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The cost of wedding photography varies so much that you'll want to spend a good amount of time shopping around. A rule of thumb is to visit at least three wedding photographers before making a decision. Generally, you can spend anywhere from $500, by having a freelance photographer do the job, to $10,000, which is about the top amount you could pay by hiring the best-of-the-best photographer. Experts suggest that you should spend between 12 to 18 percent of your overall wedding budget on photography, which includes the albums.
Make appointments with each of the photographers you're considering to talk the basics: what's offered in each package, whether they shoot both black-and-white and colored film, whether you can view proofs online and so on. Ask about extras: whether an engagement-photo sitting is included, how much extra prints will cost, and how much extra albums will set you back. Often you can negotiate a better price for extras before the wedding than after. It's also important to ask if the person you're talking to will be taking the photos, or if they have other associates. If this is the case, ask to see albums shot by the specific photographer you'll be using. If you have friends, coworkers or family members who have been married in your area, ask around to see who they used and if they were happy with the results.
When shopping around for professional wedding photographers, make sure they provide wedding albums. Depending on the price of the package and whether you want just one main album or several additional small ones for parents or other family members, you can pay anywhere from $60 to $300 per album.
You'll be presented with a number of choices when choosing an album. First, you'll need to choose the album itself. Some options include leather or silver plated. You may choose to have a photo displayed on the front of the album, or a graphic, or your names embroidered. Next, you'll be presented with a choice of album page styles. Whether you choose pages with one, large 8x10 photo, or pages with three 5x7s will determine how many photos go in your album. Usually you'll want to select a mixture of sizes. But make sure you communicate any special needs to the photographer. An example might be to let the photographer know you want one page reserved for a black-and-white 8x10 of the bride and her parents.
Ask the photographer how many proofs you will have to choose your album photos from. Some photographers don't schedule a proofing session, they simply give you a finished album. If you want to look at the proofs yourself, make sure you ask about this at the interview. Ask whether there is a separate charge for this.
Another good idea is to make a list of photos you want taken. Give this list to family members from both sides of the wedding, and suggest they add any they might want to purchase.
Expect to receive your proofs or album at least 10-12 weeks after the wedding. Taking the time to get to know your wedding photographer and asking the right questions will result in a professional album that you will reflect on with joyous memories for the rest of your life.