The most special day of your life. Why take chances? The reality is that after the cake is eaten, the flowers have wilted and the tuxedo's have been returned, the only thing left from your wedding day will be your memories -- and your photographs. You wouldn't let an amateur wire your house, would you? Why let one take the most important photographs of your life?

The difference between a professional photographer and a friend is the following: A friend takes your picture, A Photographer takes your Portrait.

These are just a few of the common questions you may ask your photographer

1. Do I get my proofs?
   -A photographer owns the rights to their work until a consideration has been made. Some will package the proofs into your selection.

2. What is the minimum?
   -photographers may have a minimum package, be sure to get everything in writing.

3. How long do we have your services for?
   -Some photographers have packages that allow a certain number of hours. They may or may not have a maximum number of shots that they will take.

4. Do you have samples of your work?
   -They all do, look at the shots through their eyes, Are you seeing what you want to see?

5. References?
   -Call their previous brides and see how easy they are to work with. You will get the best results when you are comfortable with them and their personality.

6. Do you have ideas for some special places to take some shots?
   -This will help you decided where to get some good location portraits done. It will also help you learn of their creativity.

7. Is it extra to come to the house?
   -If you are purchasing a package, find out what it entails.

8. Our reception starts at 6 and dinner is at 7. Will we be at the reception on time?
   -Photographers have an obligation to you and your other vendors to keep somewhat on schedule.

9. Can we just purchase the film and get it developed ourselves?
   -This is a reactionary question. If you ask it and they say no, don't think that it is a bad or wrong answer. Fact is, they are protecting you. They work with professional quality paper and reproduction services and equipment. The local drug store doesn't care if the photos come out or not. The quality of the paper is not there, nor the expertise of the actual retouching that may need done

10. Can we pick what we want shot and what we don't want taken?
    -You really don't need those table shots of guests who don't want their photo taken anyways(Plus, if you are using those little disposables, you will have plenty of them anyways)

11. Deposit. How much?
    Payment options, deposits and due dates, get them all in writing.

12. Are you insured?
    -Protect yourself. Make sure that they have insurances that cover them and you!