1. START LOOKING EARLY

Choosing a photographer is top of the list as soon as you've confirmed venue and dates. A good photographer can be booked up as much as a year in advance. Many couples book their photographer almost as an after thought. Booking the venue, ordering the cake, the catering, your wedding dress... there's so much to do!
 
Make choosing a photographer a shared experience at the beginning of your engagement. Its an exciting way for you both to get a real feel for the kind of wedding you are both looking for. Your wedding photos will capture the atmosphere of your beautiful day. They will be there to look back on for many years and generations to come. They will be displayed in your home and those of loved ones. And shared with friend and relatives who were unable to attend.

2. FIND YOUR STYLE

Each photographer has their own individual style which is unique to them. You need to find a photographer who's style really speaks to you. Visit a number of photographers to get an idea of your options. Visit at least three photographers and you'll get a better picture of what's available.
 
Compare the traditional style photographs with the more journalistic approach which is become more popular nowadays. What presentation styles are on offer? Traditional albums, digital formats... will the album be available online for family and friends to view? Decide which works best for you. You'll be presented with a portfolio of the photographer's best pictures. Ask to see at least one album of a single wedding, start to finish, which will be closer to the finished article you will receive.

If the studio has more than one photographer, make sure the portfolio you are viewing is the work of the photographer who will be attending your wedding. Otherwise your wedding album might turn out quite different to what you had expected.

3. WHICH PHOTOGRAPHER?

You'll need to feel comfortable around your photographer. This is the most important criterial of all in making your choice. If you feel uneasy in your photographer's presence your photos will look awkward and staged. Disaster!
 
An experienced wedding photographer will know how to conduct himself in a professional manner on your wedding day. Your photographer will work in harmony with your wedding, positioning himself for the best shots, capturing the atmosphere and the sentiment of the day and should be able to keep up with the pace.

Before making any final decision it is a good idea to check up on references. Ask the photographer to provide three references of previous clients. Check up on the references before entering into a contract with the photographer. Also ask to see the photographer's insurance liability cover and check there will be back up cameras there on the day in case of equipment failure. Remember the photographs are only one part of the service provided.

4. YOUR PHOTO WISH LIST

Your dreams in print. Don't be afraid to ask your photographer for specific shots. Bride and groom on the shores on the lake? Close up of the cake? School buddies back together again to celebrate your marriage? Mustn't miss a shot of the bride with great aunt Margaret!
 
And you'll find your photographer will be happy to accommodate most requests and have a host of suggestions you might also consider.

As your wedding plans progress, so your photo wish list will grow and contract and be added to and then finally confirmed, leaving only a few small adjustment if required on the day. Speak with your photographer in the weeks leading up to your wedding to check you both agreed the plan for the day.

5. FORMALISING ARRANGEMENTS

For your own peace of mind its best to have your arrangements formalised. To guarantee the photographer of your choice on your wedding day you will
 
(1) Expect to pay a deposit
(2) Sign a formal contract which will act as a legally binding document.

Avoid misunderstandings and make sure what you have agreed with your photographer in written in a formal contract. At bare minimum ensure the following items are detailed in the contract:

• Number and sizes of photographs in the package  
• Dates / timescales for when proofs and final albums will be ready.  
• Fees (+ vat if applicable)  
• Extra charges  

There's too much detail here to leave to memory and with so many other things to organize why leave things to chance. Get it in writing and save a lot of tears later!