So much of your wedding day is fleeting. While you might obsess over your wedding gown alterations or you are still deciding on that first dance song. Your wedding photos will be yours to keep forever. Photography can be one of the most significant investments for your wedding day.

You owe it to yourself (and any future generations) to do everything you can to make your wedding photographs look beautiful and feel authentic. As these images, the photographer captures will live on. This is why it is crucial to learn how to get the best out of your wedding photography. Plus, you'll likely spend a solid chunk of your wedding budget on a photographer, so make the expense worth your while.

Photography is a creative art, and wedding photography is an expressive, creative art. Hiring a wedding photographer is slightly different from hiring a photographer to shoot some family portrait. Your wedding day is the ultimate show of affection, commitment, and love to the man or woman of your dreams. That said, you wouldn’t want a mismatch when it comes to the artist capturing all those moments. If you intend on getting the best out of your wedding photographer, these are simple things to check off: 

1. Acquaint yourself with them

The first step is finding your dream photographer by doing a deep search. Roll up those sleeves; this is the hardest part. Go online, visit different websites, read the reviews, follow and ‘stalk’ them on social media, check their portfolio - all these will lead to your final decision. If you also like how a friend or colleague’s wedding portrait turned out, feel free to ask for an introduction to their photographer. 

2. Schedule an engagement session

The importance of an engagement session with the photographer you’ve chosen is almost inexhaustible. You’ll get to get acquainted with how he works, his personality, and his creative extent. Get personal with your photographer in this session. Please familiarize yourself with them; make a mini friendship buddy here.

3. Read & Sign the contract

This is another critical aspect you should pay attention to. Don’t assume anything with your photographer. Once you let them know you will be working with them, they will send this to you. READ it; don’t glimpse through it! Make sure you understand what it clearly states - pricing, duration of the shoot, when they will arrive, when they leave, how many shots, how many locations.

4. Understand pricing

Wedding photography differs from other kinds of photography. Most wedding ceremonies usually have other needs than usual shoots; ceremonies last all day and often at different locations. Ask your photographer to explain the pricing, and you’ll understand why it seems more pricey than other shoots. 

5. Trust them

Now that you and your photographer are on the same page concerning portraits, pricing, and creative direction, don’t haul all over them. Let them freely express their expertise. Listen to them, watch them do their job, and trust that they are professional enough to stick to the plan. 

6. Ask questions

Honesty is the currency to deal with with your photographer. This is the ultimate way you get the best out of them. If you don’t understand a concept, ask. If you disagree with a thing, ask, and state the issue.