Choosing a wedding photographer can be one of the most crucial decisions to be made when planning a wedding.  One false move may set your budget out of bounds by nearly $5,000.  Going too cheap may result in photos that look like your best friend’s ultrasound pictures.  It is important to choose the right wedding photographer at the right price.

There are many things to consider when choosing the right photographer.  Below are some helpful tips to consider when choosing the person or team that will be capturing your special day:

• Level of experience
• Budget range
• Photography style
• Personality chemistry
• Understanding the contract

Choosing an experienced photographer is important to the quality of your photos.  Inexperience may result in the photographer missing candid shots and messing up on images that can never be captured again.  There is no room for inexperience when it comes to the photographer of your special day.

It is important to interview several photographers before choosing the right one.  During the interview process ask the photographer if they have done wedding before and if so, how many?  Photographers who make a living out of photography may be the wiser choice than selecting a friend of a friend who dabbles in photography as a hobby.

When it comes to photographers, less is definitely not more!  Shopping by price can be a problem so allow yourself some room in the budget to choose the best photographer you can find.  You don’t want to choose the cheapest photographer on the market and you certainly want to stay within your budget.

It is important to understand fully what the price you pay will entail.  Ask the photographer what the packages offer.  Does the package include reprints, albums, proofs, etc?

Another important tip in choosing a wedding photographer is to understand what type of photography you want.  Candid shots are customary and capture every aspect of the day that you wouldn’t normally get if only formal pictures were taken.  Discuss your needs with the photographer to ensure they are qualified to deliver what you are asking.

If you are looking for a mixture of black and white pictures and color photos, make sure your photographer knows ahead of time.  Formal and classic poses should always be included.

Personality can be an important aspect when choosing a photographer.  There should be certain degree of chemistry when you interact with the photographer.  You don’t want an old fuddy duddy who won’t take on any creativity.  Photographers should be outgoing, upbeat and confident that they can capture all of the precious moments of your special day.

Another aspect of personality is if you see yourself getting along with the photographer.  Personalities should match and your photographer should be open to receive any advice or expression of guidance you offer.  After all, it is your special day.

The contract is a huge aspect of hiring a photographer and before signing on the dotted line, you will want to make sure you understand every detail.  Make sure that everything is written down, even the special requests that were agreed upon.  Every detail of the event should be spelled out on the contract so that nothing is left undone.  If there is any doubt in mind, do not sign the contract.

The required deposits and payments may also be specified on the contract.  Cancellation specifications should be clear and there should always be an opt out clause.

One last tip before choosing your photographer for the big day is to get a list of references and actually follow up on them.  Speaking to other brides who hired the photographer can provide the most insightful information about the photographer.