Tips for finding the right photographer to capture your wedding day

You may not pay that much attention to what’s being taken on the day, but your photos will form a lasting memory of your wedding, so they’ve got to be good.

Image: Allen and Boeckle photography

They may be pricey, but it’s well worth paying a professional to take your snaps – you don’t want loads of pictures with heads cut off or with red-eye.

Make sure you get on with your photographer – you’ll be spending a considerable part of the day with them, so you want someone who can make you laugh, not someone who makes you grit your teeth!

Look at their past work and try to find someone who does great pictures and who makes you feel relaxed and confident. If you don’t feel comfortable that will be reflected in the final images.

Once you’ve found the perfect snapper, make sure you get the booking in writing. Check the small print and know exactly what you’re getting for your money.

A good professional photographer will use their creative and technical skills to get the best results as quickly, smoothly and tactfully as possible. But it’s worth taking the time to discuss their role on the day.

Do you want him or her to control the events or to blend into the background? Do you want them to stay and photograph the speeches, cake-cutting, first dance, reception? Make sure you both know what’s expected of the photographer before the big day – you don’t want any rising tensions to spoil your wedding.

Remember that your friends and family will be charged extra for any additional copies they want. But do ask about any other extras that may be thrown in.

Some photographers include some thank you cards with a small photo enclosed as part of the deal.

If you’ve spent a lot of time and effort arranging flowers, invites, menus etc, you’ll want those memories recorded too, so ask your photographer to include some in their shots.

If you want more relaxed shots done as well, why not place a disposable camera on the tables at the reception and get the guests to take their own? Alternatively, give everyone a disc and ask them to copy their own photos onto it and send it back to you. That way you can pick and choose which ones you want to print.

Discus with your photographer the format of the finished photos. Many photographers now offer a photo-book instead of the more traditional album, so have a think about what you’d prefer and, of course, check the cost of each.

Try to meet up with the photographer at the venues before the day, so you can talk about the best settings for photos, and don’t forget to check with your minister if photography is permitted during the ceremony.

But the best advice for any couple is to try and relax in front of the camera. If you look and feel comfortable, your photos will turn out beautifully.