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Choosing a Photographer or Videographer is about more than just hiring someone to take photographs of your wedding day. It should be about creating a lasting story that will be held forever in the pages of your own unique album.

Some of the most important assets to look for in a good photographer are creativity and good communication. You should establish a good rapport with the photographer you ultimately choose and feel confident in his or her abilities as a professional.

Choosing a photographer who's style matches your own is a good way of helping you feel at ease in their presence. With all the decisions to make, don't leave home without thinking about some of the suggestions listed below to help you choose the right photographer for you.

• Meet with more than one photographer.

• Ask to see photo albums of on location photography, not just studio pictures.

• Do you see personality in the pictures or do they all look similar?

• How many years have they been in business?

• Do they do photography full time or part time?

• Is the photographer you are meeting with the one who is actually going to be taking pictures of your wedding?

• Ask for 3 or 4 references. They should be able to provide at least this many.

• Do they charge by the hour? Is this flexible if you need them for a shorter or longer period of time?

• Do they have experience at your ceremony and reception site? If not, it is a good idea for them to visit the site ahead of time to plan for special lighting and other requirements they may need.

• What type of film do they use? What speed?

• Do they offer digital photography or digital developing.

• What is included in a package? What additional charges are not included?

• How much of a deposit do they need? When is the balance due?

• What type of guarantees do they offer?

• Do they offer specialty options like black and white photos or panoramic shots?

• How soon will you be able to see your proofs?

• How soon will you be able to get your pictures?

• Will you be able to keep the proofs or negatives?

• If they offer you a quote on prints how long is the quote good for? What is the price per print for different sizes?

• Do they work as a team with a videographer?

• Can they provide disposable cameras for you at a discounted price?

ONCE YOU HIRE SOMEONE:

• Make sure you have a contract signed detailing the above.

• Review the time schedule and date of your wedding day with your photographer and include this in the contract.

• Decide if formal pictures are going to be taken before of after the ceremony or on a different day all together?

• Provide your photographer with a list of what pictures are a must for you. i.e. bride with her mother and grandmother.