The value of good wedding photos cannot be denied. The wedding photo album is revered in women’s circles. It is spoken of in hushed, awed voices and held with clean hands. These are the photos that a bride will treasure forever and bring out frequently at family occasions, birthday parties, and pretty much any time… So you need to make sure that they are worth showing!

 So if the world of photography is unchartered waters for you, and the only thing you know is to take off the lens cap, don’t fear. Ask your potential photographer these questions and get what you want.

-          How much experience has the photographer had? Ask to see examples of some of his (or her) work to check whether the style suits what you want.

-          What’s included in the package? Are there only fixed packages or can you customize them?

-          What is the delivery time? Check how long it will take for you to get your photos. The usual time period is a few months.

-          Does he (or she) have references? Get a list from the photographer and check them out for yourself. You want a photographer who is professional but who also makes you feel comfortable.

-          What about deposits and payment? Read the contract and see if it is fair. Check that there is provision for you to get your deposit back if for some reason the photographer doesn’t show up on the Big Day.

-          Do you get to keep your negatives? Some photographers will just allow you the photos that you choose according to your package but others will allow you to actually buy your negatives on top of the photos included in your package.

-          Will the photographer work from a photo checklist? Make a list of all the photos you definitely want e.g. a photo of your hand with the wedding ring intertwined with your groom’s hand, a photo of you putting the garter on …and ensure that the photographer will capture all those priceless moments.

Apart from the usual photos that your photographer should have down pat, here is a checklist of special moments you definitely do not want to miss:

-          Putting on the wedding dress

-          The Bride and her father entering the chapel or ceremony venue

-          Groom waiting for the Bride

-          Close up of the Bride, just before she makes her entrance

-          The Bride and her father walking down aisle

-          Groom seeing bride for first time

-          Exchanging of rings

-          The kiss (ooh la la, make it a good one ladies!)

-          The Bride and Groom’s first dance

-          The cutting of the cake

-          Bride and Groom leaving the reception/driving away