Choosing a wedding photographer is one of the most important parts of planning a wedding. Unlike the flowers which will wilt and the dresses that will be tucked away, the photographs will last forever. This is why it is so important that you have a clear idea of what kind of pictures they want before they even meet with the wedding photographer. This will help them to know right away if a photographer meets their guidelines or not.

Do not book a photographer over the phone; you must see the wedding photographer’s portfolio. Their portfolio will show you the style of work they normally shoot in. If you want strictly formal set ups and the photographer shows you several artistic photographs, it probably is not a good fit. It might be helpful to invite another friend or family member to meet the wedding photographer as well. Show them your list of guidelines so they can follow them with you. When choosing the type of photography you want, consider if you want casual shots of friends and family, or if you want only formal shots. Make a list of the groups you want to be photographed, including special photographs that might not involve the wedding party. Is an old friend coming from overseas? Is your high school badminton team coming to your wedding? If you forget photographs you want it will make the big day more stressful.

Place yourself in the photographs you see in the wedding photographer’s portfolio. If these were the photos you took home, would you be happy? Look for variety. If all the shots the wedding photographer shows you are close up this is a bad sign. Check the edges and background in the photographs and make sure the set ups are clean even. If you have photographs you like, take them in to show the photographer.

Ask the wedding photographer for their credentials and how long the have been doing wedding photography. If the wedding photographer has LBIPP, ABIPP or FBIPP after their name then they are professionally qualified. Ask about how they handle changes in weather, and find out if they are familiar with your venue. Ask about the event of your photographs being ruined and see if they have Professional Indemnity Insurance cover.