Pictures and videos are one area where brides and grooms are sometimes willing to contribute their own resources. After the wedding has come and gone, the images of the event will last a lifetime. Finding the right photographer and videographer sometimes takes a bit of effort. Ask around, and research online. If possible, try not to choose the least expensive vendor, because the discounted price may indicate a lack of experience. However, all professionals have to work their way up, so you may not need to find someone who has been in the business for thirty years.

Finding the Right Photographer

You'll have two choices when looking for a wedding photographer: working with an independent photographer or working with a studio. (There's actually a third, unadvisable choice, which is hiring a friend or family member to take photos. Unless he or she is a professional photographer, don't do it. If the pictures turn out badly, you'll be forced into a confrontation that will never be resolved, because you and the bride will mourn the loss of those pictures forever.)

There are some differences between independent photographers and studios. The biggest difference is that an independent photographer will be the one to show up to take the wedding pictures. With a studio, you may not know who will be entrusted with the task. If you want to work with a particular studio because a friend has recommended the place to you, get the name of the photographer she dealt with. If the studio can't guarantee the same photographer, or even guarantee any specific photographer, think about taking your business elsewhere. You want to see this person's work, and you want to know that he or she has experience with weddings.

What to Ask Your Photographer

After you've narrowed down your choices, you'll have to interview the photographers yourself. You'll want to know how long they've been in business, and what their background or training is. You should ask if they specialize in weddings or whether they work in a studio; there's a world of difference between the two. Be sure to carefully consider the organization of the photos that are in their sample books. Do they include a variety of people (the wedding party and most of the guests), backgrounds, and activities (posed and action shots, candid and group shots)? Are all of the important points of any wedding day (the exchange of vows, the kiss, the cake cutting, the toasts, the dancing) captured in the pictures before you?

Ask about their packages and albums and consider the types of albums he or she is offering. Are they creative? Modern brides want something different, and they want to make sure they can use the photos in different ways after the wedding. Most photographers are using digital photography and can offer a disk of the photos after the wedding. Some will post the photos online. Some will make brides pay for the digital negatives, so be sure to ask! If your daughter is not interested in an album, but you are, make it known. Some photographers do not deal with albums, and you might be left to create an album on your own.

The Video

Videographers are sometimes affiliated with photographers; sometimes, they're independent contractors. You'll want to know how many weddings they've filmed, and you'll want to see some of their most recent work. Get some references and call them. Ask about the equipment (you should hear the terms digital, HD, and DVD being thrown into the conversation) and editing techniques: Do they include titles in the finished product? How about music or special effects? What does each package include? How many copies can you order and how much will each cost? How long will it take to receive the final edited version? Will they give you all the unedited video as well? Do they provide a highlight film that tells the story of the day?

Videography is something that becomes more technologically advanced every day. When you think you only need photography, consider the fact that video will allow later generations to experience this amazing day and to hear their relatives' voices.