Most good photographers are heavily in demand, especially during the popular wedding months, so book early. Start interviewing nine to eleven months before your wedding date. If you're lucky, you'll have friends or acquaintances that have married in the recent past. Ask to see their wedding albums and inquire if they were happy with their photographers. You can also get recommendations from your caterer, florist, site coordinator, or officiate. Bridal fairs are a great place to see the work of various photographers; get the names of those whose style you like. Many times, photographers will advertise in the back of regional wedding magazines or the regional editions of nation bridal magazines. Often the picture they select for the as is their best work or a signature of what they feel they do best. There are many professional groups and organizations that will refer you to wedding photographers in the area. When you've got a list of recommendations, you'll need to make appointments to interview them. Here are some points to cover. ~ Be sure the photographers you contact specialize in weddings. Don't hire a commercial or part-time photographer who occasionally handles weddings. ~ Ask to see sample wedding albums or a set of proofs from a recent wedding. In addition to showcasing the photographer's work, they may give you ideas for your own wedding. ~ As you're looking at the sample albums, not if the photographer used different types of lighting and whether he varied the backgrounds. Are the albums well balanced, with traditional and candid shots covering both wedding and reception? ~ Look for diversity in the poses. Does he seem to capture the personality of the bride and groom and the mood of their wedding? ~ Do the pictures have good color clarity? ~ Did he pay attention to detail? ~ Does he capture the emotions and expressions of the day? ~ Is he creative with various poses? ~ Does he use soft lenses and lighting? ~ Can he do multiple exposures and split framing, which make interesting pictures? ~ Consider the personality of each photographer; choose the one you feel is most competent and whose personality will make you and your guests feel most comfortable. ~ Get every aspect of the agreement with the photographer in a written contract. The contract should include: the date, arrival time, length of shooting time, fees, and overtime charges, if any. List all locations- the bride's home, ceremony, and reception, giving addresses and directions. Include the cost and details of a photo package selection, and the cost additional photos you may want to order. ~ Don't forget: If you're planning to send an announcement of your wedding to the newspaper, be sure your photographer knows, and takes a black and white portrait of the two of you as husband and wife. Order an 8x10-inch black and white glossy print to send to the paper. ~ If you're contracting a studio, make sure you'll be happy with whatever photographer they send out, or be sure to specify in your contract which studio photographer you will want to use. ~ Ask if he keeps the negatives and for how long. See if they can be purchased now or in the future. They should be kept in a fireproof safe, in the event your pictures are ever destroyed.