How to choose a photographer for your wedding

1. Level of Experience - Has this photographer had other weddings? Is this part time work for them or full time? Remember this is a cut throat industry, new photographers come and go daily. A new one may however be pretty good, and we all have to start somewhere, but and its a big but, do you want to trust this once in a life time event to a new photographer or someone with an extensive portfolio?

2. Individual Style - Do the images in their portfolio look like the pictures you would like, is there a good range of style available, remember the images are only good if you like them. Will you get on with them ? as you will be spending many hours with them.

2a. Pricing - Looking for the cheapest deal isn't going to be a wise choice on this occasion, let the portfolio speak to you, see what they have been able to achieve with other couples, they will have special deals incorporating the standard items with extras that can be added on.

2b. How long does delivery take - When will you be able to look at the proofs? make sure you get an "expected delivery date" on paper signed by both parties, you are contracting that person/company to do a job for you, get your quote, usually valid for at least 30 days. Make sure you understand every term in the contract to avoid disappointment later, this cant be re-done it has to be right on the night as they say.

2c. Legal - Make sure you know how much the deposit will be, and what happens if the photographer some how misses the wedding, car crash, illness there's plenty of different reasons someone could be late, besides the bride that is.

3. Dress Code - What style of clothing would they were when they attend your wedding? casual, smart, do they look respectable in your view or would you have to make sure they understand, first impressions count.

4. Do they attend - Strange as it may seem but some photographers don't actually attend your wedding, they send someone else, maybe a younger employee who "needs the practice" or another person who stands in when they are busy.

5. Ask for a few references - You should always ask for the last 2 couples details and you must use them, it's the best way to see if they say the person is how you saw them in your mind, if they are and the other couples agree with your judgment, then all should be fine, but if anyone shows a dislike to them, be wary.