Your wedding photography is perhaps one of the most important and expensive aspects of your wedding day. Long after your wedding is over, your photographs will provide a way to remember your special day. Selecting the right photographer is an extremely important decision and one that you will want to spend a great deal of time investigating. The following list of questions to ask yourself and potential photographers will get you on the right track and will help you narrow down the many choices.

Examine the quality of the photographer's work. Are the pictures framed and well centered? Is the lighting effective? Are details visible?

Does the photographer's work capture the moment?

Do the pictures express the romance and emotion of the day?

Do people look comfortable and relaxed?

Do the pictures tell a story?

Are the pictures posed, candid, or a combination of both?

Do you feel comfortable with the photographer? You will spend a great deal of time with this person on your wedding day and if you are not comfortable working with him/her it will show in your photographs.

What is his primary style of photography? Traditional posed photography, candid or photojournalistic photography, or a combination of both.

Does he take photos in color, black-and-white, or both?

What types or cameras does he use? Does he bring back-up equipment to the wedding in case of an emergency?

What percentage of his business is in wedding photography? You want to hire someone that has plenty of experience in capturing all of the important aspects of a wedding.

Will the person you are meeting with actually be the one taking your photographs or will it be someone else in the studio?

When viewing displays, ask whose work you're viewing and if this is who will actually be taking your wedding photographs. If not, ask to see sample work from the person who will be taking your photographs.

Does he prefer for you to describe exactly what you would like or does he prefer to have free rein to capture your big day?

Is he free on your wedding date?

What kinds of packages does he offer? Can you get a price list?

Does the contract price include a charge for the proofs? How many proofs will you receive and when will they be ready?

Is there a time limit on how long the photographer is available included in the contract?

Is there an overtime charge? How much is it?

When and how do you receive your order once it has been placed?

How long does he keep negatives? What is the price to reorder later?

What is the deposit price and when is it due?