From the moment he pops the question and she says "yes" life changes, radically and rapidly. What, where, when, how many and who...? Just fill in the blanks with the remainder of each question and the first of many lists has begun.  Frequently one of the first things (after telling everyone and showing off the new ring) is to have engagement pictures taken.  For some this is an all day event and for others it is a one-two hour shoot with a professional. It also could be  someone they know who has a "nice camera" or it could be with an uncle or a cousin or a friend who may or may not know what they are doing and if the results are lackluster or a bit disappointing the happy couple may shrug it off and figure they will get stunning results from their wedding photographer.  

As the blessed day approaches they consult with various photographers but are stunned at the $1000+ price tag or maybe they find someone who is a little less pricey or gives them a deal as a gift.  Or better yet they decide once again to go with their friend/uncle/cousin who has a 'nice' camera. Prior to deciding on the 'who' for the photographer they meet with many to talk pricing etc, once the decision has been made they may perhaps meet with the photographer to discuss the contract and what they want. Although they may have told the photographer that they want "EVERYTHING" photographed  on the actual day of the nuptials they may find themselves a bit irritated with all the photos the photographer is actually taking or with how "bossy" he/she is being.  Well this is a composite list designed to guide you as you chose a photographer and what to expect when you do see your photos, this comes from my experience as well conversations with other photographers.

1. A nice camera does not make up for a bad or mediocre photographer. Don't be fooled by someone with oodles of gear or cameras that look to be the latest and greatest. If they don't know what they are doing you will never get the quality photos you want. 

2. Meet with your chosen photographer to discuss expectations-your expectations as well as the photographers.  This will help to reduce stress the day of the wedding as well as (hopefully) any let down when you actually see the photos.

3.Know that in order to get certain shots the photographer will have to pose you and your wedding party, this may be seen as being "bossy" but I have yet to meet a photographer who is truly trying to be bossy.  Most photographers try to stay in the background as much as possible, but in order to do a good job they may have to be out in front posing or directing people.  

4.Cell phones, ipads, tablets, other cameras will ruin the photographers photos.

5. You have paid a large sum of money to have your wedding photographed, and that person has blocked out a lot of time to record your event.  Please ask your family and friends to turn off their electronics and let the photographer do what you have paid them to do.  (see #4)

6.  Be sure when you meet with your photographer to let them know what you like and don't like, what you want and don't want. If you don't know then look at photos to get an idea of what you like and don't like.  A good photographer will ask you (in many different ways) what you want and don't want and what you like and don't like, be sure to give them an answer.  If you are unable to communicate to the photographer your likes and dislikes he/she will spend the day hoping to capture your day in a way that is pleasing to you and you run the risk of being disappointed when you see your photos.  Are you unsure if you have had this discussion with your chosen photographer, well think back to the conversations you have had with them, did the photographer ask you if you like or want black & white photos?  Chances are good that by the time the photographer has asked you this question he/she is grasping at straws to find out what you want.

7. If, when you see your photos, you are disappointed because they don't look like what you thought they would just take a breath.  Now look at them again.    Are there no photos of you walking down the isle (that could be because there were cell phones,ipads, or 'nice cameras' that had to be cropped out).  If there is a pose that you wanted but don't see, ask the photographer about it (the photo may exist but the photographer may have overlooked it or it could have been marred by someone else with a camera who tried to take the picture at the same time). Please remember that what you have in your head will probably be different than the actual photos and there are a lot of reasons for this...communicate with your photographer ahead of time to try to avoid this. 

8. Is your Great Aunt Elsie May not in any of the photos? Be sure to have someone assigned to aid the photographer with groupings and special pictures.  I do have a notebook that I take to the meetings with clients so that I can write down special requests but we are human and can forget so if you have someone on that day to show the photographer who the people are they will be more likely to get their picture. Do you have a wedding planner?  If so introduce the photographer to that person, they should be working in tandem on your special day to be sure that all bases are covered.

9. Photographers want you to love your photos, and they like to know when you do.  For every hour spent taking pictures of your special day there are at least 10 hours (usually more) of behind the scenes work, we put a lot of love into each photo to be sure that they are as perfect as they can be and we like to know that you like them.  

10. Most photographers make $5-10 an hour by the time it is all said and done. So when you are charged a $100 sitting fee the photographer will be lucky to break even on their time and work.  If you ask for all the files on CD and they give it to you they are handing you $1000+ worth of work and potential sales, be cognizant of what you asking them to do, they have bills to pay just like you do.

11. Have I mentioned that Cell phones, iPads, cameras will ruin the photographers photos?  Those photos WILL end up on social network sites before you have seen them and do you want the world to see your photos before you do?.  Think about having an 'electronic free' ceremony by stating that on the invitation.

12. The flash from other cameras can ruin the photos that your professional has taken.  The screens from smartphones will also interfere with the settings of the photographers camera.  Remember that cell phones, iPads/tablets WILL ruin the photographers photos.

13. Most of the time the photographer has spoken with the person officiating the ceremony and agreed on the usage (or not) of flash photographer during the ceremony.  It is typically considered rude to use flash photography during the ceremony itself so the photographer has set their equipment for the light therefore anyone else using a flash will inturn ruin the photographers pictures.

14. Understand that if your aunt/uncle/cousin/friend wants to give you photos as a gift that person is in effect taking money out of the photographers pocket.  That person's movement before/during/after the ceremony may interfere with the photographers job and may be in contrast to the agreement the photographer has with the officiant or location.

Professional photographers will always try to meet or exceed your expectations if they know what those expectations are. We are not mind readers or miracle workers. We love what we do and are always looking for the perfect light or setting to make your day as memorable as possible. Be sure to communicate with your photographer to be sure that it is a good fit, it is too late when you are given your photos to decide that you don't like the photographer or their style is not your style.