The cake is gone, the liquor too…and who knows where you put the dress.  The one thing that will last long after the wedding are your photos.  Your photographs should be one of the top investments in your wedding.  Here is some helpful advice when choosing a photographer.

Research! Research! Research!  Search the web for local photographers to get a sense of their work online.  Also ask recently married friends to recommend their photographer.  Lastly before meeting with a photographer you and your potential spouse should agree upon the type of photographer you are looking for.  Do you want a photographer that shoots more candids or more traditional, artsy or photojournailistc.  This decision factors well into your decision on the photographer you select.

The Proof is in the photograph -  Ask the potential photographer to see his proof book which is a collection of all the shots the photographer took at one wedding.  This will give you a more accurate sense of his work.  Also don’t forget to check references of former clients!

Chemistry is Important! -  Your photographer will be with you all day.  Its important that you two click and can get along.  Trust your instinct if you meet the photographer and he rubs you the wrong way don’t hire them.  You don’t want a photographer that’s going to be rude to you and your family.

Its Showtime!-  Have a discussion with you and your photographer regarding when and where and how long each photograph will take.  Here are list of photographs that should be shot during your wedding.

Before the ceremony

• Bride getting ready
• Bride with her mother
• Bride with her father
• Bride with her parents
• Bride with bridesmaids and flower girl

At the Ceremony

• Bride getting out of the car
• Groom with ushers
• Groom walking down the aisle and/or at the altar
• Flower girl walking down the aisle
• Ring bearer walking down the aisle
• Bride walking down the aisle
• Bride being given away
• Groom meeting the bride on the aisle
• Bride and groom at the altar
• View of everyone at the altar during the ceremony
• The ring exchange
• The candle lighting
• The kiss
• The bride and groom jumping the broom
• Bride and groom coming up the aisle
• The receiving line
• Bride and groom outside
• Bride and groom in the car

Before the Reception

• Bride and groom before going inside
• Bride and groom with her parents
• Bride and groom with his parents
• Bride and groom with both sets of parents
• Bride and groom with attendants
• Bride and groom entering the reception
• Bride and groom’s dance
• Bride dancing with her father
• Groom dancing with his mother
• Guests on the dance floor
• Best man’s toast
• Bride and groom talking with guests
• The cake table
• Bride and groom cutting the cake
• Throwing the bouquet
• Catching the bouquet
• Bride and groom waving good-bye

Detail shots

• Invitation close-up
• Escort card table
• Favors on table
• Bouquet and center-pieces close up

Your wedding photos will last a lifetime make every effort to find the right person that can capture your special day.