When interviewing photographers, ask to see not only a portfolio of wedding photographs (which will showcase their best work) but also an entire wedding album. Make sure that the pictures you are viewing are from current weddings and that the photographer you will be working with is the one who actually took those photos. Some photography companies (large and small) will show you work from multiple photographers working out of that studio. You may also be meeting with a sales representative rather than the actual photographer. It is important to meet the actual photographer so that you can get a feel for their personality and begin to build a rapport with them.

While evaluating a photographer’s work, ask yourself these types of questions:

Regarding style:

Do the candid shots convey emotion and personality? Are they free from blurring?

Are the posed pictures well lit and pleasantly composed?

Do the photos convey a sense of romance or meaning? Do they tell a lovestory?

Is this the style or type of photos I would like taken of my wedding?

Does the photographer use color, black and white film or a combination of the two?

Regarding technique:

Are the people in the photos relaxed and are the angles and poses flattering?

How is the lighting? Not to light, not too dark? Does it convey the appropriate mood?

Was a flash used? Ask the photographer. Almost all photographers use flash due to low lighting in churches and venues and to avoid awkward shadows in outdoor photos.