Choosing a wedding photographer.

Some advice for those choosing a wedding photographer (from a wedding photographer)

1.  Look at some work they have done, this really is vital!  Try and see a full wedding, not just a few shots from each of half a dozen, it's easy enough to get one of two good shots, much harder to keep the standard up for the whole wedding.

2.  Dont book on price alone, all too often I've seen photographers booked because they are the cheapest, look at the quality of their work as well  Price isn't a good guide of quality either, just because the photographer is dearest doesn't mean they are best, theres good cheap photographers as well, thats why you must chect the quality.

3.  Find out what plans the photographer has for things like a camera failing (it does happen) a decent photographer will have a back-up camera and lens, if they look baffled when you ask walk away. Also ask what they'll do if it rains, now this can be tricky, some like me carry studio lights to shoot indoors, but this isn't always the answer, some venues simply don't have any room to set up a studio.

4. Don't choose a photographer by his/her style then give them a list of photos (sometimes with pictures) and ask them to copy those, if you like the other pics book the photographer who took them.

5.  Please please book a photographer who actually does wedding, don't use uncle Bob just because he has a good camera.  You can buy an F1 car but it doesn't make you an F1 driver does it!.  Remember the cameras just a tool, it's the photographers skill your booking, uncle Bob may be great at taking landscapes but a wedding is different.

6.  Don't use one of those stupid lists from the bridal magizines telling you questions to ask your wedding photographer, I've seen a few and most of the questions are pointless and won't help you decide.  Look at the quality of his/her work, talk to them, see if you get on, remember your spending most of the day with them.

Finally remember, after the wedding the only things you'll have left is the dress and the photos/video, don't spend more of the cake or flowers, they are gone by the end of the day.  If your on a budget cut the chocolate fountain or sweet trolly, or something, don't try to save on the photographer then wonder why your wedding pics are crap.