It seems everyone has a digital camera these days and no doubt the advent of digital imaging has meant better and cheaper photography for everyone.  Because someone has spent £X on their shiny new toy they assume that it will do the whole job for them and though results are usually good there is much more to the equation.  As a professional wedding photographer I have come across some really nasty horror stories over the years caused by both amateur and professional photographers damaged film, flash synch failure and an empty camera ( I am serious and it was a “professional”).  A wedding is a once in a lifetime event, or three times in a lifetime as far as my cousin is concerned! and as such has to be spot on first time round, retakes are generally not viable.  Though technical ability is essential much more is involved diplomacy, tact, artistic flair and empathy amongst others.  The able photographer should not need to fiddle with camera settings, an airline pilot has no need to look at the flight manual when transporting 300 passengers on a long haul flight to do so would not inspire confidence.  When looking to engage a photographer for your wedding you need to ask a number of questions. Try to establish what experience is offered and insist on viewing some recent work if none is available it could mean that previous work is not of a good standard or you may be the first customer.  Check who will actually be taking your wedding photographs, even though you may really get on with the person discussing your requirements they may employ part time operators, as your photographer will be spending much of the day with you both it is important you meet "pre wedding".  Does the photographer work alone or with an assistant is another point, personally I work with a female/assistant photographer she is very adept at capturing those unposed as it happens moments. Establish exactly what coverage is offered and cost this can vary immensely, some offer coverage from the brides home through to the first dance others from the arrivals to a posed up cake cutting.  Any good photographer will provide a mix of traditional, reportage and informal bride/groom portraiture so make sure they are made aware of any special groups required. Find out if special effects can be added to your finished images, black and white, sepia or any other effect should be available as required. When you view work samples make sure you are shown at least one complete set of images from one wedding and not the best bits from lots of jobs, it is comparatively easy to compile a "best of " collection much harder to show consistency.  Ask if professional standard equipment will be used not a point and shoot camera and confirm that backup equipment is carried in the event of camera or flash failure.  As most work is now digital check that the images will be processed using a monitor that is calibrated regularly this is really important. Every monitor and colour tv leave the factory with different colour rendition, varying even between the same models.  Displays are usually set up to give correct looking colour in a showroom with fluorescent lighting in reality this generally gives a cold blue cast in daylight so the images do not print as seen on the screen. Something called a colorimeter is used to measure the colour, black and white points on the display this works with computer software to adjust the display to industry standards.  In reality this means that when the images are printed at Truprint or Boots they reproduce as intended without any colour cast or shift. Ask your potential photographer exactly what you will get for your money some myself included will supply all finished images on CD/DVD at the highest resolution so that you can have prints made yourself others will charge extra often MUCH extra for this. Being able to view your previews online is a great idea, if the photographer offers this service make sure that the webpage will have password protection otherwise your wedding pics will be in the public domain for all to see. Although traditional wedding albums are still available most couples now go for the more modern "wedding books".  These allow an almost infinite number of images to be included in a fully bound book exactly the same as a book from W H Smith.  The actual layout of the book is very much a personal thing, my usual procedure is to let the customer choose the images they want incorporated from the website previews. I then do a provisional layout which the customer then views on my laptop any changes they want are made and the book goes for printing.  Your photographer should be there for you before during and after the wedding and be adaptable to any situation that arises.  As  an example I have been known to do a temporary fix on a brides hair on a very windy day that is why I always carry some hairclips. To sum up choose your photographer carefully and don't go with the first one you see, I actively encourage potential clients to shop around compare costs but ultimately compare quality and the service offered. I hope this brief article has been of assistance and wish you all the very best for the future regardless of who you choose for your wedding photography though your custom would be welcome!

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