1. Ask your videographer, family, friends and recent newlyweds for a recommendation. Then, interview in-person or over the phone. You can also consult other wedding vendors who have likely worked with wedding photographers.

2. Request to see a complete coverage of each photographer’s work – that is, ask for a picture portfolio of an entire wedding for which he or she was hired. Meeting in person will allow you to choose an album, go over wedding photography packages and express your wants easily.

3. Choose an overall photographic style that suits you, whether photojournalistic, candid, formal posed portraits, artsy with added dramatic flourishes, color or black-and-white for a romantic classy look – or select a blend of a number of styles. Which can the prospective photographer deliver?

4. Consider the photographer’s personality. Decide if you share a vision and will get along well. Remember, the photographer will be with you on the most important day of your life.

5. Check prices, including those of packages offered and numbers of prints included. Remember, it’s always worth it to invest in a good photographer. Your wedding day memories will be captured perfectly or near-perfectly on film by a true profesional.

6. Schedule a follow-up discussion to hammer out specifics specific shots you want and don’t want, the shooting schedule on the day of the wedding, the number of proofs available and the negatives policy (how long they’re available and whether they’re for sale).

~ article by Leslie Harris-Senac, Videographer/Film maker in Sarasota, Florida