“The beauty of marriage is not always seen from the very beginning—but rather as love grows and develops over time.”

Fawn Weaver

Your wedding is inarguably one of the most important events in your life. It’s just one day–but it’s the one day you would want to last forever. So how can you make this wonderful occasion last?

Visually stunning wedding photography is the key.

To make this happen, you need to get the best wedding photography service for your special day. Here’s how you can do this.

A Matter of Choice

Choosing the right photographer is essential. Consider these specific factors when choosing a wedding photographer. Check the photographer’s portfolio. What kind of pictures do they like to take? How do they take them? How’s the quality of the photos? How creative are they? The ideal wedding photographer should have at least three to four sets of wedding photos under their belt. You will also need to make sure their vision is in line with what you envision for your wedding memories. 

If the photographer offers a package that includes unlimited coverage for the entire day, that would be of most benefit to you as your photoshoots won’t be rushed.

Give it Time

On your wedding day, give your photographer as much time and opportunity as necessary to enable them to capture you and your intended’s special moments during the wedding ceremony and reception.  Ask the photographer to pay attention to the small moments; details you may want to highlight and remember. The look of love in your faces. An unexpected tear. A tiny smile. Important moments that are gone too quickly, which you would want to keep in your memory.

If the bride, groom, and the wedding party are coming from different locations, allocate enough time between the end of the wedding ceremony and the start of the reception to get some additional photographs taken of them. With some planning and a well thought-out schedule, you will have a more comfortable and fun shoot!

Be Careful 

Be wary of photography firms or individuals who subcontract jobs to freelancers. Sales people frequently present themselves as actual photographers in order to entice customers. Check that the person or team you are dealing with is on the up and up. If it’s a company you’re dealing with, request that they show you around three to four complete wedding portfolios from each of the photographers in their pool so you can select which one can best work with your aesthetic vision.  It is, however, preferable to hire a photographer who actually specializes in wedding photography. A partnership of two photographers would be an even better package because it allows for two visual perspectives of your wedding and they would be able to capture moments that one photographer working alone might have missed.

Mind the Style

Certain photographers may only offer traditional wedding photography or may be limited to photojournalistic wedding photography, which may not be the styles you and your intended are looking for. It is best to find a photographer who can create the visual style you desire.

Ask Questions

Before making a decision on hiring a photographer, consider their answers to these important questions:

• Would they be amenable to tailor fitting a package to fit your budget?
• What types of cameras will they be using? Are they using medium format equipment and do they maintain a backup storage?
• Will the photographer be using only one lens or will they switch lenses? What kind of lenses do they use? You may also  allow them to demonstrate the photo effects they can create with various lenses and select the ones you want them to use in your photos.
• Black and white photos can be cool and used to create dramatic effects. Inquire if there is a premium to these. Are black and white photos included in the package? Or will there be extra charges for these?
• Separating colors and making enhancements prior to printing make for far superior photos.  Are these included in the package?

Asking these important questions will not only make you feel more at ease with your choice of photographer, it will also give the photographer a sense of your vision for your photos and therefore be able to align themselves with what you want.

In this age of constantly advancing technology, filters and Instagram photos, it’s only natural to pay careful attention to how your photos will turn out. Just don’t get too caught up in the visuals and aesthetic that you forget to enjoy each spontaneous moment. 

Make wonderful, warm memories that will stay with you forever, while those beautiful photos will remind you of those moments when you forget.