Your wedding photos might just be one of the most important elements in your wedding planning. After all, these are images you'll want to protect and share with your children and grandchildren. To ensure that you have the best possible experience with your wedding photographer, here are helpful tips and important things to do before and after you select your savvy cameraman (or woman).

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1. Peruse magazines and wedding albums of friends and family to get an idea of the photography style you desire.
2. Schedule appointments to interview photographers who you admire.
3. Book your favorite photographer.
4. Send the photographer your signed contract and deposit.
5. Set an appointment for an engagement photo sitting.
6. Search for possible photo shoot locations - a wedding location, at home, or in a lovely garden.
7. Supply your photographer with a list of locations and important people to be photographed at the wedding.
8. Assign someone to introduce the important people to your photographer during the wedding.
9. Provide a shot list to the assigned person.
10. Select wedding albums (consider page and border style).
11. Confirm all the details with your photographer.
12. Make sure you have the photographer's contact information for the wedding day.
13. Purchase disposable cameras for reception tables (optional).
14. Assign someone to place the disposable cameras on each table (optional).

• Ask your photographer if you can see a sample album of an entire wedding as opposed to a few best shots of multiple weddings. You'll want to capture a realistic perspective of your photographer's skill.
• If you decide to use an agency to find a photographer, be sure that your photographer is the one whose work you have reviewed. Also, request to meet the photographer in person.
• Prior to your wedding day, you and your photographer will need to scout out the location to choose the best settings for photographs - It's a complete waste of time to stress about where to pose on the actual wedding day.
• Make sure your photographer brings backup equipment so that no important shots are left out if technical malfunctions occur.
• Consider taking pre-ceremony pictures so not to waste precious reception time in front of the camera. If you are adamant about the groom not seeing you before the wedding, have your photographer take only the photos that don't include you and your groom.

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