Wedding Photography - Hiring The Right Photographer

You are all surrounded with flowers, colors, dresses, family and friends. No doubt, one of the most important days of your life is your wedding day. Now, how are you going to remember it? As the years pass, your memories will fade, but if you have vivid pictures to document the special day, you'll remember every detail. So, along with all the other decisions, you have to choose someone to handle your wedding photography.

1. Company or Freelancer- There are lot of wedding photography companies out there, but you want to be careful with them. It is perfectly fine, but if you go with a company, be clear about the photographer you want for the job. It is not uncommon for a different person to show up on your big day. Another route you can go is to hire a freelancer. Either way, as long as you do your homework on the actual person doing the job.

2. Interview and Portfolio- Never hire a wedding photographer without interviewing him and looking at his portfolio first. This may be the most important pictures of your life and you want them to look fabulous. During the interview, be clear about what you want. If he doesn't understand your vision, then he can't give it to you.

3. Photo Style- Will he take the standard posed shots as well as candid shots? Often times the candid shots are the most fun to look at. Plus you get to see who all were there. People may have been there that you never knew.

4. Color, Black and White or Both- Does he offer color and black and white photos? Does he charge extra for both? Do you want both? If you do, make sure you specify what should be b&w and what should be color. These are questions you need to ask ahead of time so you aren't surprised by the bill.

5. Package Deals and other Media- What kind of package is offered and can you customize your order to fit your needs? A new way to share your wedding photography with friends and family is online. They can view and even order their own prints. Is this available? Ask if a CD of the prints are available as well. That way you have a back-up copy in case something happens to the originals.

By: Andrew Stratton