Your wedding is one of the biggest events of your life and no doubt, you want it captured spectacularly in photos and video. Once you’ve chosen the date and location, one of the things you want to do is find the right photographer. If you’re looking for someone to shoot your Super 8 wedding video, there are some things you need to bear in mind.

Find a photographer you like

You don’t need to like all the vendors you use for your wedding but you will be spending a lot of time with the photographer. Talk to a few of them and get a feel for their personalities before you commit. You don’t only need a photographer who is technically sound, you want someone who you also genuinely enjoy being around. Don’t hire someone you don’t like.

Get a photographer who comes highly recommended

Now is not the time to hire the friend of a friend who is now getting started in photography – at least not as your main photographer. Ask around and find out which photographers are known for doing an excellent job and making couples and guests feel comfortable. Word of mouth recommendations are invaluable but you can also check out online recommendations or ask around on social media. For example, many will say to try out the top wedding photographer in Dorset or perhaps somewhere else. People will have different opinions, but at least you can meet these people and pick your favourite out of your little selection, in your own time. It has to be your choice; it’s your wedding!

Weigh the price with what is being offered

You don’t want to choose a photographer based on price alone so don’t just go with the cheapest option. Look at their packages in detail and ask questions. Some of the things you need to know about are whether the photographer will bring a second shooter, if you’ll be charged by the hour, whether prints or albums are offered, and if engagement photo sessions are included. If the package includes things you don’t want, discuss substitutions or a lower cost option.

Look at the photographer’s portfolio to learn their style

You won’t like every photographer’s art. You may like candid shots or a modern, fun style while a particular photographer may be more traditional. Look at as many portfolio shots as possible to see if the potential hire has any images you really like. If their styles don’t speak to you, don’t try to take the photographer out of their comfort zone even if you like their personality or price. If you are going to have a destination wedding, look for photographers who specialize in such themes. For example, if you plan on getting married in a Lake Como resort, look for a Lake Como wedding photographer whose style would match your wedding theme. Check their portfolio and discuss what you have in mind so that they can do a great job capturing your special moments.

Ask about their delivery times and procedures

After the wedding is over, you will want to see your beautiful images. Find out how soon the photographer usually turns around wedding photos. The full gallery may take some time. Some talented photographers shoot lots of weddings during the high season and take a few months to deliver all the images. It also takes time to get everything edited so this is not a bad sign. However, if you want a quicker turnaround time, it may cost you more. You’ll also want to find out about the rights you have to the images and which rights the photographer retains.

Don’t rush the process of choosing a wedding photographer. Your wedding photos will last a lifetime and more so you want them to be perfect. Use the tips above to help you choose the right one for you.