How to Choose the Perfect Photographer for Your Wedding

Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life. You want everything to be "just so" and you're not going to settle for second best. As time goes by, though, the memories will fade, the many details of the day lost to the passage of the years. That's where your wedding photographer comes in - preserving all the big and small moments that make your day special.

Choosing the right photographer then, is almost as important as choosing the right dress, caterer or reception venue. You want someone who will get the shots you want, for the price you want, and not have your wedding album look like every other bride and groom's. Here are a few tips to ensure that your photographer is just as special as your day.

1.) Book early - Start interviewing or previewing photographers within days of setting your date. The best photographers, especially those that specialize in wedding photography, are in demand. Their schedules fill up quickly and you want to be sure that the one you decide upon will be available. It's not unheard of for photographers to be booking November weddings in February. You don't want to have to settle for less than the best because you dallied over the task.

2.) Interview "after hours" - Professional photographers, and wedding photographers in particular, have some irregular hours compared to the rest of the working world. Saturdays are often their busiest times. You'll have a more leisurely, relaxed interview if you meet with them after hours during the week, or during an early morning hour, as they tend to be in less demand during weeknight and mornings. You don't want the photographer to have to dash off to an event immediately after your interview. While the photographer may be happy to schedule you for your interview "anytime" be considerate and ask when his/her least booked day or time is, and set things up for then.

3.) Ask for more than just the "show books" - All professional photographers have their portfolio albums, filled with their "best" work. Look through these, by all means, but also ask to see any recently completed albums, or shots from last week's wedding. A photographer may feel more comfortable working indoors, or outdoors, or in color, or in black and white only. Their best shots will show this preference, while the shots from last week may show that outside their comfort zone, they don't perform as well. Also look for similarities in shots - Are all the bride's posed the same? Is the same arrangement of people used, irregardless of wedding party? Unless you are wanting to hire a photographer because of how he sets up his shots, you'll want to explore his work further, to make sure he is capable of creativity and uniqueness in his work.

4.) One photographer or two? - Some professionals bring an assistant, others don't. An assistant typically costs you more, but can be well worth it in the long run. An assistant can take care of moving lights and reflectors; of changing lenses, batteries and film; of taking candid shots while posed shots are going on; of getting different angles on the same shots, etc. All of this frees up your photographer's time, which can make the shoots go smoother and quicker. It can also offer you a different viewpoint on your wedding.

5.) Consider your venue - Some photographers charge traveling fees if they must travel over a certain number of miles, or travel outside of a certain "service area." If your photographer is going to up your fee because of the location of your wedding and/or reception, you may want to find a photographer willing to travel, or find one closer to your chosen location. Make sure that your photographer is aware of any focal points, such as a fountain, stained glass window or garden bench you'd like included in one or more shots. Most professional photographers will "scout out" unknown venues beforehand, so telling her about something you already know is there can make her job of checking things over a little easier.

6.) Consider all the packages available - Don't settle for the first package presented that fits your budget. Consider all your options very carefully. Perhaps the best package for you isn't a package at all. Most photographers offer a la carte type pricing that may just get you the shots you need or want without the package price. Don't pay for any albums other than your own and your parents' albums, either, unless you really want to do so. Let your maids and groomsmen know right upfront that they are more than welcome to purchase their own copy of your wedding album if they desire, but you aren't fitting the bill for it. As for grandpa and grandma, well, I'll let you work that out with them, and mom and dad, too.

7.) Get it in writing - Whatever you decide, whoever you decide on, ensure you get the contract in writing. Nothing spells disappointment faster than a wedding with no photographer, or only one photographer when there should be two, or proofs that cost extra, or no albums for mom and dad. Most professionals wouldn't dream of taking on an assignment without some sort of written agreement, but that doesn't necessarily ring true for all. Freelancers may be more accustomed to working on the fly or without a net, and you may be the one to pay for it in the end if things don't go as planned. Without a written contract, there's little to no recourse you can take to get your money returned, or your pictures, for that matter. Also, putting it all in writing ensures that both you and the photographer know what is expected of each other. Just remember, any changes you make to things like venue, size of wedding party, length of reception, etc. can affect your photographer's contract. Make sure he is aware of any major changes you make so that, if necessary, a new contract can be drawn up.

Lastly, don't expect your photographer to "get it all." Supply guests with disposable wedding cameras and a place to collect them after the ceremony and reception. They can often catch those little moments that get lost in the bigger events of the day. Your photographer can capture candid shots, but he may be on the other side of the room when Aunt Millie decides to sweep the vicar off his feet and onto the dance floor. That's not a shot you want to miss, now is it? Creating the history of your life together begins with destination wedding photographer offering professional excellence and is driven to creating a masterpiece that will be enjoyed for decades to come.