Here is the second part to the four-part series....

Enjoy and have a nice day.

How to choose the right wedding photographer (part 2 of 4):

8. Research photographers.

Ask your friends, inquire at bridal shops and with the management of the ceremony and reception sites you have chosen. Also browse bridal websites for information and links to photographers that work in your area.

9. Make a list of photographers which seem to fit your criteria for price and available format.

Having a list is always handy when you shop around

10. Research each of the photographers on your list:

Look at samples of their work on the Internet. Ask your friends or co-workers if they have worked with any of the photograhers on your list before.

11. Remove from your list any individuals with less-than-stellar records, weak references, or a style that you dislike.

12. Interview each remaining candidate on your list by phone.

Make sure to ask if they are available on your chosen date, how much experience they have, whether they specialize in weddings, how soon after the wedding you can expect your prints or disk, and how long they keep the negatives.

13. Remove from your list any candidate which does not conform to your preferences or is not available on your chosen date.

14. Make appointments and meet with each finalist face to face.

Go to these meetings with your spouse-to-be if possible. Look at samples of their work, get a brochure with details about wedding packages, ask for a copy of their standard shot list (if they use a shot list which most experienced wedding photographers do not as they have well-memorized all the shots they need to get), and ask questions. Notice how polite they are. Ask yourself, “Is this someone I will want to be around when I am stressed, exhausted, dehydrated, overheated, and ready to faint in those uncomfortable shoes?”

15. Discuss with your spouse-to-be all the photographers you visited.

Spend time together comparing the packages available from the photographers you BOTH like. Decide which photographer and package best fits your needs and expectations.

16. Call your chosen photographer and make an appointment to sign the contract.

16. Confirm, confirm, confirm!

This is the golden rule of wedding planning. Remember: your wedding is more important to you and your spouse-to-be than to anyone else. As such, you must confirm appointments, plans, reservations, etc., several times—Once at contract signing, a second time 3-6 months before the event, and again 1-2 weeks before, at which time last minute details, changes, and requests can be worked out.

To be continued......