Florida Weddings & Wedding Planning Advice

1. Book wedding photographer early - The best ones are hard to get and may have bookings over a year in advance. (book 6-12 month prior to wedding)

2. Never order the photographer by phone. Meat him/her and get a first hand impression of the photographer. Remember the personal chemistry between you and the photographer is important in making you feel free and relaxed. This will again show in the pictures.

3. Pick 3-4 interesting photographers in the area you are getting married. Surf their web sites. If you are having a theme wedding check if they have experience doing the theme wedding you are planning. Look for sample pictures made at earlier wedding. Be extra observant on the picture quality. Make sure the sample photos are taken by the same person coming to your wedding. And finally - what is your overall feeling. Do you think the photographers style and personal touch will match your wedding picture ideas?

4. Ask for references and use them. Only through firsthand info from other brides will you get real objective critics.

5. If you have a clear plan on how you want the pictures to be - stick to that plan. Don’t let other people push you into anything else unless you feel their advice is genuinely a better choice.

6. Use the pre meetings at the photographer well. It is here you lay it all out for him/her. Tell him/her your wishes and ideas for the wedding photos. Bee clear on you wishes.

7. Be aware of the different photo styles and expressions common at wedding of today. Would you like it classical and simple (black and white pictures could be a great idea.) or maybe big, fluffy and romantic( go with large to everything and prepare yourself for a rollercoaster.)

8. During the photo session it is important that you relax. Be in the moment and focus on each other. Be playful and daring - Remember it is emotions that make a good wedding picture. Don’t get stuck up in thinking about how you appear and how the pictures are going to look. THAT is the photographer’s job.

9. Sit down with your love one after the wedding and look through the 100 to 150 different pictures taken ( the standard number of pictures photographers take at a wedding session) Look through them several times - put them away and look at them again. Let the Groom pick his favourite picture of the bride and vice versa. Take chances and dare to choose untraditional wedding photos.

10. Have in mind that it is usually not a problem to choose 2 or 3 different pictures styles for the thank you card. This makes it easier to customize the picture cards you send to your family and you know everyone gets a wedding picture that fits them.

About the Author

The author has been fascinated by weddings and beach weddings for many years.

There are few things as romantic as an outdoor wedding witnessing two happy people unite. Have a look at her wedding site http://www.your-florida-beachwedding-guide.com if you too are into romantic weddings.

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Selecting a wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions you have to make as you complete the preparations for your wedding. This is because it is the role of the wedding photographer to capture the joy and excitement of the day. Once the cake has been eaten, the guests have gone home and the honeymoon is over it is the album of wedding photographs that will always be there to help the happy memories come flooding back.

One problem is there are so many wedding photographers to choose from. All offer a slightly different service and most charge quite different prices too. To try and help you make the right choice for your big day I have put together a selection of tips to point you in the right direction.

1. Insist on meeting the photographer who will be photographing your wedding. Some companies will send a salesman or senior photographer. When making an appointment double check and make sure you will be meeting the photographer who is going to shoot your wedding. After all what will happen if you find out on the day that you don’t like him or her!

2. Ask to see complete wedding albums. If someone has been photographing weddings for even a year or two the chances are that they can scrape together enough shots to produce a good portfolio. Insist on seeing complete albums from recent weddings.

3. Find out exactly what is included in the price. If they tell you that you will get a particular album make sure they show you the album itself. Do not let them show you the best album they have and tell you your one will be similar. Make sure you are satisfied with the one you will be given.

4. Make sure the price they quote includes everything. You do not want to find out later that prints costs more money, you have to pay travel expenses, VAT or other taxes were not included, a CD of images costs more or even that you have to pay the postage. Get a full quotation in writing.

5. Check that they can shoot the style of wedding photographs you want. If you would like a modern reportage style, do not take it for granted that the photographer can do this just because they take good traditional style shots and vice versa.

6. If you have ideas of your own then discuss them with the photographer well ahead of committing yourself to them. This helps you to avoid disappointment later. A good photographer will always be able to incorporate your own ideas into the day.

7. Ask for referrals and check them out. A photographer with a string of happy clients will be only too happy to let other people confirm their abilities.

8. Discuss the back up equipment they use. For example if they do not carry a spare camera and the one they are using breaks down then there will be no pictures!

9. Check to see if they have covered a wedding at the venue before. If they have not, find out if they will visit the venue beforehand. If they do then this should get them a tick in the box as being someone prepared to go the extra mile.

10. Make time to see more than one photographer. Choosing the right wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions you make. Choose the wrong one and you cannot rerun the day and try again!

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You’re getting married, right? Congratulations! And, you want your wedding day to be as perfect and beautiful as you’ve always dreamed. But, if you choose the wrong photographer, your day may be a lot less than perfect and you may not be satisfied with the images your photographer captures. Bummer. So, how do you choose the right photographer?

Here’s how. Make sure your wedding photographer offers you these five things. Then you can relax and feel confident the love, special moments and important details of your wedding day will be captured in beautiful images for a lifetime of memories.

1. Do you like the photographer’s work? Look at a fairly good selection of the photographers wedding images, not just a few photos on a web site. It’s best if you can see at least an album or two and a proof book of a complete wedding. The albums probably represent the best of the photographer’s work, and the proof book shows all the typical images he or she captures during a wedding day. How do the images look to you? Are they pleasing to look at? Does the lighting and the color look good to you? Is the photographer’s style what you are looking for? Most of our bridal couples are looking for a mix of photojournalistic images and classic posed traditional ones. Make sure your photographer is capable of, and comfortable with, taking the style of images you want for your wedding. If you don’t like the photographer’s work, there is no need to consider them further. Also, make sure the work you see was done by the photographer who will photograph your wedding. Some studios will show you a lot of good work from various photographers, but will not guarantee you will get the photographer whose work you like the best. Sometimes, a husband and wife team like ours is the best way to be sure the photographer’s work you see is the work you will get.

2. Do you like the photographer’s personality and mannerisms? Is the photographer confident, easy going and not a nervous ninny? Does the photographer have a good sense of humor? Remember, the photographer will be present through most of your wedding day, interacting with you, your wedding party, your family, and your guests. A demanding, inflexible, and uptight photographer can make your day unpleasant. I know you don’t want that! Make sure you and your spouse-to-be get along well with the photographer you choose. If the photographer is going to have a second photographer help at your wedding, meet the assistant photographer and make sure you feel comfortable with them also. To get to know your photographer before you choose them, it is really important you meet with them personally. If it is physically impossible to meet with the photographer, you should make sure some of their testimonials from previous clients make you feel comfortable with the photographer’s personality.

3. Does the photographer have a strong sense of commitment to photographing your wedding and a professional work ethic? Does the photographer use professional cameras, lenses and flash systems? Does he or she have at least some lenses that will produce good images in low light situations (f2.8 aperture)? Does the photographer use a soft box over the flash and keep the flash above the lens on both horizontal and vertical photos to minimize shadows in their images? Does he or she always bring a complete set of backup equipment, or bring a second photographer with another set of equipment, to every wedding? How will the photographer and their assistant be dressed on your wedding day? Ask them. Hopefully, they will professional enough to arrive dressed in a tux, suit, or dressy dress. Although, if your photographer is a man and he says he’s coming in a dressy dress, you might worry a little about that . You should get the feeling that your photographer is dedicated to making sure your wedding day is wonderful, and that all of the love, emotions and important details will be captured in images you will be able to enjoy for the rest of your life.

4. Does your photographer have the experience to anticipate all the good things that will happen on your wedding day, and the experience to deal with the bad things that could happen also? An experienced photographer will have photographed enough weddings to anticipate and capture special moments during your day, and the important details that may easily be missed by a “newbie”. An experienced photographer also knows that things do go wrong sometimes and will be able to anticipate and deal with them, often without you even knowing that something went wrong. That’s why a complete set of backup equipment is necessary. My little kit of duct tape, extra cables, pen knife with scissors, and band-aids has been a life saver several times.

5. Does your photographer offer you the right value? Not the right price, but, the right value. If your photographer doesn’t have all of the above four characteristics, it may not matter what their prices are. If the photographer has all four, that’s a big part of the value they offer you. In this case, the price should be less important. Just make sure your photographer will provide what is really important to you and is upfront with you about costs for everything you want. Someone who offers a “low” price up front may sound attractive. But, things change when you find they charge extra for every location stop, for the digital image files, for a studio set up at the reception, and so on. A photographer who charges twice as much, but includes almost everything, can often be a better value for you.

So, there you have it. Choose your wedding photographer based on the above five factors and you will go a long way toward having the wedding of your dreams. Good luck and congratulations again.

About the Author

Chicago Wedding Photographer Paul Kaliher is a Canon Five Star Master Photographer. Paul has been capturing beautiful wedding images for brides and grooms for over 12 years in the Chicagoland area and other destinations. He and his wife Joan offer their wedding photography and videography at http://www.smsdesign-weddingvideo.com.

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The dress was beautiful, you got through the ceremony and reception without a hitch, but just when you thought your wedding was perfect, your pictures come back and you look awful. What can you do to make sure that your photos are as beautiful as the memories you have?

Here are some of the things you should consider:

- Never scrimp on your photographer. Nobody’s going to remember if your bouquets had daisies or rare, exotic orchids. But years from now, your great grand children will be looking at your wedding album. They’re not just souvenirs, they’re heirlooms. Spend on them.

- Avoid complicated hairstyles and veils. You’ll be walking around, too busy talking to guests to check the mirror. You don’t want your veil hanging to the side, or your bangs plastered to your face. Keep it simple and elegant. If you want a dramatic veil for your walk down the aisle, look for a style that allows you to detach part of it, leaving you with something less cumbersome at the reception.

- Buy or make a small clutch bag or pouch that matches your gown. It should carry blotting paper, pressed powder, lipstick and blush. Ask your maid of honor to keep it handy for you.

- Wear waterproof mascara. You will cry a lot. It’s guaranteed. Black mascara will run and leave unflattering raccoon eyes.

- Don’t wear heavy powder eyeshadow. Again, you will cry. You will also sweat from walking around in heavy makeup, a thick gown, and hundreds of guests milling around you. Powder smears and cakes, and ends up under your eyes.

- Don’t wear sheer lipstick. You’ll eat it off. Or if you do, wear a matte or semi-matte base and apply the sheer lipstick as a top coat. Be sure to blot well, or it’ll end up around your mouth or on your teeth.

- Don’t wear heavy shimmery makeup, unless it’s applied by a professional makeup artist. It doesn’t photograph well under less than perfect lighting conditions. If you do, apply only on the eyes.

- Bridal makeup should be soft and romantic, not harsh. Natural pinks are most flattering, and really make you look like a “blushing bride”. Avoid hard-edged contouring and dramatic browns, unless blended well and kept close to the eyeline. Even lipsticks should stick to the pinks and brownish pinks. Bright reds look too harsh worn against a white dress.

- You’ll need good foundation that lasts long but doesn’t cake. The trick is to apply moisturizer first and let it “set”. This will prime your skin. Apply a matte or cream foundation, then concealer. Dust powder foundation with a brush.

- Take good photographs right after the ceremony, when everyone’s make up is still intact. You should have solo shots, couple shots, and group photos with your entourage, friends, family members.

- Ask for a few black and white photographs. They always have a soft, romantic feel.

- If you’ll be having outdoor photographs, light is most flattering in the morning and at dusk. Avoid any outdoor shots from 11am to 2pm; everyone will just be squinting.

To learn more about wedding photography and many other aspects of wedding planning, you should check out our Ultimate Wedding Planning Toolkit. It contains a complete “system” you can use to ensure your wedding plans run smoothly!

About the Author

Lesley-Ann Graham runs WeddingTrix.com - a valuable wedding planning resource with articles, tips and advice to help you plan your perfect wedding!
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The dress was beautiful, you got through the ceremony and reception without a hitch, but just when you thought your wedding was perfect, your pictures come back and you look awful. What can you do to make sure that your photos are as beautiful as the memories you have?

• Never scrimp on your photographer. Nobody’s going to remember if your bouquets had daisies or rare, exotic orchids. But years from now, your great grand children will be looking at your wedding album. They’re not just souvenirs, they’re heirlooms. Spend on them.

• Avoid complicated hairstyles and veils. You’ll be walking around, too busy talking to guests to check the mirror. You don’t want your veil hanging to the side, or your bangs plastered to your face. Keep it simple and elegant. If you want a dramatic veil for your walk down the aisle, look for a style that allows you to detach part of it, leaving you with something less cumbersome at the reception.

• Buy or make a small clutch bag or pouch that matches your gown. It should carry blotting paper, pressed powder, lipstick and blush. Ask your maid of honor to keep it handy for you.

• Wear waterproof mascara. You will cry a lot. It’s guaranteed. Black mascara will run and leave unflattering raccoon eyes.

• Don’t wear heavy powder eyeshadow. Again, you will cry. You will also sweat from walking around in heavy makeup, a thick gown, and hundreds of guests milling around you. Powder smears and cakes, and ends up under your eyes.

• Don’t wear sheer lipstick. You’ll eat it off. Or if you do, wear a matte or semi-matte base and apply the sheer lipstick as a top coat. Be sure to blot well, or it’ll end up around your mouth or on your teeth.

• Don’t wear heavy shimmery makeup, unless it’s applied by a professional makeup artist. It doesn’t photograph well under less than perfect lighting conditions. If you do, apply only on the eyes.

• Bridal makeup should be soft and romantic, not harsh. Natural pinks are most flattering, and really make you look like a “blushing bride”. Avoid hard-edged contouring and dramatic browns, unless blended well and kept close to the eyeline. Even lipsticks should stick to the pinks and brownish pinks. Bright reds look too harsh worn against a white dress.

• You’ll need good foundation that lasts long but doesn’t cake. The trick is to apply moisturizer first and let it “set”. This will prime your skin. Apply a matte or cream foundation, then concealer. Dust powder foundation with a brush.

• Take good photographs right after the ceremony, when everyone’s make up is still intact. You should have solo shots, couple shots, and group photos with your entourage, friends, family members.

• Ask for a few black and white photographs. They always have a soft, romantic feel.

• If you’ll be having outdoor photographs, light is most flattering in the morning and at dusk. Avoid any outdoor shots from 11 am to 2 pm; everyone will just be squinting.

About Mark Saunders:

Lesley-Ann Graham runs http://WeddingTrix.com - a valuable wedding planning resource with bridal guides, articles for the bride and bridesmaid, wedding etiquette advice for brides, tips for brides, bridal checklists, wedding planning worksheets, and more! The Bride, Groom, Best Man, Bridesmaids and Groomsmen can find it all at the http://www.WeddingTrix.com website.

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If, as a couple, you find that your wedding budget has no room for the services of a professional photographer, the situation does have a remedy. Even though you are not able to take advantage of the creativity and experience of a professional you can still put together a beautiful wedding photo album that is unique and memorable.

You probably know someone in your circle of friends or family members who is an accomplished photographer or at least has a strong interest in photography. Don’t be ashamed to put the word out that you need some help in documenting your special day. The individuals you approach will probably be flattered that you have asked for their help. Some might be a little nervous about taking on this responsibility so it will be up to you to put them at ease and make it clear that there is no pressure.

It is important once you have agreed to work with your photographer that you meet and discuss your vision and expectations of the wedding photos. Please remember though, that this individual is really doing you a favour so treat them with respect and sensitivity and not as an employed professional. Ask your photographer for their ideas and input and work together on the process of planning the wedding day’s photo documentation.

Here are a few quick ideas that you can share with your photographer to get him or her started on the planning process.

1. If your wedding is being held indoors, select a scenic outdoor location in advance where you can stop after the ceremony and prior to the reception to get some photos in natural light, preferrably with a park or flower garden background.

2. When taking photos at the reception, try getting candid photos at the tables and on the dance floor. Many amateur photographers alert the subjects and the results look far too stiff and posed. More interesting shots are natural photos of people having fun and interacting naturally.

3. Every photo need not have a full view of a person included as much of the story can be told by small vignette type photos such as a close up shot of a guest’s hand signing the guest book or just the bride and groom’s hands intertwined showing the rings. Photographs such as these add great interest when interspersed in the album with the people photos.

4. Stand on a chair or kneel down when taking some shots to get differing interest perspectives.

5. Load a seperate camera with black and white film as many of these shots have a nice artistic appeal.

6. If necessary, when photographing the wedding cake, move it to a location free of background distractions.

7. If you are taking a series of group shots, make sure that you move the location as several photos with identical backdrops will get monotonous when viewed concurrently in an album.

My experience has been that having a freind or family member take the photos, often produces a more intimate result because he or she knows the people involved and often captures more meaningful shots.

Don’t forget that in all likelyhood many more people will be taking photos of their own of which some will be keepers, let your guests know that you would be interested in getting copies of their best shots.

In conclusion, while it’s a nice luxury to employ a pro you can get wonderful results using a friend as your wedding photographer.

For more information and descriptive wedding planning articles on every aspect of the process please visit: Perfect Wedding Plans

About the Author

Jim Hutton writes articles on wedding planning, the article library can be seen at:

Perfect Wedding Plans
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You only have one shot at perfect pictures. If you choose the wrong photographer, your once-in-a-lifetime wedding pictures can be lost forever. Here are some tips for finding a great wedding photographer:

1. How experienced is this photographer? Does he specialize in wedding photography? While everyone needs to start somewhere, do you really want one to begin with your wedding, no matter how good the price? Choose a photographer who not only has experience with wedding photography, but who also can show you examples of his or her work at previous weddings.

2. What is the style of the photographer? Do his sample shots look the way you want your wedding photos to look? Look for a great mix of styles, from formal and posed to more casual and relaxed styles. Look for how the photographer uses light in the pictures. And look for a photographer who takes shots that you like.

3. Ask the photographer if he’s the one who will be handing your wedding personally or if he plans to send a staff photographer. You have the right to know who you’re going to be paying for. Asking in advance eliminates nasty surprises.

4. Do you like the photographer? If he’s nasty or bossy or has a trait you don’t care for, his presence - and direction for posed shots - can ruin your otherwise perfect day. There are plenty of photographers; pick one you can live with.

5. How does he dress? Is he well-groomed? And what does he intend to wear to the wedding? Especially if you have a dress code at the wedding venue, you need to be certain your photographer presents a certain appearance.

6. How expensive is this photographer? You don’t have to choose the cheapest photographer, and probably should not, but you want someone in your price range. Get an idea of all his prices, including any reordered packages. And find out how long he keeps negatives. You may want to order more in five years.

7. How prompt is this photographer? How quickly will they get the proofs, pictures and albums back? Does he supply electronic media as well, or just printed photos?

8. Look carefully at the offered packages and a la carte deals. Are they the wedding photos you really want, or do you think you can do better with a different plan? Try to arrange a deal if you don’t like any packages. If you’re making a large order, your photographer should work with you.

9. How much time will he take photographing you and the wedding party at the event? You don’t want someone who will take too few shots, but you also don’t want to spend your entire wedding day in front of a camera. Ask how many different shots he takes on average as well.

10. Does the contract make sense to you? It should be clear, with everything addressed you’ve discussed with the photographer. You should feel that it’s fair. Make sure deposits and cancellations are spelled out, as well as the photographer’s not showing up. If you don’t understand it, talk to a lawyer. This can be a very big investment, and you don’t want to find yourself in a legal bind over it.

11. Use our Wedding Photo Worksheet to help you choose all the perfect photos for your wedding, quickly and easily. Go through the shots you want with the photographer, and make sure he’s going to work with you.

12. Make sure you get references from previous clients, from the Better Business Bureau, from the Chamber of Commerce. Ask around at reception halls and churches the wedding photographer has worked at to see what they think. Is he a member of the Professional Photographers of America or another professional organization?

And one last thing: besides the wedding photographer, you really should have disposable cameras on the tables. You never know what’s going to happen: the photographer not showing up, or being busy photographing the wedding party while Uncle Milt is doing that weird thing with his nose. Sometimes the photos taken by guests become the most treasured keepsakes from your wedding.

About the Author

Lesley-Ann Graham runs WeddingTrix.com - a valuable wedding planning resource with articles, tips and advice to help you plan your perfect wedding!
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Once a wedding date has been set, one of the first tasks of the future married couple is to line up a photographer to take what they hope will be priceless and cherished pictures - ones that you and others will look at for many years.

If the saying “a picture is worth a thousand words” holds any truth, your wedding pictures will be especially important to you. Many couples mistakenly think of wedding pictures as the staged pictures of the bride, groom and the wedding party. Start thinking of your total set of wedding pictures as a memoribilia that tells a story of a bride and groom’s special day - in preparation for, during and the final moments before the honeymoon.

Because your wedding will be in front of possibly hundreds of your closest family and friends, choosing a wedding photographer to visually document your special day should be taken very seriously. Forget about having your cousin’s best friend who “takes great pictures”. Your day must be put into the hands of a professional, perferably the best you can find for your budget.

Here some questions and factors to consider before making the commitment to hiring the services of a wedding photographer.

1. What will the style of your wedding be? Will it be formal, informal, or semi-formal? The answer to this simple question will play a key role in hiring the best photographer. For example, if your wedding will be in a formal setting, hire a wedding photographer that is traditional in their photographic style. Traditional photographers tend to notice and consider details when it comes to photography, angles of shots they take, balance, etc.

2. Photographers can vary greatly in price. That is why it is important to set a budget and adhere to it as closely as you can. Often you can apply the saying “you get what you pay for” but not always. Expensive photographers generally are high in quality but you may be able to find one that is just starting out with his/her business. In this case they may take terrific pictures and their prices are still in line with what you can afford.

3. Before signing a contract with a wedding photographer, be sure you always read the fine print of the contract so you know the services that you will be getting. Never leave it to chance and assume a photographer is going to perform his/her photographic duties the way you think they will. If you have extra requests or needs, be sure they are written in the contract. Once your day goes by it is too late to quibble over what should have been photographed. Better to have no surprises and that means a solid contract agreed upon by both parties.

4. Choose a photographer that is open to what you as a couple would like as far as your photographer’s duties. Some wedding photographers have been doing weddings a long time and can get somewhat immune to the wishes of the couple, the wedding party and guests. Select a photographer that is easy going and can take a little direction if needed. On the other hand, don’t try to tell the wedding photographer how to do his/her job. A happy medium is desireable.

5. Finally, (and this is an important one) be sure to ask to see a complete portfolio of the wedding photographers work. Be certain that is the style you would like. Sometimes photographers will “farm out” weddings and send another photographer that acts as a subcontractor for the photo studio. Be sure you ask exactly who will be the photographer on site that day and ask to see their portfolios as well. Remember, the best wedding photos are the ones where there are no surprises on the part of the bride and groom.

Proper thought and research when choosing your wedding photographer will result in some of the most memorable pictures of your lifetime. Good luck!

Wedding photography is one of the biggest of all wedding expenses. The photos are able to tell the story of your wedding beautifully for decades to come. You want to make sure you do everything you can to preserve one of the most important remembrance of your wedding day. You can take several steps to protect your wedding photos.

Digital photography is the most inexpensive way to prevent loss due to disaster. Once your photos are in digital form, you can easily duplicate them. The digital technology allows for quick backup and restore of your images. It is a technology that is becoming almost inseparable from traditional photography. Burning CDs and DVDs of your images has become quite common, and it should be part of the photography service. If your photographer does not offer digital copies, you should walk.

The paper and ink used are of outmost importance. What your photographs will look like decades after you get married greatly depends on the quality of the paper and ink. Ask to see what kind of guarantees the paper manufacturer provides. Ask your photographer to compare different kind of photo papers available on the market.

Your photo album should contain no acids. That includes the glue, paper, and any other material that is part of the photo album. You can contact the manufacturer of the album to make sure. Acids can cause discoloration over time.

Photo albums should be laid flat on their backs. Standing photo albums can more easily bend. Make sure the wedding album comes with guarantees you read and understand.

High temperatures and humidity are among the worst enemies of a photo album. Most areas you would feel comfortable for extended periods are proper storage locations for your photo album. A hot attic during the summer or a cold and wet garage are great examples of bad storage places.

You have planned your wedding for a long time, and you have spent a lot of money on your photographs. Protect your investment!

About the Author

Wedding Favors Wedding favors, personalized wedding favors and bridal shower gifts.
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Once a wedding date has been set, one of the first tasks of the future married couple is to line up a photographer to take what they hope will be priceless and cherished pictures - ones that you and others will look at for many many years.

If the saying “a picture is worth a thousand words” holds any truth, your wedding pictures will be especially important to you. Many couples mistakenly think of wedding pictures as the staged pictures of the bride, groom and the wedding party. Start thinking of your total set of wedding pictures as a memoribilia that tells a story of a bride and groom’s special day - in preparation for, during and the final moments before the honeymoon.

Because your wedding will be in front of possibly hundreds of your closest family and friends, choosing a wedding photographer to visually document your special day should be taken very seriously. Forget about having your cousin’s best friend who “takes great pictures”. Your day must be put into the hands of a professional, perferably the best you can find for your budget.

Here some questions and factors to consider before making the commitment to hiring the services of a wedding photographer.

1. What will the style of your wedding be? Will it be formal, informal, or semi-formal? The answer to this simple question will play a key role in hiring the best photographer. For example, if your wedding will be in a formal setting, hire a wedding photographer that is traditional in their photographic style. Traditional photographers tend to notice and consider details when it comes to photography, angles of shots they take, balance, etc.

2. Photographers can vary greatly in price. That is why it is important to set a budget and adhere to it as closely as you can. Often you can apply the saying “you get what you pay for” but not always. Expensive photographers generally are high in quality but you may be able to find one that is just starting out with his/her business. In this case they may take terrific pictures and their prices are still in line with what you can afford.

3. Before signing a contract with a wedding photographer, be sure you always read the fine print of the contract so you know the services that you will be getting. Never leave it to chance and assume a photographer is going to perform his/her photographic duties the way you think he/she will. If you have extra requests or needs, be sure they are written in the contract. Once your day goes by it is too late to quibble over what should have been photographed. Better to have no surprises and that means a solid contract that is agreed by both parties.

4. Choose a photographer that is open to what you as a couple would like as far as your photographer’s duties. Some wedding photographers have been doing weddings a long time and can get somewhat immune to the wishes of the couple, the wedding party and guests. Select a photographer that is easy going and can take a little direction if needed. On the other hand, don’t try to tell the wedding photographer how to do his/her job. A happy medium is desireable.

5. Finally, (and this is an important one) be sure to ask to see a complete portfolio of the wedding photographers work. Be certain that is the style you would like. Sometimes photographers will “farm out” weddings and send another photographer that acts as a subcontractor for the photo studio. Be sure you ask exactly who will be the photographer on site that day and ask to see their portfolios as well. Remember, the best wedding photos are the ones where there are no surprises on the part of the bride and groom come wedding day.

Proper thought and research when choosing your wedding photographer will result in some of the most memorable pictures of your lifetime. Good luck!

About the Author

Rachele Urbanak is wedding planner and photographer in upstate Maine. She is a frequent contributor to wedding magazines and wedding websites such as http://www.weddingplanningsuccess.com
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