So, you’re on the lookout for the perfect wedding photographer. You need someone with the talent and creative vision to artistically capture the joy, excitement and magic of your wedding celebration. And you need someone who is fun to be around. Finding this person can seem daunting. It doesn’t need to be. Here are some key points to keep in mind and some important questions to ask.

:: Price

Figuring out your overall budget and then trying to stick to it can be tough. How important is your wedding photography to you? Amazing images of your wedding day will last a lifetime. So will mediocre images. Chances are your wedding album will become a cherished family heirloom. You should be excited as you bring it out, not preparing your audience with disclaimers about how you wish you’d gone with a different photographer.

Wedding planners recommend that you allocate 15-25% of your overall budget for photography. Feeling the pinch?  Try to remain flexible in other departments. Could you maybe opt for a more cost-friendly flower that is still rich and colorful? Perhaps you could cut back on your wedding favors. Your wedding photographs will be priceless, and you should be proud of them for a lifetime.

:: Portfolio

How do different photographers’ images make you feel? What emotions do you see in their work? Do the couples seem to always be looking at the camera, or does the photographer seem to have a knack for capturing beautiful, candid moments? Have you checked out their blogs? What does their recent work tell you about them and their photographic style?

Photographers should have portfolio samples of entire weddings, from start to finish. How do they approach the ‘Getting Ready’ shots? What about the ‘Formal Family Portraits’? Check out their ‘Reception’ shots. Is there variety to their images? What do you notice about the lighting? What role does composition play in their work?

:: Personality

Set up appointments. Connect with your short-listed photographers in person, over the phone or via video chat. You will be spending a lot of time with this person. Engagement session. Rehearsal dinner coverage. All day at your wedding. Designing and ordering your album. The three of you will be hanging out a lot!

How do you feel interacting with them? Chances are you’ll want someone who is confident, upbeat and engaging. You’ll also want someone who is considerate, accommodating and genuinely concerned about the success of your wedding day. Deciding how you feel about your photographer’s personality is a personal choice, but you should feel comfortable around them. After all, they’re going to be part of your team from start to finish!

From weddings in the Wine Country to weddings in Mammoth Lakes, Chris Werner travels throughout Northern California to photograph wonderful people and their amazing celebrations.