Finding a wedding photographer

If you know a fabulous wedding photographer, book them straight away, even if you have yet to fix upon other details of the day.Indeed it is even worth setting the date around the availibility of your chosen photographer. Personal recommendation, wedding fairs, bridal magazines, the internet and phone books, local brides' guides and professional photographic organizations are all options you can explore to find the right photographer for you. You do not need to get bogged-down in the detail of the technology, which is ever-changing.  It does not matter what the format is, what matters is that you choose a photographer who produces results you like. Therefore, see several and compare styles and prices. What style of photography you are seeking will obviously determine the photographers you will be drawn to. Are you looking for reportage, formal or a mixture? Black and white, colour or both? Choose someone who specialises in what you want. If you don't know what you want, than simply go for those whose styles and images attract you. You might not know whether you want formal or more natural photographs. We than normally opt for both: some natural reportage and a few traditional shots of the bride and groom, their families and close friends. Those traditional photographs that are passed down to generations are important, but you also want pictures that capture the mood and feel of the people and the day.

When you do some research in order to find your wedding photographer, try to select three or so photographers whose images in their ads you like. Then phone them up. You'll immediately know if you like the sound of them and whether you are establishing a rapport. You can usually tell straight away whether you'll get on. Think about whether you like the way they deal with you on the phone. If you like the sound of them, arrange to meet to see more of their work. Meeting your photographer is important. If you phone a large company and they can't tell you who will take your photographs on the day, look elsewhere.

The first chat is really important. When a couple point-out shots from a photographer's portfolio you like, you can see together with the photographer where they are coming from, what you are hoping to achieve, how you see yourself on your wedding day, etc. Some people are extrovert and love being photographed and will flirt with the camera. Others are more reserved and the photograher's approach will therefore be different. It is about finding out a way to work where the camera is not an obstacle between the photographer and the couple. The couple needs to feel that they are spending part of their day with the photographer, not with the camera. They need to know they can relax and feel comfortable with the photographer. It is in those early stages when the photographer find out about a couple and what approach he or she might take.

When you meet with a photographer you want to see images and albums, and lots of them. They should be consistently good, remember what you see is what you get! It is important you are shown albums of whole weddings. Every wedding is different and you need to see that iti is not the same pictures and poses over and over again. Be suspicious of albums of 'best shots'. You must see pictures of at least three complete weddings.

Check that these albums capture the atmosphere of the whole day. As well as glamorous shots of the bride and groom you are also looking for great shots of the guests and family, fragments and details (flowers, dress, shoes, bouquets). Every album of a every wedding should be different. You should be able to see what kind of people they are by their wedding photographs. If you see three albums with the same shots, it means the photogrpaher is always going for the same format. If the pictures are different you can see he or she is committed. Find a style that suits you and your day.

A good photographer will also be quizzing you. He or she is looking to learn how to style of photography you are interested in complements the style of your wedding. They'll want information about your chosen venues, the approximate number of guests, dates and timings. This is also an opportunity for you to decide whether you like them. Feeling relaxed and at ease with the photographer is as important as liking the work!  Also ask yourself if the photographer is confident enough to direct guests in an appropriate manner, without bullying or annoying them and if you will enjoy being with him or her all day? Finally, it is our opinion that photography is a passion, but you also need a passion for people to be a good wedding photographer.