Selecting a photographer for your wedding can be a daunting task. Chances are, your first Internet search for a wedding photographer turned up hundreds of names and websites, leaving you even more confused and lost than you were to begin with. It seems that everyone that wants to be a photographer feels they can put up a website and they’re in business. There are a few things that you can do to weed through the hundreds of names, putting you back on track quickly.

While you do want a photographer with plenty of experience, it’s not a bad idea to consider someone that is just starting out. There is quite an advantage to choosing a younger photographer, actually, because you are likely to get photographs with a fresh feel and a creative flair. Those that have been photographing weddings for years may actually stick only to the same poses time after time, while a newer photographer will be willing to shake things up a bit.

Start your search by making a list of ten out of the hundreds that you turned up in your search. Try to include newer photographers in that list, so that you can compare fairly. Visit the websites for those ten photographers and take a look at their online portfolios. That might be enough to allow you to eliminate several off the bat. Select your two favorites and then set those names aside for later. Continue the process until you have no more than ten. This really should not take too long, so try not to over-think it.

When you have your chosen ten, then you can begin to visit them. This is a great time to discuss what is included in the photography package price, such as staff, equipment, editing, photographs, and digital copies. You may even discuss with the photographer the payment plans or any other financial issues. By settling the pricing up front, you can begin to eliminate any of the photographers that just won’t fit your budget.

It is also a good idea to get a feel for the photographer’s personality. The truth is that not everyone can work together, and there is no shame in that fact. This is going to be the biggest day of your life, and if you are uncomfortable with the photographer, then it will show in your photographs. By meeting the photographers beforehand, you can make sure that your personalities all mesh. A great photographer can bring out that natural beauty, while a great personality just adds to the overall photography process.

Finally, make sure that your photographer is agreeable with the idea of photographing the guests, as well. Of course, it is your day and the photos of the bride and groom are the most important. You will want a record of everything that happened on your wedding day, though, because you will find that you can’t be everywhere at once. The photographs of the guests enjoying your wedding will round out the entire experience for you.