Hiring a wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during the course of planning your wedding. Although prices might seem steep while doing some initial research, this is one area of your wedding you don’t want to skimp on. Think about it – your photos (and a video, if you choose to hire a videographer) are going to be the only tangible items left after your wedding day has passed. You’re going to want them to be as high-quality as possible.
To ensure this, do plenty of research before booking a photographer. Don’t be afraid to ask to see as many samples of their photography as possible during the initial consultation. Look out for a few signs of a creative wedding photographer while viewing their work.

• Keep an eye out for color and black and white photos. A creative wedding photographer offers their couples an assortment of photos in both black and white and color photos because certain moments call for each kind. A photographer that shoots solely in color or limits the amount of black and white photos a couple can order might be missing out on the depth and beauty a black and white shot can offer during an emotional or intimate moment.

• A creative wedding photographer isn’t afraid to get down and dirty. Whether they lay on their back on the grass to shoot from below or climb a tree to shoot from above, good photographers will go to a length to get a good shot. If you see a unique angle in a photographer’s portfolio, ask how they got that shot. You might even get a good story out of it!

• Photographers have a variety of techniques available to them, both while shooting and during the editing process. A creative photographer will employ these techniques, though sparingly. Probe their knowledge of these techniques by asking how and why a certain photo looks the way it does. Let the photographer know which techniques you like and which ones aren’t your style so they can give you a more-tailored final product.

• The real estate phrase “location, location, location” also applies in wedding photography. A creative wedding photographer thinks outside the box and shoots unique photos in a variety of locations. Sometimes, a rather bland posed photo can be livened up by the scenery surrounding the couple.

• Finally, a creative wedding photographer focuses on capturing the essence of the day through shooting moments versus constantly trying to get people to turn and pose for them. While a few posed shots of important people are standard, you’ll likely cherish the candid photos that tell the story of the day even more.

About the Author: Randolph Quan is a UK based wedding photojournalist. You can follow Randolph on Twitter or check out his wedding photography here.