Do you like the photographer's style / portfolio? The single most important thing. If you don't really like the photographers style, you probably should find a photographer you do like.

Do you really need a photographer? Not everyone cares about getting good quality images on their wedding day. If you truly want wedding memories, you would be well advised to hire a photographer. Some people use relatives or friends as the photographer. While this will save money, you never know what will happen. I know of people who didn't get a single photo because something happened. I'm sure you're aware that weddings can’t be redone.

Photographer’s style – Fairmont Photography shoots a mixture of candid, posed and formal shots. Our main focus is on the bride during the event. We love images showing people having a good time and capturing moments between the family and guests.

Don’t overpay – A photographer charging $5,000 per wedding doesn't mean you will get better photos. In fact, some higher end photographers may not work as hard for you. They may feel their effort is adequate because of their “experience”. You may actually get fewer images than a less expensive photographer. Check and see how many images you'll be getting. Will you be able to make prints from the negatives?

Get an experienced photographer – This is our 3rd year of wedding photography with our part time business. Our experience in portrait photography has helped with a successful transition into weddings.

Review the portfolio – Probably the best way to check a wedding photographer’s work is to review a recent wedding portfolio. Our wedding gallery offers a good idea of what to expect.

Make sure you get “the photographer” – Some studios will send assistants rather than the actual photographer to your wedding. I personally photograph every wedding. I also edit or enhance every image you receive. There will be no surprises on your wedding day.

Do I need a contract? – Fairmont Photography supplies a contract outlining compete wedding day coverage. Prices and details are also included. If anything should happen that we are unable to attend, you will receive a full refund. We reserve the right to use your images for advertising.

Film or digital? – Fairmont Photography uses a Canon 5D digital SLR (13MP). Print quality is equal or better than film and turnaround time is much quicker. Enhancements and touch-ups are far more accurate. However, be sure your photographer uses top quality equipment (not a point and shoot camera).

Are you comfortable the photographer? – We encourage our clients to meet with us. Since we do not depend on photography as our main income, we shoot because we love it! Our only concern is getting beautiful images. Remember, a great image for you means better business for us.

Processing your images – Find out how long it will take to receive your images. We deliver our digital negatives on DVD usually within 10-30 days. Clients who order prints can expect shipment within 2-4 weeks. This includes any enhancements or retouching.

Images on DVD – If you are purchasing wedding images on DVD or CD make sure the images are not copyrighted and are high resolution. Some photographers provide less than 100 images on CD. Our images are high resolution JPEG images that you will be able to get printed without any questions asked. You own the images. You pick which print is best!

Get quality prints – Your photographer should be using a professional lab. Some photographers use 1-hour labs to save money. If they are printing your wedding portraits at Wal-Mart or a pharmacy, you are getting inferior prints. We use the Miller photography lab in Pittsburg, Kansas (www.mpix.com). They offer outstanding quality and a wide variety of products.

Black & White prints – Photographers using film must use special film for black and white images and it is very difficult to add color to the image. Many photographers charge extra to convert images from color to sepia or black and white. Our digital images are easily changed to black and white or sepia at no extra charge.

People skills – After meeting with the photographer, you should have a good idea of their personality. This is the person that will be sharing in your special event. Use your “gut feeling” on this one. If you didn’t connect with the photographer, I would advise meeting with another.

The right equipment – Your photographer should have the proper equipment for any wedding. Older churches usually have poor lighting and may require special equipment. Our location equipment includes umbrella lighting, low light lens, zoom lens and a wide angle lens. Everything is shot with a Canon 5D camera. Manual editing of our images is completed in Adobe Photoshop.

Photography web site – Every photographer should have a web site. Their site should give you a good idea of their style. I would be careful of photographers who have web sites that do not work or no site at all. FairmontPhotography.com usually posts pictures from every wedding we shoot, giving our clients a sneak preview of their wedding.