Affordable digital cameras can make anyone seem like a good photographer. Still, there is a lot more to getting wedding photos that you deserve than just pointing and shooting.

Choose a photographer as carefully as you do every other detail so images will be in perfect condition to enjoy years from now.

“Chemistry” is important. It’s OK to interview multiple photographers. You will spend this important time in close contact, trusting him or her to capture the essence of your day of commitment. Contractual requirements should be filled with someone congenial.

These tips for wedding photography provided by the Professional Photographers of America help determine what a bride and groom should know, understand and ask of prospective photographers to help make a final decision. All these points should be included in a written contractual agreement. More information is found online at www.ppa.com.

Samples

May we see samples of your work at more than one wedding? Can you show us a completed product exactly like we want of one wedding, start to finish, by the same photographer we would have?

Image Preservation

How do you protect my wedding photographs and how long do you archive them? Can I come back in five or 10 years to replace or get more photos?

Equipment

Are your cameras professional quality, capable of capturing great images in all lighting conditions, or do you use consumer- level cameras? Do you have backup equipment if something happens to your camera, lights or electricity? Can I have black-and-white, sepia or color-spotlight photographs? Can you add other special effects? Do you bring extra lighting if it should be needed?

Collaboration

Will I work with you, another photographer or office assistant on your staff? What is the process for reviewing, selecting and editing final images for the album, enlargements and print sets?

Delivery

In what format do proofs arrive? What does the price include? What additional options or products are available? And the cost?

Time

What is the maximum amount of time I will wait to see proofs? Once I select pictures, how long will it take for final delivery of all printed products? Do we get a CD with all the photos and when? Are there bonuses if we fulfill extra requirements?

Quality

Do you print photos yourself or do you use a professional lab or consumer hobbyist photofinisher? Are images guaranteed against fading for my lifetime or beyond?

Style

What is your artistic style? Do you like to shoot traditional poses, have a more photojournalistic approach or is it mixed? Do you like to shoot in the studio or at different locations? Engagement photos included? Who picks sites for photos? Doyou have alternate sites for inclement weather?

Experience

How long have you been photographing weddings? How long in business? Can you provide references? If you provide other services, how many people will come to fulfill these obligations?

Assurances

Perhaps most important is how the photographer ensures satisfaction. What are backup plans if delayed or an emergency occurs? What happens if there is equipment failure or some other unforeseen issue? Do you carry liability insurance?