B&W Photo - Dog in yard posing Determine an initial budget, but have a maximum cap in mind that you are still willing to pay. Be prepared to discuss your budget with your photographer in advance so that you can come up with a plan together. Make sure that you and your photographer agree to the budget before your sign any contracts.  Be aware that anything you decide you may want to add after the fact will more than likely add cost to your event - most photographers will have a clause included within their contracts that state additional scenes, poses, products, etc. may require renegotiation of the cost and will need to be mutually agreed upon before they will continue with new additions.

Determine what you want to photo

• Events: What type of event (wedding, corporate, family reunion, birthday)? Location? How many people? how long to you want a photographer? What do you want photographed? Do you want staged photos or 'in the moment'?
• Portraits: Location? Who is being photographed? How many people? What do you want photographed? How many different poses?
• Pets: Location? How many pets? What kind of pet?

What kind of output do you want?

• Digital files: Digital files are generally downloadable files from your photographer's website. However most photographers will provide digital files on a CD, thumb drive, etc. if you request this. These can be included in the final cost, however some photographers may charge a little more to accomodate the cost of the media. Keep in mind that generally with digital downloads, the photographer may limit the number of downloads available based on the package you purchase.
• Photo Gifts: Photo gifts are a great idea for birthday presents, special holidays, bridal parties, etc. These can be somewhat pricey due to the nature of the material used, but are generally very high quality and visually appealing.
• Photo Albums: Photo albums are easy to create these days and most companies that offer them have interactive tools to help you create a photo album that portrays a story or timeline. Generally photo albums are not expensive, but cost can go up based on additional pages added, material of the cover, type/quality of paper included (matte, glossy, etc.).
• Canvas prints: Canvas prints can be a very nice gift for others or even for yourself. They are a little more pricey, but add a more artsy look and feel to your photos and can be displayed in a variety of ways, including wall hanging, or even an easel.

Do you want a package?

• Print sets of 5X7, 8X10, etc.: Most photographers with offer packages from basic to advanced based on the number and size of prints you want to receive.
• Combinations of Prints, photo books, etc: Many photographers will be able to provide packages that offer combinations of products so you have flexibility in what gift/print method you want to be able to distribute to your friends, family, etc.

What is your time frame?

• Is this a critical, must have now situation? Most photographers will have a general time frame they will commit to in which to provide drafts and final products. If you require your products sooner than the photographer's committed time, they will generally add a rush fee.
• Do you have a date in mind or scheduled? Work with your photographer as far in advance as you can so you can make sure everybody is available. Some photographers may be able to move dates around, but this may add cost to your budget.

All of these items can help you get a better understanding of not only how much to budget for your event, but also help you build creativity into your event which will lead to a more enjoyable session and memories to share for a lifetime.