Selecting a wedding photographer isn’t like choosing a cake, or a caterer where you can rely on your senses to help you make the right choice. You have to do your homework and research because you won’t know exactly what you get until you see the final product. So, to help you navigate through the planning, here are some tips for helping you choose your wedding day photographer:

*First you need to decide what style of photography you want for your big day…documentary style photography, portraiture style, fine art style photography, edgy-bold, whimsical, romantic etc.  Ask yourself what the most important images will be from your wedding day…Is it more important for your photographer to capture a portrait style family pose, or capture your expressions when the two of you are finally alone after the ceremony…your first moments as husband and wife. Decide what your personality is as a couple and that will help define the wedding photography style you want for your day.

*Now that style has been established, look at budget …but remember, your wedding photos are the only thing that you will have to remember your wedding day by so don’t settle for something or someone that isn’t exactly what you want. This is a special day,  the extra investment is worth it for something as important as your wedding day images.
Compare different photographer’s packages and consider what they offer within their packages. Does the photographer have a second shooter? If capturing all of the details of your special day is a must for you, this is a very important question. It’s also highly recommended that you do an engagement session with your wedding photographer as well. This is a perfect way to get comfortable with your photographer, and it’s also a chance for your photographer to get to know you and your fiancé as a couple.
Check out what each photographer’s wedding albums are like…this should help you figure out the style of the photographer as well as the quality, standard of the product and their design potential to represent your day the way you want. Because your wedding day is such an important, once in a lifetime occasion, you should make sure that your wedding album is high quality and will last a long time. It’s totally worth it to have your photographer design and order your album for you even if you think you just want the files to make your own album…we’ve heard from so many brides that have said they were set on just getting the wedding day image files and doing it themselves but a year later the CD of images is still sitting in their desk drawer and they never got around to making it! It’s totally worth it to have a professional take care of it for you that way you end up with a stress free, high quality, gorgeous work of art! Let’s face it…in the first few months of your new marriage, you really don’t want to have to be worrying about it!

*And finally, make sure you pick someone that you want to spend the day with! Your wedding photographer will be with you the entire day capturing all of the special moments throughout the day. They need to be able to do this without making you uncomfortable so don’t underestimate the importance of “clicking” with them! And don’t forget to check reviews of the photographer you are interested in. Many brides and grooms-to-be let the pricing dictate who they choose without considering the fact that this person will be present in all of the moments of the day, including the intimate ones so it’s a good idea to meet them before you decide and see how they present themselves. Check to see if they offer complimentary consultations so you can meet them ahead of time!

Remember, your wedding images are going to be your lasting reminder of your special day. Make sure you make the right decision! Happy planning!