DO ask to see a real wedding album. Because a Photographer’s samples repre- sent his or her best work, it’s never a bad idea to ask to see actual wedding albums and get references from brides who have used their services. DON’T hire a Photographer solely based on price. If someone’s prices are drastically lower than most, ask yourself why. Typical- ly, it’s because the quality of photo isn’t as good. These images will be displayed and shared with generations of family; if you splurge on anything, this is the service to. DO hire someone who specializes in wed- dings. Some Photographers prefer to shoot landscapes, family portraits, or work solely in a studio. A Photographer with experience in weddings will know how to pose the bridal party to create natural, candid-look- ing shots and how to make the bride feel comfortable and beautiful all day long. DON’T hire a family member or friend. Your loved ones should be able to truly enjoy your day, not work it. You don’t want to look back at your album 10 years from now and regret not having cousin Susie in the photos because she’s taking them. Plus, a professional will have a written contract to protect your investment and ensure you’re getting exactly what you want. DO choose someone who you get along well with. Your Photographer will be up close and personal with you all day long. Hire someone who you can be comfortable around. DON’T assume you own your wedding photos. Most Photographers include an album, USB, or CD of photos in their packag- es, but ask your Photographer if you’ll have the rights to print, download, and share your photos online after the wedding or if that will be an extra fee. DOS AND DON’TS OF HIRING A PHOTOGRAPHER 68 | TODAY'S BRIDE 8-12 MONTHS UNTIL "I DO" Photography Cost Range: $1,500 to $5,000+ Photography Ken Love Photography LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHERS A Crystal Clear Sound, Video, Photo . . p. 142 Artistic Photography Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 133 B. Frohman Imaging + Design . . . . . . . . . p. 71 BCR Studios by Brad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 56 BellaLegacy Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 143 Black Dog Photo Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 116 Cirino Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 135 Courtney Marie Photography . . . . . . . . . . p. 141 Genevieve Nisly Photography . . . . . . . . . p. 63 Jadie Foto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 103 JazzyMae Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 149 Karen Menyhart Photography . . . . . . . . . p. 67 Ken Love Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 129 LMAC Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 123 Made to Create Studio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 131 McNair Photographic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 145 Orchard Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 79 Pulsart Media Photography . . . . . . . . . . p. 137 Rising Ashes Designs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 139 Rising Star Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 149 The Cleveland Photographic Co. . . . . . p. 109 The Heartlanders Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 148 Find more local vendors at TodaysBride.com PHOTOGRAPHY