When selecting someone to capture your special day, there are several things to keep in mind. The first and probably the most important thing to consider is the amount you have budgeted for photography. As with most things, if you want something bad enough, you’ll find a way to pay for it. While we don’t suggest taking out a second mortgage out on your new home to pay for your wedding photography, you might consider cutting back on some other area if the photographer you really want is not that much more than you had budgeted. Basically, what we are saying is that price should not be the only mitigating reason for not hiring a photographer who you otherwise think would be perfect. This being said, here are a few other things to think about when you look for a photographer.

Wedding Experience — Has this person ever shot a wedding before? Are they a full-time photographer or a weekend enthusiast? With photography, as with most everything else, practice makes perfect. Why trust your once in a lifetime photos to someone who is not staking their reputation on your happiness?

Make Sure You Get Who You Pay For — Larger firms are based on the reputation of their best photographer. If you hire such a firm, be sure to meet with the person who will actually be there, taking your pictures. Regardless of whether you hire a firm or an individual, you will need to ask about an assistant. Assistants mean a quicker photo shoot and possibly getting shots one person might miss during the ceremony.

Portfolio Work — As you look through some of their past work, put yourself in the pictures. Do you like the poses? Are the pictures lit well? Are there any glares or deep shadows? If you dont like a lot of the photos in their portfolio it’s probably a good idea to look for someone else.