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One of the most important choices a bride and groom will make is a photographer for their wedding.

There are so many important choices to make like the dress, decor, food, music, location, etc. Many couples feel the choice of a photographer is one of the most important since your pictures are often one of the most lasting and cherished memories from one of life’s major milestones.

We’ve all heard dissapointing stories about photographers doing a less than perfect job, or not delivering anything at all. By taking the time to do some research you can be assured of choosing someone who will not only deliver great photographs, but who can make you feel good and remove at least one worry from a day filled with stresses.

You may know someone who has been married in recent years . Why not ask them who shot their wedding and look at their wedding pictures to see how the photographer did. You’ll likely discover good references this way, so contact the photographers who did a great job for your friends.

It also pays to check out several photographers. Do an internet search for local wedding photographers - here in the capital city of Alberta Canada, you’d want to search for Edmonton Wedding Photographers. You can also do a search for something like Edmonton photography. Either way, you’ll get hundreds of results, but look at those shown on the first few pages. When you visit the different websites, you’ll get a feel for each photographer’s style. Send an email to as many as you like. Their response is a good indication of how professional they are. Are the replies professional and written clearly? Have they provided any other examples or references?

Next, make appointments with the photographers who seem like they’ll shoot the kind of pictures you want and who are in your budget. When you meet with the photographer, they’ll show you a portfolio of their work. How the photographer treats you during this interview (when they are trying to sell you on their services) is a good example of what you can expect if you hire them. Are they friendly, or are they condescending? Do they seem warm, or are you uncomfortable with how they treat you?

They should have an agreement for you to review. Take your time to read it, because it outlines what is expected of both parties. The agreement is also for your benefit, too. While it commits you to pay them, it also commits them to provide the services you have discussed.

Here are a few additional ideas that will help your photographer get the best shots for you:

1. Create a list of the must-have photos you want and give it to the photographer before the wedding.

2. Make sure you know WHO is going to photograph your wedding. If the main photographer isn’t going to be the actual photographer at your wedding, find out who will - and be sure to see their personal portfolio before you commit to hiring them.

3. Assign a family member or close friend to be the photographer’s liason who can point out all the important family members who you want to be sure to get pictures of.

4. Ask the photographer to attend the rehearsal so they will be familiar with where they can get the best shots without getting in the way.

5. Pre-plan where the formal and informal photographs will be taken.

6. Find out if the photographer provides finished prints, albums, thank-you cards and similar services after the wedding. These can be valuable extras that will enhance your wedding day memories and many photographers have excellent resources for these items that are of higher quality than the public can get.

By following these suggestions you won’t need to worry about your photographer. Just enjoy your wedding day knowing you’ll have many memorable photographs to enjoy for the rest of your life.

The author is an accomplished professional photographer who specializes in wedding and portrait photography in Edmonton, Alberta.