After the honeymoon is over, the bills are paid off, and the thank you notes are written, the only thing you will have to remember you wedding day will be the photographs that were taken. That’s why it’s so important to not only choose the right photographer, but to know how to work with your photographer before, during, and after your wedding.

Choosing a Photographer
Begin your search for a good wedding photographer by asking family members and friends for recommendations. Once you have a list of potential photographers, visit their websites to get a feel for their style, personality, and price range. You want to find a photographer whose approach “clicks” with your own style and the tone of your wedding. Next, call or email each photographer to check his or her availability and get a sense of his or her level of professionalism.

Narrow your list to two or three potential photographers and meet with each of them. Your list of questions should include:

• When will the proofs be ready and do we get to keep our negatives?
• What are the degrees of coverage and how much does each cost?
• What guarantees come with hiring you and what is your payment policy?
• Will you have an assistant? Will you use film or digital?

Before the Wedding
After signing a carefully reviewed contract, you should meet with your photographer before the wedding to ensure he or she has a clear idea of what you want to be recorded on film. While every photographer knows the “must have” shots (the bridal party, the bride and groom with their families, etc.), you need to give your photographer a list of any photos you want that go over and above these regular shots, like photos with certain high school friends or a favorite aunt. Make sure both the bride and groom contribute to this list of extra shots.

You also want to review the wedding timeline or schedule of events for the day of the wedding with your photographer. Not only will this allow the photographer to be present at “extra” events (hair and make up, putting on the gown, etc.), but it will also help you be more organized before the wedding day.

During the Wedding

The wedding is your day, so relax, enjoy it, and let your photographer do their job. If you’ve done your homework, you shouldn’t have to worry about what shots your photographer is getting, but don’t be afraid to approach the photographer for certain photos on the wedding day either.

Also, try not to pose for the photographer; this will create a less natural look for your photos and your memories won't be captured as they really were.

After the Wedding
You will need to review the proofs from the wedding with your photographer. You should try to do this within a month of your wedding and make sure your photographer meets this deadline. Most photographers put their proofs online these days but some do still meet in person.

When deciding on proofs, go with your gut feeling and try to pick a variety of photos for your album. Do not hire a talented, creative photographer and then design your album around traditional pictures from your day (people coming down the aisle, guests coming in to reception site, etc.). Pick less traditional photos, like your mom seeing you in your dress for the first time or the silhouette of you and your husband on the beach at sunset. In general, pick the best photos of the two of you. After all, it was your day!