Photography is the language of memories. Memories are made and remembered through photos. A photograph can capture a single moment in time, which you will be able to revisit, and remember for a lifetime. Choosing a photographer for your wedding is one of the most important decisions you will make as you plan your wedding day. Budgets are tough with weddings and it can be tempting to hire a photographer who seems to be a really great deal. Remember, these images are some of the few things you will have forever to remember your wedding day. But, before you go out and blow your budget on a photographer that you may have seen in a wedding magazine, do your research. The cost of the photographer is the not only thing that will determine if he or she is a good fit for your style. Here are the essentials to finding the right photographer for your wedding: 

 

1. Photograph Style.

 

Before you look into prices and packages, do your research first and decide on the type of photography style you want for your wedding photos. Look at wedding magazines, websites and blogs to determine what type of shots you want taken. Do you want a more tradition and clean photograph, with straight-on angles? Or do you want something more inventive, with creative angles and filters? Once you know what type of look you would like, check out photographers in your area that you think you may be interested in hiring and schedule a time to meet with them. This will allow you to look at the photographer’s portfolio and albums, which will give you a better idea of the photographer’s aesthetic style and constancy. Do you like what you see? Do the photographs move you? You should like the majority, if not all of the photographer’s photos. 

 

2. The Photographer’s Presence

 

You may love a photographer’s photos but if you do not feel comfortable or at ease when speaking to them, find a different photographer. The photographer on your wedding day is going to be with you most of the day and during your most intimate moments: while you are getting ready, during the ceremony, the first dance, and so much more. The photographer is capturing the most blissful and intimate moments of your life. The photographer has to find an equal balance by being present and inconspicuous at the same time. The more at ease, relaxed and comfortable you are around your photographer, the more natural and special your wedding images will turn out. Try to meet with your potential photographer to be sure that you feel comfortable around him or her and be sure that your significant other feels the same way. 

 

3. Budget

 

All photographers offer a wide range of pricing options. While some photographers can be very expensive, there are photographers out there for every budget. If you find a photographer you like, be sure to ask questions so you are clear on the price and your photography package. Photographs may be the most important thing you get to cherish for a lifetime from the day of the wedding.  These photographs will be passed down to your children, to your grandchildren, eventually becoming family heirlooms. It is important to never undervalue the worth of a photograph. As you divvy up the expenses for your wedding, keep in mind the value of photography, for a picture is worth a thousand words, and if you want to splurge on a photographer you love, do it. You will not regret it! 

 

It may sound overly romantic, but in order to get the perfect photos that fulfill your particular needs, you need to find a photographer that inspires you and makes you move. Remember, at the end of the day, the most important opinion is yours and your spouse.