Tips to choosing a photographer

Allow yourself plenty of time to find the most suitable photographer for you. Since popular photographers are in high demand you will need to book early to secure the photographer of your choice. The photographer should be an experienced and qualified professional who uses quality professional equipment and can show you a portfolio of other weddings covered.

The first step in choosing a photographer is to think about the style and feeling you'd like your wedding album to have. Then go to several studios and look through sample albums. Look at whole albums, instead of sample photos. Check if the photographer is able to do black and white and sepia tinted or hand colour photographs if that is what you want. You'll want a photographer who can tell the story of your wedding. While you look at sample albums, pay attention to the story the album is telling to see if it gives a feeling of the day. It might be worth spending more money to find a photographer who knows just what you want.

If you are dealing with a large studio, insist upon meeting the person who will be photographing your wedding. Make sure the person is energetic and engaged, someone who will work well with you and your guests. Discuss your budget openly with photographers and once you have chosen one, be sure you agree on all of the details and fees included in the final price including negatives (particularly ownership and storage of the negatives), the cost of reprints and enlargements, whether travel costs apply and the number of venues covered. Ensure that you are clear about what you are getting and paying for.

It is worthwhile to enquire whether the photographer belongs to a professional organization such as the Professional Photographers Association (PPA) or the Australian Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP).

Most studios will have a number of wedding photography packages from which to choose, but they should be willing to create individual packages to fit a couple's needs.

The photographer can help choose locations for wedding photos, indoors and outdoors. Give the photographer a list of shots you want, especially if you have a complex, extended family. It is common to have candid photos taken during the reception as well as standard, posed photographs. Make sure to be very clear about how much you want the photographer to interrupt your ceremony, if at all. Some people want the photographer on the altar snapping pictures, some prefer that pictures be taken from the sides, and some don't want any photos taken during the ceremony at all. Decide ahead of time what you prefer. The photographer might want to see the venue beforehand in order to bring appropriate equipment. Provide a wedding-day itinerary at least one month before the wedding.

Still photography uniquely captures and records images which can bring you and your loved ones a life-time of satisfaction and pleasure.