Tips to help you choose your wedding photographer

When it comes to choosing a wedding photographer it is recommended the following issues should be considered very carefully:

• Do you know who the actual photographer will be for your wedding?
• Are you happy with your photographer's expertise and specific style?
• Do you like the photographer and would you be totally relaxed with him or her throughout your wedding day?
• Does the photographer come across as experienced enough to know what to do in difficult or unexpected circumstances?
• Do you consider the photographer to be both diplomatic and discreet, but also animated if necessary?
• Have you discussed exactly what is going to happen with your photographic coverage, and the approach you would prefer?
• Have you ensured that particular images which are special to you will be taken?
• Is the wedding photographer a full time professional?
• Does the studio have facilities for guests to view and order their images online and is this offered free of charge?

You will soon find out when comparing wedding photographers, that prices vary enormously. In many articles written in bridal magazines, this is put down to the number of images which will be included in your album or DVD, and length of coverage etc. This is true, to a certain degree, but what determines the price more than anything else is the photographer's level of skill. Professional photographers with the greater skill and experience who produce more stunning images and can deal successfully with unforeseen situations at weddings, including inclement weather, will naturally be more expensive.

Less expensive photographers may appear good value, but even if the photographs are sharp and well exposed, you might not like them. This could be due to many factors such as the expressions, lighting, or emotion isn't right. Don't forget it doesn't just come down to which type of camera is used. It is also very much the personality of the photographer and their enthusiasm and attitude which counts. If the photographer doesn't get on with you or your guests, everyone will soon become fed up and therefore look fed up! What happens then?

Written by David Heath, one of the leading wedding photographers in Hampshire. He has over 15 years of experience of photographing weddings in Portsmouth and the surrounding areas throughout Hampshire, West Sussex and Dorset.