After all is said and done, the pictures are the means by which you can relive that wonderful day for years to come. The photograph album will be shared with your family, friends and children so it is very important that you hire someone who will be able to preserve your memories.

Be sure that your photographer knows what he/she is doing. Review his/her credentials. He/she may have a degree from the Professional Photographers of America or he/she may be certified as a professional photographer.

Ask about his/her experience. Look at the pictures that he/she has taken of weddings in settings like yours. You don't want to hire anyone who has never done a wedding before or who is a studio photographer when your wedding is outside. Make sure that the style of pictures he/she shoots are to your taste.
Be sure he/she has an assistant to help him/her and see if he/she provides a makeup artist and hair stylist. If not, he/she may recommend someone. Be sure you know whether or not their services are a part of the contract price.
Ask for a list of referrals and call them. Ask if they were pleased with the pictures as well as his/her personality. You don't want someone who will offend your guests. Talk to friends and people in the wedding business, like your caterer to see if they can recommend anyone. Be sure that they have seen his/her work or worked with him/her.
Make sure that he/she has the equipment necessary. He/she should use a medium format (120) camera, which has a superior quality and larger image size. He/she should also plan to bring 2 camera bodies, 2 flash units, a normal lens, a flash bracket, batteries, lens shade, tripod and light meter. These are all necessary to ensure excellent pictures.
Look at pictures from other weddings so that your sure the style of pictures is to your taste.
Be sure that you sign a contract that protects you and the photographer. A standard wedding form is available by calling (800) 225-6380.