They all look the same so how do I choose the Photographer?
by Elementz of Fotographie

Well you've done it you've choosen the date for the biggest event of your life YOUR WEDDING!!!  And now all of the work begins.

You've got to decide on a place to have the ceremony, a place for the reception, menus, flowers, and ... you'll need a photographer.  First bit of advice, make no mistake, trying to do without a professional photographer on your big day could be a big disappointment when you don't have those memories to pore over after the fact.  Why???? Well because the likelihood that you'll remember even half of what occurred that day is highly improbable, so without pictures how are you going to remember the look on his face when you were coming down the aisle, the tears in your eyes when he places the ring on your finger and most importantly, what your dad looked like doing the funky chicken nuf said !!!

Okay, so we've covered that you definitely need a photographer so how do you go about finding one especially the RIGHT one!!!  Referrals from friends can always be a good place to start, especially if they can show you the results of their weddings.  Beyond that, you can try bridal shows, magazines and definitely make use of the web.  Take a look at brochures and websites, compare styles and prices.  Having a general budget to start with will help you narrow down the choices to the types of photographers that will fit that dollar figure you have in mind.

Now comes the most important advice one can give . don't try to visit 30 different photographers.  By the time you're finished, you'll be cross-eyed and wondering what the heck the difference was between number one and number thirty.  So how do you avoid this you narrow your list down to your top three choices.  And start booking those appointments. 

Obviously there should be some key considerations in finding the photographer that best suits your needs.

1. They fit your budget;
2. Their style of photography fits your idea of what you want the end result to be; and
3. That you meet with and talk to the person who is actually going to be your photographer that day. Some larger studios have a lot of staff photographers meeting your's is a must!!

You should come away from your meeting comfortable and at ease with the individual who will be with you that day.  Ask yourself Do you have an infinite trust in this person's ability, personality and style of taking pictures?  Because if you can say yes to this then you've found your photographer.

And always remember that the photographer you choose should never put himself above your requests. They should be flexible and readily accommodating.  They should respond quickly and promptly to your phone calls and e-mails.  Customer service should be second to none!!!  To find out if this business conducts themselves in this way and beyond all of the other things I have mentioned, be sure to ask for references.  Nothing is a better gauge of a vendor's business then customer opinion it counts for everything.

So good luck with your search and just remember a picture REALLY IS worth a thousand words!!