It is not only the person (or people) whose artistic lens will capture your special day but also the wedding photographer who will be by your side during the most valuable moments.

Your wedding photos will be your most precious wedding memory. When your photographer gives you the photos, you will want to share them immediately, and you will look at them 50 years later, remembering your wedding anniversary.

Choosing the right team of wedding photographers to capture those poignant moments is a big decision, and you need to find someone who understands your vision and can document it in style. But you’ll also want someone you trust and feel at ease with because they will be with you throughout the wedding day.

Follow our guide to finding the perfect wedding photographer to help you find the right one to hire.

First Finalize your venue: 

Consult your social network for suggestions. Ask recently married friends whose wedding photos you liked, and get recommendations from your wedding planner or reception site manager.

Decide which type of photo you like best: 

Do your research and spend some time understanding the photography style you prefer. It could be bright and saturated, or you would prefer a more vintage look with washed-out tones and a dreamy, nostalgic feel. Once you’ve found a few wedding photographers whose aesthetic you like, email each one to see if they’re available on your wedding date and their photography rates.

Interview the photographers:

Before your first meeting, many photographers will send you a link to their photo portfolios. Make sure that the collection includes recent weddings that they have photographed from start to finish rather than just the “best of” from many different weddings. It is a more accurate method of evaluating a photographer’s work. Also, ask if a photographer has taken pictures at your place and ask to see the pictures.

Find out who will be shooting on your wedding day during the meeting. Some larger studios employ several photographers, and even in single-person operations, it’s common for the photographer to delegate shots of the groom getting ready to an assistant.

Follow your instincts: 

It’s time to decide after you’ve evaluated each photographer’s work and fees and narrowed down your options. Remember that you’ll spend the entire wedding day with this person, so make sure you’re completely comfortable with them.

Do you and your fiancé rely on this person? Do you think the three of you get along for a photo shoot?

Ask yourself the following questions.

• Did our personalities complement each other?
• Were you at ease in their presence?
• Is their style compatible with our preferences and the overall wedding theme?
• Was their pricing appropriate for our budget?
• Are the package options suitable for our requirements?

Capture Set up a test run.

An engagement photoshoot is always a good idea—it’s the best way to get to know your photographer. It feels comfortable having your photo taken, which is especially important if you or your groom are camera-shy.

Choosing a wedding photographer can be difficult, but this guide should make the process less stressful.