What do you want?

The first thing to consider is the style of photography that appeals to you. There are two basic styles with variations on each: Formal, traditional photos with lots of group photos, and “reportage”, natural, un-posed images, capturing the events as they unfold. Many like a combination of the two styles, and almost certainly parent and grandparents prefer the traditional.

Most photographers now use digital cameras. This enables all pictures to be produced in colour, black and white, or toned in various shades, such as sepia.

You will need to give some thought as to where and when you would like the photographs to be taken. Do you want pictures taken in your home, as you are getting ready? Do you want the speeches or the first dance captured?

How can you ensure that the photographer you choose will do justice to all that preparation, capture forever those precious moments, keep alive those delighted faces of your family and friends, and bring alive again those emotions you all felt on the day?

Finding a photographer

Some wedding photographers work from shop premises, others from their homes. Some undertake all types of photography (including industrial and commercial photography), while others specialise in wedding and portrait photography. Some businesses photograph hundreds of weddings a year; others very few. Some advertise extensively; others very little. Some are members of professional associations; others are not. Unfortunately, none of these are criteria for distinguishing between a good wedding photographer and a poor one.

Probably the most effective way to find a photographer is through personal recommendation or knowledge, ask friends what they thought of their wedding photographer. Alternatively there are numerous indexes through the bridal press, wedding directories, local newspapers, Yellow Pages, and the Internet.

Practically all professional photographers now have a web site, with galleries of images that allow you to view their work, style and creativity. If you like what you see, make an appointment to meet up with the photographer.

It is important that, at this meeting, all those responsible for decision-making are present. For example, if your parents are paying for your wedding, or contributing to the cost of the photography, they (or one of them) may wish to attend.

As well as taking the pictures you want the photographer must make you feel relaxed and comfortable. You need to be able to trust them to work well with you on the day. By meeting you will be able to see more samples, discuss your individual requirements, and make sure you like the photographer. It's important to view complete wedding albums, not just a few hand picked images. Make sure the person you meet is the person who will be taking your photographs, and be sure this person created the albums you view. Don't be shy to tell him or her exactly what you want, what style of photos work for you, and who the important people are on the day! Point out photos you particularly like in their portfolio; this will help your photographer to understand what you are after.

Do not book a wedding photographer by telephone!

Some things to look out for:

• Are the specimen albums each made up of a single wedding and not just a selection of "best pictures" put together for the purpose?
• Has the photographer a recent wedding to show you?
• Does the album tell the story of the wedding day fully, or does it just contain a series of similar pictures?
• Is there a good mix of portraits, groups and story-telling pictures?
• Are the groups tidy, with everybody looking happily at the camera?
• Do the prints show detail in the faces and dresses, and has the photographer avoided showing distracting background details?

Some questions to Ask the Photographer:

• Will you be the photographer covering our wedding?
• Are you a member of a professional association?
• Are you professionally qualified? And if so, in which type of photography was your qualification achieved?
• Have you got Professional Indemnity Insurance?
• How much time will be spent on photography on the day?
• What happens if it rains? Is there room inside at the reception venue to do the job properly?

Prices

Everyone has a budget, and the photography is no exception The cost of the photography usually includes: preparation for the day, visiting the venue, reception and any other locations, prior to the wedding; production of the proofs, production of the final prints, and mounting these prints into your chosen album. All this takes considerable time, and must be charged for. If a photographer is cheap, you must ask yourself why? You don't want your photographer taking short cuts, and compromising the quality of your wedding photography!

You should, however, check for any hidden charges. Do prices include VAT, are the albums included in the price, etc. Some photographers may also charge for travel and accommodation.

You will find that prices vary considerably, and generally speaking you get what you pay for! The more experienced the photographer, the more he or she will charge.

The price will also vary depending on the total time the photographer expects to spend at your wedding, the approximate number of photographs to be taken, the number of pictures included in any package deal (not necessarily the same thing), and the type and quality of the album.

Ask the photographer to explain the pricing and to tell you precisely about any extras that may be involved.

Remember that the number of photographs supplied and the size are of less importance than the content of the images. You may be better off settling for fewer or smaller pictures if they are taken with more care, greater sensitivity, and with more regard to your wishes. If there are any you really love they can always be reprinted at a later date.

OK, so you've found your perfect photographer… now book quickly! Like venues good photographers have bookings well in advance.

Getting the best from your photographer

The best wedding photography is achieved when the photographer and the bride and bridegroom work in close harmony. Most photographers will insist on meeting with you beforehand to plan the day's schedule, discuss the pictures and draw up a timetable.

Photography needs fitting into the day's events, but it is not the reason for the day! Keep it in perspective.

It is a good idea to have portraits taken at home before the ceremony. There is a time before she leaves home when the bride is perfect, with "not a hair out of place". Once outside, a wisp is soon disturbed by the wind; and once the confetti is thrown, you are never the same again!

A few family portraits at home beforehand make a worthwhile addition to your record of the day. This need not only be the bride and her family; many photographers will also visit the home of the bridegroom.

Good photographers will visit and research the venues beforehand and advise you where the best places to take the photographs are. Often, the formal groups are taken at the church, register office, or wherever the ceremony is being held, with less formal pictures taken at the reception. The formal photographs should take around 30 minutes depending on how many you have asked for.

The photographer may also like to make an opportunity for a few portraits of the two of you together, away from the hurly-burly of activity and in a setting with an attractive backdrop for. This should normally take around 30 minutes also.

If you add these times on to the length of the ceremony, travelling times, receiving guests, informal chat with your friends, etc. you will find that you should allow about two-and-a-half to three hours between the start of the ceremony and sitting down for your wedding meal. Your photographer will help you plan a timetable so that you can enjoy the day without getting too anxious about time or the meal getting cold.

On the day

So now it's your wedding day. Here are a few tips to have you looking fantastic in front of the camera.

Give yourself plenty of time. When you plan the day, always factor in enough time for delays, traffic queues or late arrivals. It's quite easy to get behind schedule, so make sure you have some spare time in your itinerary.

Your wedding day passes so quickly, time travels super-fast, so try and soak up the atmosphere, enjoy the attention, and the smiles will come naturally! If you feel really nervous or self-conscious about photos, then choose a photographer who specialises in natural, un-posed shots, and most of the time you won't even realise you are having your photo taken!

Enjoy Yourself! If you are having a good time, relaxed and enjoying yourself, it will show in the pictures, you'll look happy and radiant. Don't worry about the dress, don't worry about your hair, don’t worry about anything.

It's Your Wedding Day… not a Photo Shoot. If you find your jaw aching from smiling, or just need a break from the camera, then tell your photographer you need a rest for five minutes. Have a drink or a chat with friends, and continue with any photos you need later.

Your chosen photographer will know how to put you at ease; it's their job. The most important thing is to relax, pretend the camera is not there, and act naturally. We always find that a relaxed and happy atmosphere, and a glass or two of champagne put a smile on the face of even the most nervous bride and groom!