Pictures definitely say a thousand words, and for your special day you probably want to say more than that. This is one of the reasons that picking the right photographer is of paramount importance. If you want to be able to look back at your special day through inventive, creative, and beautiful photographs, then you need to make sure that your photographer is not only a skilled one, but one that is a right match for you and your future spouse's personality.
When it comes to researching for things like these, nothing will compare to the Internet. Try and browse popular blogs and lists to try and find out who the best wedding photographers are in your area. Using the Internet is also a great way to have a sneak peek at their work even before you get to meet each other. But of course, seeing an online portfolio is not enough. Once you pick someone that you feel has the right style to match you and your spouse's personalities, speak with them on the phone, or better yet, meet with them in person. This is a great way to get a feel for what the person is like, to see if who they are is someone that you are comfortable with. After all, this person will not only work for you during your special day, but will also be there and will also spend time with you and your loved ones. If the person is someone you think you will not get along with, there is no harm in walking away.
Make sure you have an idea of what you want before meeting with the photographer. Getting a look at their online portfolio is a great way to see what kind of style they have, but a good photographer will always be able to bend their style even just a little bit in order to try and accommodate your specific needs. Most photographers will be happy to try and work something out with you to the best of their abilities, while some feel that they will not be capable enough to produce photos of a different style than they usually create. Once again, if you cannot see eye to eye on this point, there is no harm in walking away.
Insurance is something that each photographer must have. Some venues will even require it from all the staff that you will hire for the day. If your photographer does not have insurance, it would be best that they do get some in time for your wedding day. Insurance will not only benefit you but it will benefit them as well, so go for someone who already has insurance.
And last but not the least, you should also have a test run with the photographer. A lot of people these days have a sort of test shoot where the couple do various poses for the photographer. This is a great way for the photographer to show you what he can do. It is also a great way for them to become familiarized with you and your future spouse's good angles and the like. In the end, getting the right photographer is all about style, personality, and the right kind of chemistry.