Choosing the right photographer is one of the most important choices you’ll make for your big day.  Your photographer will be with you during the most intimate moments of your wedding day; your relationship should feel “just right”! Here are a few tips to help make your selection a little bit easier. Get referrals A personal recommendation from a trusted friend or family member is invaluable.  Another good resource is your wedding venue’s manager – they should be familiar with a wide selection of photographers, particularly those who have worked on location. See complete weddings While perusing different websites, look carefully at each photographer’s unique style.  If a photographer only has individual wedding images on the website, be sure to ask to see a few complete weddings. It is important to see how each photographer captures the entire wedding day. Compare packages One of the challenges in booking a photographer is that each photographer offers different items in the wedding packages. It is important to determine the value of actual wedding coverage versus add-ons like engagement shoots, slideshows or post-event albums and prints.  Ask each potential photographer for the cost of just 8 hours of shooting with an assistant (eliminating all other items) so you can compare prices. Take a Test Drive We encourage our couples to schedule an engagement shoot with their photographer.   An engagement shoot is a great ice-breaker, giving you and your photographer the opportunity to get to know each other a little better.  By the time the big day rolls around, you’ll be comfortable and your shots will look genuine and more relaxed.  Additionally, an engagement shoot allows you to critique your photographer’s work and give feedback for the wedding shoot.

Questions to ask your photographer

• How would you describe your photography style?
• How long have you been photographing weddings?
• Is wedding photography a full time occupation or part time?
• Do you come with an assistant and does that assistant act as a second shooter?
• How long will it take you to return the images to me?
• How many hours are included in your package and what is the cost per hour if I need additional time?
• Will I get a DVD of high-resolution images so that I can produce my own pictures?
• If I am a little modest and am interested in a male photographer, will you have a female assistant for the getting dressed shots?

Image 1 courtesy of Holland Photo Arts, Image 2 and 3 courtesy of Eric Kelley Photography, Image 4 courtesy of Dominique Attaway, Image 5 and 6 courtesy of Lynne Brubaker, Image 7 of Paul Morse, Image 8 and 9 courtesy of Lucy O Photography.