The Fine Print When Hiring a Photographer

In days where it's so easy and expected to upload and showcase photos online for the world to see, it's important to keep this fact in mind: Know that a photographer's work is protected under the United States of America's and other governing bodies' copyright laws and you need to get their written permission to post the pictures anywhere from blogs to your local newspaper.

Along with that friendly piece of advice, here are some additional points that you may want to cover in writing with your photographer.

The price for the photographer's services, equipment, and anything else that price includes - a second set of hands, a dinner plate at the event, printed thank you's, etc.

Agreed upon overtime charges should you incur them.

The time they will arrive and the time they will depart your party.

The cost of photo prints and any other costs for photo products.

The date that you will receive the photos, prints, and all materials promised to you.

Written permission to post photos online or in print media and how or if they require that you credit them.

Their cancellation policy or procedure for a "force majeure" situation - meaning what happens if there is an unforeseen circumstance, natural or otherwise, on the day or leading up to the day of the party which makes it impossible for the event to take place or for them to get there?

Keeping the above in mind and on paper is difficult, but essential. You're spending a lot of money for photography and you want to make sure your investment is covered. You also want to be fair to the person or persons helping to capture your special day.