Choosing a Photographer
Before choosing the wedding photographer, the bride and groom must decide on the style of photography they want, check their budget and do plenty of research.
Be cautious of using part-time photographers. Their level of experience and professionalism will never match a pro. As technology has advanced, many 'professionals' have crept into the market - often with disappointing results.
Many wedding photographers keep portfolios of selected shots from a variety of weddings. To ensure that they are of a consistent standard, the bride and groom should request to see a whole set from just one wedding.
Samples should be viewed as traditional prints, not just online, to ensure a good reproduction quality and to get a true feel for the images.
Look at the photographer's website. Remember, they will design the wedding album so use this as an example of their style and taste.
The couple should check that they like the style of the final prints: digital wedding photography allows for lots of different creative treatments.
Ensure the photographer works with a digital camera - it is unlikely nowadays that they don't, but film is costly and time-consuming to digitise and share. Check whether the photographer has the facility to upload photos online for guests to access and order/download prints.
Check the small print to ensure that the photographer has proper insurance and a backup plan in case they fall ill or have an equipment failure.
Some wedding photographers will be able to recommend a videographer, or even have someone with who they usually work.
The couple should look at friends' albums to pick up tips on how to get the best from their wedding photographer.
