Photography chat from Mickie Imrie: Choosing your wedding photographer

The spur for this post is the amount of requests I get that are purely price driven. Now I fully understand that everyone has a budget, and weddings are expensive, but I hope all you prospective brides out there (and, of course, grooms!) put as much effort into getting the right photographer as they do into getting the right price. So what are the most important things to bear in mind when you're looking for a wedding photographer?

First of all, can you get a recommendation? All the nicest websites in the world can't compete with someone recommended by a trusted friend
If that isn't possible, the web is the next best thing - Google and all the directories are really useful - personally I like http://www.findaweddingphotographer.co.uk/.
Once you are visiting the sites concentrate on the images first - there's no point even approaching a photographer whose style you don't like.
Think about your budget in advance - set something that works for you in relation to your day - perhaps a percentage of your total budget. Bear in mind, your photographs are the permanent record of your day and there will always be a payoff between quality and cost - do you really want "cheap" photographs?
If you've found a photographer whose image you love but their quote is too high don't be afraid to come back to them with your budget - you might be surprised what they can offer you.
Now you get to the tricky bit. Ask yourself if you are likely to get on with this person? Frankly they are going to be there or thereabouts all day, however discreet they are. Do you really want someone whom you feel awkward around?
Can you see a complete example of a wedding they have shot recently?
Do they ask lots of questions about your day? The whole process will be so much more enjoyable, not to mention you'll get better pictures, if it's all unique to you, your style and your plans.
If you suggest showing them examples of pictures and styles you like, how do they respond? Any good photographer will not be precious about suggestions from the client.
Can you meet them beforehand? Difficult if your wedding is far away, I know, but this is vital to have a proper chat and plan how you would like your wedding photography to go. Maybe draw up a list of pictures you definitely want - bridal party, parents, any details you are particularly proud of, the list could be endless but the more preparation you and your photographer can do the better the results!