Months! maybe even years? of preparations so that your marriage is perfect. And all this takes place in one day! After living this dream day, what tangible memories remain, apart from your wedding rings? The photos and video!

In this article, we shall give you some tricks to help you choose the services of a photographer who will be able to satisfy your expectations (advice for choosing a videographer will be looked at in another article).

You will not be hiring a photographer, but indeed an artist who will know how to seize the most precious moments of your wedding day. Wedding photography is an art which requires intuition and speed because, the artist won't have a second chance to capture that magic moment.

So, be attentive to the photographer's personality and his experience.

Practical advice:
• When to reserve: at least 9 to 12 months before the wedding. Keep in mind that the most talented photographers are booked early so, as soon as you are certain, go for it!
• Look through wedding magazines to find a style that you like. Search for a photographer on the internet or in specialized guides, looking for the style of photos which you've chosen.
• Establish your budget, but don't hope to find a professional photographer for less than 1000.00$.
• Make a selection of your favorite photographers and go visit them.
• Ask to see at least three examples of wedding albums. Preferably three weddings with different styles, to see if the photographer personalizes his approach with the customers and if his style and the quality of his clichés are found in the 3 examples.
• When you will look at the photo albums, don't stop at only one or two photos which you like, but take the time to go through the albums from A to Z to insure there is consistency in the photographer's work.
• If you hesitate between two photographers, here are some elements which will allow you to choose:
   o The photographer's rates
   o Elements included in the package
   o The price for supplementary copies, enlargements and albums
   o The experience and training of the artist
   o The clauses of the contract (are they favorable?)
   o The payment conditions
   o Guarantees in case of technical problems
   o Does the photographer's personality work well with yours?
   o Can they personalize his packages?
   o Are they open to changes?
   o Do they take into account your artistic choices?

Choosing a style
Although several elements can influence the artistic approach of the wedding photographer, two genres stand out more than others:

The traditional approach:
Clichés are taken from poses set up by the photographer. You therefore pose in front of the camera, without moving. This method allows a greater control on the subject and is recommended for group photos. Some brides find that these photos look more rigid. Question of taste!

The photo-journalistic approach:
Snapshots are taken on the spur of the moment as the photographer captures the magic moments on film. These photos are usually very natural, but keep in mind that it takes a very good photographer to be able to seize the emotion at the right moment, making excellent photos.

A mix of the 2 genres:
This is probably the best choice if you like both styles. You could then have more traditional photos for the preparation of the bride and groom and photos of groups while the rest of the day could be taken with a more photo-journalistic approach to keep the emotion and a natural feel in the shots.

Limited budget?
Hire the professional for the ceremony and the session in the park. For other photos during the day and evening, ask a friend who might be fascinated by photography or wedding photographers who are amateurs or students.