Your wedding photos are going to be your lifetime memory of your special day and as such,  care should be taken when choosing a photographer. There are no second chances when it comes to your wedding photos!

• Your budget – If you don’t have clue how much professional photography costs you should visit several photographers and get quotes to help you determine a budget before making your decision. Do your homework and make sure you understand what everything costs, for the photographer himself, and then your prints, albums etc.  Never hire the first photographer you visit.

• Type of photographic style you want – Do you want your photos to be classical and formal? Do you want a more relaxed and casual feel to the photos? Or do you prefer a very candid style of photo? Do you want full colour or would you like some produced in Black and White style. A popular and more realistic casual approach is these days called photojournalism. This is more of a story told in your photographs where no “formal posed” photos are taken. Photos are taken as your day progresses and moments are captured in a more  relaxed style. Does the photographer have a variety of lens for different styled shots?

• Personality and appearance of the photographer. – Be certain to determine who will be your photographer  on the day. Some companies will send ‘whoever is available’ so you need to clarify who will take your photos and see their own individual portfolio. Each different photographer will have their own individual style. Make it clear what you are looking for and that your photographer understands completely your requests. And grooming tells a story. You need him to be able to blend in as just another guest at your wedding for the best candid shots. You don’t want a flamboyant, over the top personality that will turn up in a bright red suit for instance.

• Price range – Make sure you receive a detailed quote and you know exactly how much everything costs, including fees, reprints and albums. Does your price include your negatives? Compare your quotes and work out if any price differences are justified.  How many hours of attendance does the price include?

• Delivery and lead times.- Check on lead times for receiving your proofs after your wedding date and then on lead times to receive any orders. Check on method of delivery and delivery costs.

• Special offers or discounts – Are there any package offers available to take advantage of? Don’t be shy in asking the question  ‘ Can you do a better price than that for me? You don’t get if you don’t ask!

• Payment terms and methods – Be clear on payment methods and terms for payment. What are the conditions for cancellations?

• References – Does he have personal references with contact numbers for you call and portfolios to view? If not be very wary.

• Venue – Would you like to have some shots taken at a special location, by the sea, or a lake, or gorgeous garden? Make sure the photographer has a clear idea of your schedule for the day and exactly where you would like the photos taken.

• Contract – Get it all in writing. Make sure you understand it. Read it carefully, and get someone else to check it over before you sign it. Very Important.

• Video footage – Something many bride and grooms now desire. 3D video footage is the latest technology to be released but is very expensive. You might  choose ask a close friend to do this for you on the day is up to you, and your budget.

• Disposable Cameras- It has been a popular trend to place small good quality disposal cameras on the reception tables. Your guests can have a lot of fun taking photos and capturing moments and photos you would not normally have seen.

• Wedding albums – can be arranged and completed to the finished product by the photographer, or you may wish to complete your own with other mementos from your day. Many beautiful albums have been lovingly arranged by the bride and groom themselves using materials from scrapbooking shops.

• Wedding Invitations – Keep 2 pristine copies of your Engagement Cards and Wedding Invitations to include within your wedding album. Display them at the beginning of the album to start your wedding story. One open with all your details and one closed showing the front of the invite. Especially if you included your own photos on your Wedding Invitations. You could also include photos of yourselves from the engagement, on to the honeymoon for a complete wedding story.

Wedding photos are a most cherished keepsake and memento for not only you, but your loved ones. They will be passed on to the next generations to admire and look back upon.

It makes sense to make them the best you can and be careful and cautious when choosing a photographer.