1. What is your policy on negatives?
Most professional photographers keep their own negatives. If this is your photographer's policy, find out how long they will be kept on file and what the costs of reprints will be. You may also be able to arrange to buy the negatives after a set period of time. (Get a price and wait period in writing.)
2. If you get the negatives/CD's are the pictures full resolution or proof pictures? Do you get written reproduction writes?
3. Do the pictures have any copyrighted text or image on them?
4. What rights do you have regarding photos?
Some photographers will reserve the exclusive right to photograph your wedding in their contract. That would bar all family and friends from taking pictures as well as the services of a videographer.
5. Is there a charge for turning color photos to black and white or sepia tone?
6. Are there additional charges for placing specific pictures on particular pages in the wedding album?
7. When can you expect final delivery?
8. When do you make the deposit and how much? When do you pay off the balance?
9. Do you get a copy of the contract?
Read your contract carefully before signing. Make sure it has details.
10. How many photos will be taken?
The more images you have to choose from, the better your final album is likely to be.
11. How long have they been photographing weddings?
12. Don't assume that the photographer you're speaking with will be the person who shoots your wedding. (Studios may hire someone to shoot them.)
13. Do you carry back-up equipment?
14. What other album options do we have and what is their price range? (Parent albums, Proof albums etc.)
