After all the preparation time and effort the wedding day arrives, you try your best to soak it all in but the truth is, it all goes by so quickly. The sun goes down and all you are left with are memories. You won't remember every single thing, you wouldn't have seen every single face and the truth is even what you remember won't stick as much in your memory once time goes by. This is why you need a very good professional photographer that can capture all aspects of your wedding. Your photography along with your videography is the only way you will get to re-live the day. So this is an area you shouldn't scrimp on. It's better to spend a little more on photography that is of good quality and will last forever, rather than get pictures that underwhelm you and don't sufficiently capture the day. Bearing this in mind, here are a some questions to equip you when meeting with different photographers before making your final choice. * The above photography is taken by the very talented Jide Alakija.



Make sure you see a whole portfolio of the photographers work. Ask to see images of at least two complete weddings, instead of just looking at different photos from different weddings. This is so you can see the photographers full body of work, from the bride getting ready, the ceremony, the reception, the portraits etc. The reason for this being if the photographer shows you pictures from different weddings it may be just the fluke pictures he's showing you. You can better judge when you view an entire album that way you know the photographer is consistent from start to finish.

If your photographer is not a freelance photographer but is part of a larger studio it may be him or one of several photographers that will be shooting your wedding. Since every photographer has his own style, personality and technique its important that the person you interview will be working at your wedding. Its also important to be able to know who the person is so you can establish a rapport as your wedding pictures are so personal it's best you have an easy rapport which the person who will be shooting you.

If this is the case the photographer is likely to know good spots to take shots. If not, its worth visiting the venue together so that the photographer can familiarise himself with the space and determine which areas will be the best to get good shots.

Someone who keeps up with the latest technology and information in the industry shows that they are passionate about their work and constantly seeking to improve themselves. Having said that, there are photographers with amazing and no formal training.

The number of proofs a photographer provides usually far exceeds the number that will be included in your album. Typically proofs are sent to you to choose from, you make your selection then its included in your album. Time lines vary from photographer to photographer so its always best to ask how soon after the wedding you will receive the proofs and also, when you can expect to receive the finished product.

If you are particular about your images being retouched, if possible try to see a proof book before they were retouched and after. Just to show how good the photographer is. Heavens forbid you have a zit in the middle of your forehead duet to stress, at least you know your photographer will be able to delete it.

Take nothing for granted if you like the simplicity of black and white shots ensure that your photographer will shoot some of these.

Sometimes photographers post pictures of their work on their website and through other social/ digital mediums such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest etc. If you are private you may not want this so it's good to be upfront as this may be part of their contract and you may fail to see that. If you don't mind them being on line for a brief period ask how long the pictures will remain online as you may not want them online indefinitely. If you do not mind your pictures online then this a great way to show friends who weren't able to attend your wedding, and those abroad  your wedding pictures. You may even see if there is an option to have an entire album online with a password for loved ones to view.

You should look  at the album options that are available to you so you can select something thats to your taste as opposed to your photographer choosing for you.

Some photographers provide two albums that are included in the cost but some only provide one with all your proofs for free. It is important you find out exactly what you are getting that way if you need extra albums for your parents and in laws then it can be negotiated from inception.

8x10, 5x7, etc You may not want all the pictures in your album to be the same size, instead you may want a variation in size so it's best to enquire about the layout of your pictures ahead of time.

You may primarily like some prints and want to have them framed for your new home as well as having them in your album so its worth asking what the cost will be so you can factor this into your budget.

You may want to take some portraits to put in your new home or use some as displays at your wedding so its best to get all of this in your photography package.

Make sure the photographer specifies the guranteed amount of hours he will be at your wedding. Based on your personality make sure it is long enough to capture all your special moments. If not enquire as to how much it would cost to keep him around if the celebrations run longer than scheduled. 

Bear your photographer in mind when thinking about transportation to the ceremony especially if you want some pictures of you in the car between the church and reception. It may  be in your best interest for your photographer to travel with you or the bridal party to ensure that he doesn't get lost on the way or you are not separated by traffic etc.
If you are getting married in a church or any other religious venue you will want your photographer to be discreet and not detract from the ceremony. You will not want them to block the view of your guests so its best to discuss this with him before hand.

You will want to know that you'll have the photographer's full attention and time. If the person is overbooked, he or she may rush through your event. Be sure your wedding doesn't overlap with another; if this is the case then you may need to consider working with someone else.

Below is a shoot sheet that you may want to consider. Most professional photographers capture most of the points below. However its good to look through them to see if there are many must have moments you want to capture. I am not suggesting that you hand over the exhaustive list to your photographer as its lengthy. You should also trust your photographer and allow them creative freedom. 

Photography Shoot list

Getting Ready


The Ceremony
  Photos video before the reception (or ceremony)


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