We recommend that if possible, both bride and groom will attend all interviews.

Always carry a note pad and pen to write down important information and questions that may arise during your interview.

In order to comparison shop and select wisely, interview at least 3 photographers and at least 3 videographers.

Other than your date, location, officiant and attire, photography and videography are the most important aspect of your wedding. There are many ways to cut wedding costs, photograpy is NOT one of them. Hire the very best and most highly recommended photographer as his - her work will walk you down memory lane. What was preserved in pictures, will not only becom a cherished keepsake, but will pass on to your heirs as a part of your family legacy. If you can not afford both, forgo the videographer but be sure to have the best photographer you can afford.

TIPS

In addition to having a photographer, provide your guests with disposable cameras and ask them to take spontaneous pictures and leave the cameras on the table so you can have them developed. These pictures will be much less expensive than the photographers and supply you with enough pictures to send to your guests with their Thank You notes.

Before you meet with potential photographers and videographers, you should brainstorm. write down exactly what you want captured prior to and on your wedding day. As you do, make a list of all the photos, poses, people and events you want taken before the wedding, during the ceremony, at the reception and after the wedding so you can inform the photographer and videographer.
Since you'll be rather busy during your wedding, you may wish to appoint a person and explain clearly and exactly what you want captured. Armed with the knowledge of and a list of your specifications, the appointed person needs to insure that the photographer and videographer follow your instructions precesely.

Highly professional photographers and videographers are very busy. Start your search as early as possible, after you set the wedding date, secure the location(s) for your ceremony and reception and confirm the date with your officiant.

You'll need to follow the guidelines set by your wedding venue.

Choose your photographer and videographer very carefully. Check his/her portfolio to assure that s-he is going to deliver what you have in mind. Consider not only the quality of the pictures but also the creativity of the photographer and videographer. Your wedding photos are the memory of your special day and you do not want them to be dull.
You may consider having the photographer take your engagement and other pre-wedding photographs. This will benefit you because you'll see the quality of his or her work and you'll get to spend time with him or her and be able to decide if indeed s-he is right for you.

THINGS TO CONSIDER

- Your budget: Budget enough so you do not risk capturing the memories of your wedding by cutting corners.
- The style: Do you want all your pictures traditional, Photojournalistic or a mixture of both?*
- The color: Do you want all your pictures black and white, color or some of each?
- The equipment: Do you want all your pictures on 35mm, digital or both?
- Your wedding theme: If you have one be sure to require that your photographer and videographer incorporate it with at lease a few pictures.
- The mood and atmosphere: you want some pictures that will bring it out.
- Special effects: Do you want the photographer to set up special effects?
- Lighting: If you are having an out-doors wedding, the best lighting for photography is one to two hours befor sunset. If your wedding is indoors, make sure that the lighting is not fluorescent. Fluorescent lighting will make your skin looking greenish.

THINGS THAT YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER - VIDEOGRAPHER NEEDS TO KNOW AS SOON AS POSSIBLE