When it comes to finding the right photographer, these days it’s a bit of a slippery slope. After all, most people now own a digital camera, and at first glance, it’s difficult to tell an amateur from a professional photographer. Without knowing how to tell the difference, you run the risk of being disappointed with your photos. But leave it to the industry professionals to know how to separate the two. We hope their advice will help with your search in finding the right photographer.

On Presentation:
How a photographer initially introduces himself can be telling. Here are a few things to look for and a few questions you should ask.

Look for professionalism.
How do they set up a meeting with you? Do they have a storefront, a residential studio, or do they meet you in fast food restaurants? –Jerrod Brown Studios

Do they have access to professional labs, which will require a business license? Do they show legal forms to protect client and photographer, and do they have indemnification insurance? –Mark Broadway Photography

Ask about experience.
The photographer may just be starting out, but how many weddings has he or she been a part of? A good photographer interns before solo shooting. Find out with whom the photographer worked, and make sure it was under a reputable photographer. –Tera Wages, Armosa Studios

A true professional won’t be afraid to provide referrals. Ask for at least three references from brides who had weddings similar to yours, and then actually call them! –Scottie Jones Photography.

View the photographer’s work.
Look at photos from an entire wedding, and make sure it is a similar wedding to what you’re planning. If you’re having an indoor wedding and reception, don’t look at a Mexico beach wedding. –Tera Wages, Armosa Studios

On Personality:
A good photographer means more than just good photographs. For a successful experience between you and your photographer, personality matters.

Look for manners.
A professional photographer will know how to relate to the wedding party, your family, and your guests in a professional and respectful manner. –Jerrod Brown Studios.

Expect to feel comfortable.
A good photographer will have a great personality. You should enjoy that person’s company and feel comfortable when being photographed. –Mark Broadway Photography

Seek intuitiveness.
A professional will have the experience to anticipate those intimate moments during your wedding, but also the wisdom not to interrupt them. Look for a photographer that has a passion for documenting your day. – Mark Broadway Photography

On Performance:
A photographer does more than just aim and shoot. Here are some other things to look for:

Expect more than just equipment.
Being a professional photographer means more than just having the equipment. A professional wedding professional keeps the day’s schedule on track, calms nerves and makes decisions about light, location, grouping and family dynamics. These are things you may not think about, but a professional will accomplish this throughout the day. –Gretchen Birdwell, Gretchen B Photography

Be ready for the unexpected.
In the event of a digital card or camera failure, a professional photographer will have insurance or backup equipment to help ward off the total loss of your wedding images. Beware of a so-called photographer with only one camera, no external off-camera lighting, and no backup equipment. –Jerrod Brown Studios

What can your photographer tell you about lighting in a difficult situation? In the case of rain and having to shoot indoors, what types of creative solutions will he or she offer to make sure that your wedding photos are what you’re expecting?
–Jerrod Brown Studios

On Price:
Look for low cost and you risk low quality. Here’s what the professionals have to say:

Once the wedding is over, your photos are the only thing you’ll have left to remember the day by. You really get what you pay for when it comes to photography. Please, budget accordingly. –Scottie Jones Photography

Photography is literally the only thing you have when your day is over, so it shouldn’t be at the bottom of the budget. It’s not unrealistic for a couple to spend 20 percent of their budget on photography. – Tera Wages, Armosa Studios

Hiring a friend, relative or amateur photographer and then expecting to get professional images is unrealistic. If you decide to hire someone other than a professional photographer, lower your expectations to snapshots, and you won’t be quite as disappointed. Better yet, remember this—once your wedding is over—it’s over. Why not hire a professional so that you, your wedding party, your family and your guests can enjoy your special day? –Gretchen Birdwell, Gretchen B Photography

Even though the initial investment may be more for a professional, it’s worth it in the long run to be able to have peace of mind, as well as quality products for your once-in-a-lifetime event and the accountability that a professional presents. –Mark Broadway Photography