Choosing your wedding photographer is a task that should be undertaken with care. Given the time, effort and expense that goes into creating that perfect wedding, surely you want your wedding pictures to capture the essence of the day. You want more than just a run-of-the-mill, competent photographer—you want talent. And, if you take your time and know what to look for in a photographer, you can find it, ensuring that your wedding pictures will be just as perfect as your wedding.

Getting recommendations from friends and family is a good place to start your search. However, it is important to remember that no two brides have the same vision in mind when they picture the perfect wedding album. It is very much a matter of personal taste and style. The photographer your best friend used and loved may well be wonderful and talented, but his style may not suit you at all. So, be sure to ask those making recommendations for a peek at their pictures so that you can form your own opinion.

Do some online research on wedding photographers in your area. Many have websites or blogs that serve as easily accessible portfolios for prospective clients to peruse. Make a list of those who have work that catches your eye, then make appointments to see them in person.

Looking at few or even a lot of photos online isn’t enough. Even an amateur can have a few really good shots to display on a blog. What you want to see is a few complete wedding albums to see if the photographer in question will be able to produce great shots throughout your wedding and reception, handling differing lighting and spaces with skill.

Spend some time talking with each photographer you are considering. Ask him for references and find out how many weddings he’s done. Make sure you explain exactly what you want, whether it is traditional wedding portraits, candid shots, or some mixture of the two, and get a price list in writing. If there are particular moments of the ceremony or reception you want captured, be sure to make that clear.

Last but not least, personality matters. Pick a photographer that listens attentively to your opinions and concerns and explains things patiently when you ask questions. All the talent in the world won’t produce great wedding pictures if you don’t feel comfortable working with your photographer. You want your pictures to reflect the joy of the occasion, and that simply won’t happen if you don’t feel at ease in front of the camera.