Finding the perfect photographer, plus photo studio software

Your wedding day wouldn't be complete without a photographer capturing all the pageantry and wonder of your big day, because although it's great to live in the moment and enjoy the day itself, it's also important to save those moments and have a pictorial record of them for years to come.

The importance of wedding photography for most couples is reflected in their budgets. A study we conducted a while back shows that photography is only second to the wedding reception in terms of the amount of budget allotted to it. This means that, for most people, your pictures are just as important as your food, drink, venue and DJ.

So, when you are thinking about hiring a photographer, here are a few things to keep in mind.

1. Look for wedding experience - Shooting a wedding is its own animal and has its own peculiar demands, so you would be taking a risk hiring a rookie or someone who doesn't have much wedding experience. Thus it's best to ask to see a photographer's portfolio and ask them questions about their experience.

2. Ask about their style - Some photographers shoot in a particular style (formal and posed, photojournalistic, etc.), so if you have a certain style in mind you need to find out if they would fit your style.

3. Ask about their packages - Any photographer that has shot weddings usually has created packages with different price tags and offerings. This can give you an at-a-glimpse idea of what they offer and how it might fit into your budget.

4. Ask for referrals - You should not only ask them for referrals but scour the Web and ask around on your own to see what prior customers' experiences have been using a photography vendor.

5. Get it all in writing - Make sure when you choose a photographer you get all the items down in writing - including the cost and date - and agree on a down payment or deposit of no more than half the stated full cost.

6. Look for value adds - Some photographers might provide extra services above and beyond just regular photography, so you should ask what else might be included. For example, some photographers use photo studio software to help them stay better organized. Some photography studio software / photo studio software packages might also include tools for engaged couples like wedding websites and such, so you should inquire what else they might be able to provide for their stated cost.