Finding a wedding photoographer

(WTNH) - Making your wedding day absolutely perfect is the aim of almost every couple and often times people are left in the dark about how to plan.

The photos are usually one of the most costly wedding items, however the photos will be something you can treasure to remember that special day. Photographer Richard Esposito www.photographer-re.info says you don't want to cut corners by bargain hunting for photography. He gave 'Good Morning Connecticut' a list of things you should keep in mind when choosing a wedding photographer.

The following was written by Richard Esposito:

1) You should feel like you want to invite this person to your wedding.
Be sure that you have rapport with your photographer and that your personalities are a good fit. You should even consider who your (Bride and Groom's) parents will be comfortable with - as we interact a lot with the entire family. If you are dealing with a company with multiple photographers, be sure you meet your photographer before your wedding.

2) Do a "Get to Know You" or engagement session before your wedding - and soon after you hire your photographer if possible.
Best case, you find out that you made a great choice in your photographer, you feel comfortable, your photographer learns how to photograph you, and you learn about how they instruct you as a subject. Worst case, you learn that you have made a mistake. Read your contract and know what your terms are for canceling with them. You just don't want to be worried about how your wedding will turn out.

3) You should love their pictures, regardless of the price. So don't bargain hunt for photography. Calling a photographer and asking how much they charge is not the way to go. Find the best photographer for you and see what you can get that's within your budget. For us, you can always purchase an album or any products after the wedding. In the end, you don't want 1000 photos and an album if you don't love the photographs.

4) Fully understand all the back-up plans including:
A) What back-up equipment do they bring in case something breacks
B) How do they back up and store your images after the wedding. 3) what's the back-up plan if your photographer has an accident before the wedding or even on the wedding day.
Your photographer should be a part of professional associations or networks so they may have the resources to find someone for you if needed. How they answer these questions can tell a lot about their professionalism.

5) See an entire wedding they've done from start to finish, not just their portfolio. Ask to see their past clients albums.
Any amateur can take 10 good photos during 8 hours of shooting! In fact, your uncle Bob will probably be able to do that with his point and shoot!

6) Trust that your photographer will do their job. Do they have the experience needed for your wedding? Do you know they are capable.
A good photographer does not want to be micromanaged. Hire them based on what they do, not what you want them to do.

7) Listen to word of mouth. Go with a reputable company. There are a lot of new photographers out there right now flooding the market,
some of which are really good. But they don't necessarily know how to run a good business. That's not something you could tell in an advertisement or on their website. I have not advertised in years. To find me, it's by word of mouth... and I book 100% every year.