How to Choose a Wedding Photographer

Your wedding photos are your only tangible memories of your wedding day, so how do you choose a photographer for your big day? Here are some things to consider…

Begin by looking at various photographers' images. Search for photographers online or in the yellow pages. You may also want to attend a bridal fair and have a look at some of the photographers' stands. This is a good opportunity for you to meet the photographer and view his or her pictures "in living color".

Don't limit yourself and ensure that you have met with at least 5 photographers before you make your final decision. Next, you want to ensure you are hiring a professional, and not some Mickey Mouse photographer who does this as his or her weekend job. Ask them to view their wedding portfolio and decide for yourself if you like the style of their photos.

Personality is an important factor when choosing your wedding photographer. Remember you are going to be the center of attention at your wedding and you need to ensure that you have chosen a photographer you get along with. The last thing you want is to feel shy or uncomfortable with your photographer, as it will show in your photos.

Find out about what packages he or she has on offer. Do you like what you see and if not, find out if they would be willing to custom-create a package to suit your budget. Also try to remember that many photographers will not drop their prices too much, so have a look around and see what the going rate is.

A great way to get familiar with your photographer is to meet him or her face-to-face and, if your budget allows, have a few informal shots of you and your fiancé taken to see his work on you.