How to Select a Wedding Photographer

Although you can collect all your guests’ wedding photos and upload them into one online photo album, you may decide that you would like to hire a professional wedding photographer as well. When searching for a wedding photographer, there are a few things to consider. (Of course, the first thing is always budget!)
 For the budget
 1. Number of hours. Are you looking for someone to take pictures from the time you’re getting ready til the end of the evening? Do you want someone just to start taking photos at the ceremony? How many hours do you think you’ll want someone there?
2. Number of photographers. Do you want one person taking photos? Or do you want multiple perspectives of the same moment? If you want more than one perspective, you might need two photographers on site. (But this doesn’t mean that you have to hire two separate photographers. Most photographers have assistants or partners who they work with and who can be included in a package price). If you want multiple perspectives but can only afford the one photographer, remember to ask your friends and family to take photos & they can upload them into your photo album afterwards.
 3. Albums. Most photographers offer packages that include a photo album. Other photographers offer photo albums that you can add on later, on top of the other services. Often looking at a photographers albums are a good way to see if you like their albums.  Remember – you can always order an album later, which might help you spread out the costs.
For considering WHO to hire
4. Style of photography. Do you want a photojournalistic style? Artsy? What are you looking for? What kind of photos do you like? Detailed photos? Getting ready?
5. Experience. How many years experience doing wedding dress photographer does the person have? Wedding photography is different from other types of photography! Does the person have experience at your venue? Does your venue require the photographer to know the venue?
6. Personality of the photographer. Do you like the person? Can you communicate with them easily?
7. Other issues. Does the photographer charge a travel fee? Will he/she check out the venue with you (or without you) prior to the day of the wedding? Do they accept shot lists? (Do you want them to?) Who keeps the negatives? Do you get copies of the high resolution files? (If you do, you can add them to your Wedding Lens photo album to share with friends!)
Remember to keep in mind the general tips on how to select vendors! For example, get references from people who have used the photographer. Also bear in mind that your photographer, like all other vendors, will require a downpayment to hold your wedding date!
How did you select your wedding photographer?