How To Ask The Questions...

At the risk of not seeming like a Bridezilla, try not to shoot these questions off like bullets. These are merely guidelines to keep in mind while meeting with or phoning the photographer when you have your first conversation. You will also want to make sure you understand how post-wedding photos will be handled.

Will the photographer keep the negatives or digital CD, as many do, or will the negatives be turned over to you as part of the package? In the past, it was traditional for professional photographers to keep the negatives so that any future photo orders had to be done directly through the photographer.

In today's wedding world, it is more common for many professional photographers to turn over the rights to the bride and grooms images after the albums have been finished. Make sure that you are clear on whether or not you will be given the CD, and when. This is important, so that you know precisely what your package includes. This will enable you to accurately compare the cost of one photographer to another.

Never Let the Photographer Know Exactly How Much Money You Have to Spend. Always Let on like you're on a Strict Budget Which You Probably Are.

Also, at the risk of sounding like you don't know what you're talking about (even if you truly don't), try not to read the questions to the photographer as if it were a laundry list. Photographers may not be able to give you a true version of their personality with a generic list. Let them talk, and see what they have to say. Then, ask any questions that are still lingering.