What to look for in the right photographer.

Experience Level
Has this person photographed other weddings? Does he/she do this for a living or for fun? How many weddings has he/she done?

Photographic Style
Are the images that you are shown, what you would like to see? There are "buzz" words flying about everywhere about photojournalism, formal, classic candid, and so on. Do you want a mixture of black and white or only color photos?

Truth in Advertising
Is this the photographer that will be photographing your wedding or will they send in whomever is available. Don't be shocked, this happens more often than you can imagine. Be certain that you know which photographer is going to be there and that you see HIS/HER work and meet with that individually face to face.

Personality
Is the photographer that you meet someone that you can get along with? Is the "chemistry" there?

Appearance
Ask the photographer how he/she intends to dress. Is this person well groomed?

Price Range
Remember this will be the only way to look back on your big day. The last thing you want to do is shop by price, but is this person within your budget? If not, is he or she worth the price difference? Make sure you understand what everything costs, including discs, reprints and albums.

Delivery
How long does it take to get your proofs back, thank you cards, your finished album, your bridal portrait, etc.?

Offering
Whether it's a la carte or a package, do you understand what you are getting? Is there any room for changes and will it cost to do so? Sometimes the packages are fixed, sometimes they can be customized, in any case, ask. How much time will he/she spend? What if you need more time? Make sure that you know what's coming.

Contract
Do you understand the contract. Is it fair? Is everything spelled out? When it comes down going to court, only what is WRITTEN really counts, not what was promised. Make sure that you have no doubts before signing. Read it ALL.

What about deposits and payments? What does it say about cancellations and the photographer not being there? If the photographer protests, ask him why? This is one area NOT to take lightly. You could be disappointed for a long time.

References
A personal reference is always the best and people love to talk. Get a list of references from the photographer and check them out personally. A photographer who doesn't have references or is afraid to give them to you may not be the person that you need to hire.

Content from http://blissquarterlymagazine.com/