Never book a photographer over the phone. Their portfolio will show you the style of work they normally shoot in. If you want strictly formal set ups and the photographer shows you several artistic photographs, it probably is not a good fit. Ask a friend or family member to speak with the wedding photographer with you. They can help you make sure you are getting what you want. Do you want formal photographs or casual ones? Maybe you want a mix of both, but you must have an idea before the meeting. Know the groups you want photographed, including photographs that might not include the wedding party or family. Keep in mind photographs of family and special photographs of friends that might be visiting or that you simply want pictures with. Is your high school badminton team coming to your wedding? These are all pictures to keep in mind.
When looking at the photos, try to imagine yourself in the photographs. If these were one your wall, would you be happy? Make sure you see variety in their photos. Look for shots far away and close up. Are all the photos far away? Check the edges and background in the photographs and make sure the set ups are clean even. Take photographs you like in to show your photographer and see how they compare to their portfolio.
Ask the wedding photographer for their qualifications and how much experience they have doing hampshire wedding photography. Find out if the wedding photographer is professionally qualified by looking for the letters LBIPP, ABIPP or FBIPP after their name. Ask about the unexpected. How will they handle your photographs if it snows? Are you okay with their ideas? Ask about the event of your photographs being ruined and see if they have Professional Indemnity Insurance cover.
