- Questions to ask when choosing your photographer - After the last bit of cake is eaten, and your flowers fade and lose their beauty, your photographs will be the only things that will last for ever, even for generations to come. Unlike every other aspect of your wedding, photographs will spark the memories, the tingle and excitement you experienced on your wedding day. For these reasons, it is vitally important that you choose an experienced photographer, and choose one that is right for you. 1: Experience: Your wedding day is not the time to ask a friend or relative to take pictures just because they have an expensive camera or to save a few dollars. You need someone with experience who knows what shots should be taken. A seasoned professional knows what kind of shots will work, and the ones that won't. An experienced photographer can see candid photos that will turn out to be treasured memories. A novice will be to busy with the mechanics of their camera to compose and capture those candid shots. 2: Knowledge: Ask what kind of camera your photographer uses and what format they shoot (film or digital) and why. This will give you a good indication of the photographers experience and knowledge of photography. A knowledgeable photographer should be able to tell you the benefits of the format they use. 3: Photographer: Will the photographer you speak with be the actual person who will take your wedding pictures? This is a vital question as many studios have several photographers on staff. You don't always know who's work you are seeing or which photographer will actually end up photographing your wedding. 4: The photos: Are the photos you are looking at actual photos taken by the photographer you are interviewing? Are they real weddings or are they models who were hired for the pictures? Some studios buy the albums they show to their clients with photos already in them. These albums have professional models, not actual brides. The photographer will spend hours with lighting equipment or go on location when the light is perfect to get just the right shot to go into these sample albums. An actual wedding just isn't like that. Can you see what an actual wedding looks like from start to finish? Some photographers will only show you their best work, not giving you a real feel for the whole day. When you are looking at the wedding book, keep in mind the following: *photos should be well composed and properly framed *proper exposure, details should be visible in hilites and shadows *focus, is there sharp detail *colors should be vibrant and eye catching *people should look comfortable and relaxed *distracting objects should be removed. ie: candelabras should not look like they are growing out of someone’s head, exit signs should not detract from the photograph. 5: Rapport: You will want to feel at ease with your photographer as he or she will be working closely with you and your guests all day long. 6: Photographers: How may will there be? Two photographers or a photographer and assistant mean you will be getting more photos to choose from as they can cover different areas at the same time. It will also take less time for photographs after the ceremony as there will be one extra person to help arrange groups or get people for the next photo. 7: Bookings: How many weddings will the photographer shoot on your wedding day? If she shoots more than one, your day and photos may be rushed. 8: Flexibility: Is your photographer open to special photos that you want? Or does he only work from a shot list and he not take additional pictures?