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

There are so many things to decide like the dress, decor, food, music, location, etc. But 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 the most important day of your life.

We’ve all heard horror stories about studios 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 selecting a photographer who will not only deliver great photographs, but who can make you feel great and remove at least one worry from an event filled with stresses.

If any of your friends have been married in recent years , so find out who shot their wedding and if they were happy with the results. You’ll probably get some good references this way, so contact the photographers who did a great job for your friends.

It also pays to do some research yourself. Search Google or another search engine for local wedding photographers – here in the capital city of Alberta Canada, you would search for Edmonton Wedding Photographers. You can also do a search for something like Edmonton photography. You’ll get hundreds of results, so 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 those who stand out. 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 they treat 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 working with them?

The photographer will 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 the photographer to provide the services you have discussed.

Here are a few other thoughts that will help your photographer get the best photographs during your wedding:

1. Make a list of the most important shots 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 ask to see their personal portfolio before you commit to anything.

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 shot.

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 have to worry about your photographer. You’ll be able to enjoy your wedding day knowing you’ll have many memorable images from your wedding day to enjoy for the rest of your life.

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