Wedding photographs are some of the most sacred photographs an individual can have, and the downside is that they are out of your control, so cooing a good wedding photographer is essential.

Firstly you need to know the type of photographer you want, whether it’s someone who stages photographs, involves backdrops, or someone who acts as a fly on the wall and records the day’s events without attempting to have an influence (a documentary wedding photographer).

Now your search is narrowed, there are many capabilities a wedding photographer needs. One thing, perhaps the most obvious, is a professional camera, such as an SLR, where lenses can be changed so photographs vary.

Their editing skills must also be checked out, find out what software they use, and ask for ‘before and after’ examples. No photograph is going to come out perfect, so editing is vital, aspect may need to be changes, and they should possess the skills to make those changes, whether it’s removing a distraction, bringing out colour, removing red-eye, and so on.

Their portfolios should vary, no two images are the same, and a good photographer can be flexible and photograph in different ways using different techniques.

They should also be just as interested in your wedding as you are in their work. A good wedding photographer will have questions to ask, and their passion will show. Remember to take your time when choosing a wedding photographer; those images will stay with you for life.