Selecting a Photographer
Your wedding day is a very special day in your life that will always live in your memories. Selecting the right photographer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as you plan your wedding. Be sure to choose someone who will capture your memories with expertise and with your style in mind. Here’s a short list of tips.

• Look at sample albums that include an entire wedding from start to finish, rather than just a few select shots. Try to view two or three weddings in this way.
  
• Look for consistent, technical quality (composition, lighting, exposure, etc.) and good variety, as well as whether the people in the photos seem at ease. Do the photos capture the excitement and emotion of the occasion and tell a good story?
  
• Be sure the sample work you see was done by the same person you’re considering hiring as your photographer. Many studios have more than one photographer and the sample work doesn’t always indicate this. Learn the differences between photojournalistic and traditional styles, candids and formal posed shots—and select a photographer who specializes in the style you want or will do a mix of styles. The same goes for black and white versus color photos. Consider both your personal taste and the type of wedding you are planning when deciding.
  
• Do you click? Personality is as important as anything else. The last thing you need on your wedding day is someone you and your guests don’t feel comfortable with. Make sure the person you’re speaking with is actually your photographer.
  
• Ask for references and call them. Past customers can give you insights you won’t get from the photo studio.
  
• Understanding how the photographer works and charges in detail is essential to effective comparison shopping. How long will the photographer stay? Will there be an assistant? Is back-up equipment available? Can you provide a list of specific photos you want taken? What exactly is included in the costs quoted? How long does the photographer take to photograph the group shots after the wedding? How long will it take to get your proofs and your album?