How to get winning wedding portraits

    Photographs are no doubt an important component of your wedding celebration. You want memories that you can share through the years as you spend your life with your spouse. 

    Many couples agonize over the perfect reception site, wardrobe and menu for their wedding, but then casually choose a photographer from a telephone book or advertisement. Beware: This methodology could leave you with substandard photos you wish you could forget. That's why it is important to thoroughly work with your wedding photographer to ensure you have beautiful photos that will last a lifetime.

Scouting a photographer

    Just as you visited several reception sites and auditioned countless bands or deejays for your event, so should you make a list of several photographers to get a feel for what services are offered. Have an idea of what types of photos you'd like, e.g. traditional portraits, photojournalistic candids, black-and-white or hand-tinted special effects. Here are other tips to heed:

    Make sure the photographer you speak with and whose work meets your standards will actually be the person shooting your wedding. Some companies farm out work to freelancers, resulting in a complete stranger knocking at your door come the big day. Put the name of your requested photographer in your contract so you have a legal leg to stand on should a "bait and switch" scenario occur.

    Ask to see three complete weddings that have been shot by the photographer. It's easy to look at a compilation of the "best shots," which may hide the many average shots that the photographer has taken. Better yet, see if raw proofs are available, so you'll be able to judge the photographer's expertise without photo retouching.

    Check to see what services are included in the photo package and what requires an additional charge. Sometimes black-and-white photography or special graphic touches are an extra charge.

    Find out how much time the photographer will spend with you, namely if the fee includes all-day coverage. Can you get shots taken before the ceremony at your home?

     Make sure you won't have to incur costs for the photographer's travel expenses, especially if your ceremony and reception are at different sites.

    Question their policy for emergency situations, such as whether a backup camera is available if one breaks, or where they store the film before your photos are processed. You want to feel relatively safe that the large amount of money being spent will not be lost should a disaster occur.

    Find out if the photographer works alone or with an assistant. It is customary to provide a meal for your wedding vendors, so you'll want to plan accordingly.

Before the wedding

     Consider making the photography process easy for the photographer and for you to help ensure quality photos. Schedule a decent amount of time between the ceremony and reception for a photo session. You don't want to rush your photos and end up with poor shots.

    Also, take the time to make a list of any important photos you would like. Most professional photographers are seasoned veterans and take a standard line-up of shots. If you have a request, discuss it with the photographer in advance. Some special shots you may want to include:

    All of the bridesmaids together
    Bride with each bridesmaid
    Bride/groom with parents separately
    Combined family shots
    Photo with favorite pet
    Separate shot of siblings
    Separate shots of grandparents and extended family members
    Photos of the guests at tables
    Centerpieces, cake alone and scenery without people
    Let family members know that they will be in special photos so that they are ready for the photographer's signal come wedding day.

The big day

    Try to remain calm during your wedding day so you will look relaxed and happy in your photos. Make sure the wedding party is punctual and cooperates with the photographer to facilitate the process.

    Try to limit drinking alcoholic beverages until after the bulk of the portrait-style photos have been taken so that you don't end up with an unruly and overly gregarious wedding party who can't stand still and say cheese.

    Put someone in charge of rounding up family and friends who will be participating in photos. This way, the process goes on without a hitch and you don't miss your entire wedding beneath that scenic gazebo. Similarly, tell the photographer when you feel you've had enough posing and are ready to be the life of the party.