It’s time to start thinking about wedding photography and videography. You’ve spent months planning your wedding, perfecting every detail. The dress, the flowers, the menu, the guest list…and then the big day! It’s fantastic, delightful, everything you could want – and a complete blur. You’re a wonderful lady, but you can’t be everywhere at once. Fortunately, your wedding photographer and videographer are here to help. They’re there to document the wedding so you can look back later, when everything is quiet, and see how everything turned out. That is why it is critical that you choose the right ones.

Look for local photographers and videographers

First, decide on the type of photographer and videographer you want to hire. One popular option among photographers is ‘portrait-style,’ which emphasizes posed shots staged to present everyone in the best possible light. It’s a more formal style of photography, but if you don’t want someone with a camera following you around all day, this might be what you’re looking for. Fine art is the most popular subset of this—think romantic lighting with inspiration drawn from popular fashion magazines’ editorial style.

Documentary photographers, on the other hand, will concentrate on capturing candid moments and weaving them into a story. These guys are fantastic at capturing an overall picture of the event, allowing you to relive the day, both the planned and the (inevitable) unplanned. They’re a popular option for those who don’t want to hire a videographer or who prefer a more candid style of photography. Almost all videographers fall into the documentary category, with the exception of those who specialize in point-and-shoot or, as we like to call them, ‘camcorder’ style wedding movies, complete with cheesy effects. If you like vintage from the 1980s, this is a great option. Otherwise, it is quite unusual in this day and age.

Then there’s the most recent and fashionable wedding photography style. There is no formal name, but ‘quirky portrait’ seems appropriate. Your photographer will have you and your wedding party posing with various props, possibly even engaging in potato sack races through a field while dressed in full formal attire. The photographs are lighthearted, entertaining, and full of personality.

Browse Pinterest and your recently-married friends’ Facebook albums to determine which style you prefer. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations. Your social network can be extremely useful in your search for a good photographer and/or videographer.

Final Candidates Interview

You should schedule interviews with three or four of your favorites after you’ve scoured social media and visited their websites. Ask them about their pricing structures, what’s included (albums, prints, online galleries, pre-event site visits, etc.), and who owns the image rights. If it’s a well-known or larger photography studio, make sure the person you’re speaking with is the person who will be doing the shoot, not a colleague or assistant. While you’re there, request to see a full single-wedding gallery, rather than just their highlights book, so you can see the type of end product you’re likely to buy.

Assuming you’ve found reputable photographers and videographers, the majority of their responses should be similar. So, assuming you still like their work, the biggest question is: do you like them?

This is significant! You’ll be spending a lot of time together before, during, and after the wedding, as well as on-site visits and the editing process. You want to choose someone who makes you feel at ease, who listens to your preferences for wedding albums and videos, and who you believe can bring out the best in your wedding guests.

Give Photographers a List of Special Wedding Guests to Photograph

Lists, in fact. Guests to photograph, group photos, centerpieces, flowers, and everything else. Make sure it’s on the list if your best friend is going to be performing her world-famous Tina Turner impression onstage and you want to make sure you get video. Although your photographer and videographer are skilled professionals, they are not mind readers. The more information you provide them, the more likely it is that they will deliver the product you require.

Say, “Cheese!”

Once you’ve sorted out the fine print, all that’s left to do is put on an amazing gown, let your personality shine through, and smile!