After months of careful planning, investing large amounts of money and emotion into the finest details of your special day, a major priority is certainly to have these memories captured on film. As you, friends and family page through the wedding album, perhaps years after the day, the value of a professional photographer who understands your unique requirements can not be underestimated.

The most important undertaking when selecting your photographer (or videographer), is to shop around. DO not be too hasty to select the cheapest quote or to opt for someone you feel obliged towards because they did your sister’s / cousin’s / friend’s wedding. It is essential that you look carefully at the wedding portfolios of your potential photographers and their experience in the industry. Ensure that their experience is in wedding photography, not just models or landscapes. It is imperative that you request references and follow up on these. It is advisable to call at least 3 references and questions them regarding punctuality, after-event delivery and professionalism.

On discussing your needs with the photographer, ensure that he / she understands exactly where the venue is, what time you expect them to arrive, what they should be wearing, where they will be sitting during the ceremony and reception, and what type of shots are non-negotiable. It will be useful for the photographer to provide you with his / her itinerary for the day, including any other events they may need to attend on the same date. This should include all expected times of arrival and departure as well as back-up plans if your or the other event runs late. Of course, you must also make sure that you and the photographer both have all of the necessary contact details of the other party.

Another area where some bridal couples have been disappointed is in terms of who does the actual photography. Oftentimes, you may find that you are meeting and briefing the manager / director / owner of the company and, on the day, a completely new person is dispatched to take your pictures. Because it is so important that you have a relationship of mutual understanding and benefit, you need to make sure that you are speaking to and liaising with the actual person responsible for your event.

In terms of cost, you need to be absolutely sure that you are aware of all expenses, deposits and refund policies involved in your contract with the service provider you select. Ask them what the implications are if he arrives late or leaves early, or if you require him to stay later than expected. It is also crucial that you establish what opportunities you have if the photographs or service is not up to the standard that you expect. Any photographer who refuses to offer some sort of guarantee should be reconsidered.

The contract between you and your photographer must be understood by both you and the service provider. Read it carefully and completely. It should contain the name of your specific photographer, the time that he/she arrives and leaves, the number of proofs you will view in order to pick your enlargements and/or keep, a clear description of the package you ordered, a list of guaranteed prices for enlargements, the cutoff date for these prices, all additional charges, services, taxes, travel, etc... (get the exact and total cost on the contract), an explanation of what happens if your photographer fails to arrive, the date and deposit amount and how much is outstanding, your name, address and phone number, and the names and addresses of the ceremony and reception locations.

Additional questions that you will need to ask during your interviewing process are:

• Do you back photos up onsite?
• Do you develop and print your own film?
• Do you know exactly where the wedding venue is?
• Have you photographed a wedding at this venue before?
• Do you know how to touch photos up using Photoshop or a similar programme?
• What is your delivery time for the complete set of photographs after the wedding?
• What is your refund policy?
• Do you use Digital / Film / both?
• Do you use high-speed film to expose natural light?
• What back-up equipment will you bring? Is it of the same quality as the primary equipment?
• Do you work in a team or will it only be you taking photographs?
• What tie do you plan to arrive and leave?
• Will you take photos of the ceremony and reception?
• Do you have a plan B in case of rain or other unforeseen circumstances?
• What is your specific photography style? Once they answer this and show you their portfolio, it is up to you to decide whether you are satisfied with that style.
• Can you work from a photo checklist that we create?
• Will I be able to keep my proofs? If so, where and how are they marked? Do I pay extra for unmarked proofs?
• Can I keep my negatives?
• Do you assemble the wedding album as part of your service?
• Do you have fixed packages? How flexible are these?