Tips to Help You Find the Perfect Wedding Photographer [wedding photography]

One of the first things to do as you are planning your wedding is to book your photographer - the sooner the better as there are only so many Saturdays in the year! Its especially important to make sure when you are booking your favorite one that they don't take multiple bookings and send someone else out to do the work. The photographers personality and style really matter... they will be with you all day! Unlike venues, menus, and music choices, wedding photography must be chosen using your artistic preference, determination of quality, and gut instinct.

Top Tips for Selecting the Perfect Wedding Photographer

• Determine your Style: This step is critical; determining your wedding style will help you narrow down your photographer choices. For example, do you want your wedding photo theme to be documentary, edgy, artistic, or portraiture based? To help you decide, do some research on different styles of wedding photography.
• Style Alignment: Next, narrow your choices down to which photographers' shooting style closely aligns with your needs. For example, if you want your wedding photos to be non-traditional, be sure to choose a photographer with a portfolio to prove they are willing to think outside the box for both posed and action shots.
• Book an Appointment: Once you have the list narrowed down to a few select photographers, book an appointment to interview each. Now is the time to determine the photographer's level of professionalism, personality, and credentials. Bring information with your to the interview including venue information, dates, and a description or examples of the style you want for your photos.
• Portfolio Review: You may have seen some shots from the photographer during the beginning of your search; in the interview, ask to see completed wedding albums. Sample shots can be misleading; full albums can help you determine whether the photographer has successfully told the story the newlyweds wanted to portray. Use a critical eye during the album overview; ensure the images are crisp, the frames aren't cluttered, and the shots look natural and unforced.
• Cover Your Bases: A professional photographer will have one or more assistants on hand to cover the many different angles and unexpected moments at your event.
• Choose Your Media: There are many different ways to share the photographs for your wedding. CDs are easy to share, traditional wedding albums are a great keepsake, and coffee table books can tell your story to anyone who happens to drop by for a visit. Be sure to ask your photographer what types of media they have available.

You wedding will be one of the most important days of your life. Choosing the right photographer can make a huge difference in how you and your family remember your special day. Over time, your photographs will be the most important element of remembrance. Your wedding photographer is the only individual who can ensure the irreplaceable details of your wedding will live on.

If you are interested in learning more, please contact Andrea Hillebrand, Photographer. Andrea specializes in on-site wedding photography and is dedicated to accurately interpreting her clients' unique style using her talent and years of professional expertise.