Wedding Guide: Choosing a Wedding Photographer

If you are getting married, you know that one of the most important people at your wedding (besides the bride and groom of course) is the photographer. Wedding photographers capture your day, the happy moments, the tender moments, the quiet moments, and the crazy get down on the dance floor moments. You will want these memories preserved forever. There are a few things that you will want to look for in a wedding photographer in order to make your day run smoothly and your wedding day preserved.

Testimonials
Good wedding photographers will give you references or copies of testimonial letters. If they do not offer such references up front, ask for them. Most wedding photographers will have them on file and be able to provide them for you.

Word of Mouth
If you have been to a wedding recently or know of someone who has been to a wedding, ask who they used for their photographer. Ask how they liked the photographer, and if their day ran smoothly. There are many wedding photographers who run the show, taking away from the magic of the moment. Ask if the wedding photographer asked the couple to pause often in order to get the shot. A good wedding photographer will not do this, but fade into the background.

The Portfolio
Look at the wedding photographer's portfolio. Do you like the photographs? Does the wedding photographer only have posed shots in his portfolio, or does he have several candid photographs in his or her portfolio as well. Think about the techniques that the photographer has displayed. Are they photographs that you would actually purchase? For example, if the wedding photographer used a fisheye lens in several photographs in his or her portfolio, would you want photographs like that in your own album? Consider this when you are hiring a photographer.

Photograph and Photographer Packages
Make sure that the wedding photographer has a number of packages available to you. Also ask if the photographer can customize a package for you. If "getting the shot" candid photographs matter to you, ask the photographer if they have assistants that will also be taking photos at the wedding. It is always good to have a second photographer to cover all aspects of your wedding.

Types of Photographs
A good wedding photographer will have talent in wedding photojournalism. Remember, that, although this is your wedding day, you want the little moments that your guests share as well. You should make sure that the photographer not only takes photographs of you at the alter, but also takes photographs of your guests in their chairs. Gem photographs exist hear.

If you follow these guidelines you should be able to find a good wedding photographer that will capture your day with grace.