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        When the beautiful flowers from your wedding have long faded, the gown stored away in the attic, the tuxedos returned and the cake consumed, the memories will still be at your fingertips in your wedding album.
       Wedding photography is a highly specialized craft, requiring unique skills that are acquired by years of practice.  So what do you look for when choosing a photographer?  It can be a confusing and frustrating experience.  Prices and packages may vary dramatically.  Photographers vary dramatically, too, in terms of experience and creative ability.  You will need to select the photographer who best meets your needs.
       Price is, of course, an important factor to consider, but only after the more important elements are compared.  Above all, look at his or her work and speak to the photographer personally.  Know the individual who will be working with you.  It's important that it be someone you feel relaxed and comfortable with--and trust!
       The wedding photographer, in addition to being highly skilled, also must be able to handle such potentially stressful situations as divorced parents, damaged wedding dresses, tuxedoes that don't fit, people who aren't ready when scheduled, and at the same time be able to work extremely fast on occasion--AND still get excellent results.
        It's also very fair to ask about the equipment being used.  Are the formal photos going to be taken with a 35mm or a larger format camera?
        Are they lighted with a hand-held flash or a more sophisticated studio lighting system?  What if there's an equipment failure?  Does the photographer have backup gear?
       When deciding on a wedding package, be very clear how much time the photographer has to work with you and exactly what pictures you will have in your proof album to choose from.  Packages generally include a specific amount of time and number of pictures.
       And be realistic.  If you or members of your party or family are not ready for photographs when scheduled, the photographer will do his or her best, but it's possible that fewer pictures will be taken and the quality might suffer. Remember, too, the photographer is a professional who makes his or her living creating a memorable image. All images you receive from any professional photographer are protected by copyright laws.
    Wedding photography consists of working with a large number of distracted people whose attention for the day doesn't exactly center around being photographed, and who are likely running late in getting ready.  Yet, the bride still wants to look fresh and relaxed--a picture of beauty.  And she deserves to be.