price is brief. The misery of poor work lives forever."Why does the photographer keep the negatives?
Well, let's be honest here. The primary reason we keep the negatives
is because they are a source of our income. However, by keeping the
negatives, you can be assured that we will handle and store them
properly and your images will be printed at professional photo labs on
professional archival paper. Many times, professional photographers
will intentionally over or under expose images and add filtering devices
for desired effects. The "one hour" and "discount store" labs are not
equipped to give your film the extra attention that is required to
produce the desired final image.
ALL IMAGES © MICHAEL CORNISH PHOTOGRAPHY