Once you have received the ring and said yes, you will start the somewhat daunting process of finding your perfect wedding photographer.
You will quickly find that there are hundreds of photographers to choose from and their fees vary greatly.
It really pays to shop around.
There is more to look for than a 'great price'.
Here's what to keep in mind.
Experienced If you want professional looking photographs, you want someone that has experience.
Professional photographers have portfolios and references.
Make sure you study their work and talk with some of their previous clients.
While looking through various photographers' portfolios, look for images that grab your attention.
Look for images that capture how you envision your wedding day and you as a bride.
You want to pick someone that fits your style of photography whether that is traditional, transitional or photojournalistic.
The first thing to look for is quality photographs.
Find photographers that you like and then focus on the price.
Remember wedding photography is one of the most important aspects of your wedding.
The photographer you choose will either create beautiful memories or poor dark and blurry reflections of the most important day of your life.
Experience is obviously the most important aspect of your wedding photographer.
Some good questions to keep in mind are: How long has he/she been a photographer? What equipment do they use? Are they full time photographers or just weekend warriors? Have they received professional training in photography? How many years have they been in the wedding photography business? Good Personality Personality is another important aspect to your photographer.
You will get to know your wedding photographer quite well during the entire engagement, bridal and wedding events.
Your photographer will also be hanging around all day on your wedding, so obviously finding someone with a great personality is a big deal.
You want to make sure your photographer is professional, fun, and respectful of both you and your guests.
If you have ever struggled through a sitting with an arrogant, angry, impatient photographer, you can easily understand why personality is important.
Choose someone that is friendly and patient.
If you want shots of kids, choose someone that has worked with children before and enjoys them.
Wedding Packages You want to find a photographer who is going to meet your needs as a bride.
Ask your potential photographer for a sampling of his/her wedding packages.
Do they offer engagement sessions, bridal sessions, rehearsal dinner coverage, 8 hours worth of wedding coverage, assistant, second photographer, prints, albums, canvas prints, online gallery, etc.
You want to find a wedding package that is personally designed to meet your needs.
Make sure your photographer offers everything you are dreaming of.
Knows the Area Being familiar with the venues is important.
There are dozens of exciting and beautiful locations.
Some of best ones are well off the beaten path.
Test your photographer's knowledge of the area.
See if he/she has ever photographed at your venues.
If they haven't shot there, hopefully they will scout the area before your big day to become familiar with everything.