Photographers and videographers can book up to a year in advance so, as with any other wedding vendors, you will want to choose as soon as possible.

Before you even start looking for a photographer/videographer you will want to check with your ceremony and reception site for any restrictions they may have. Once you know of any restrictions, you can start looking for photographers/videographers by asking for recommendations from friends, recently married couples and other wedding professionals.

Once you have a list of professionals, you will want to make appointments for interviews. During the appointment ask to see sample wedding portfolios and videos. When viewing the samples, note their style and quality; does it match what you envisioned for your wedding photos/video?

Here is a list of questions to ask during the interview:

• Do they specialize in weddings?

• How long have they been in business?

• Are they the person who will be shooting your wedding? How many other weddings are they doing that day/weekend?

• Are they familiar with the ceremony/reception site? Have they ever shot a wedding there?

• Will they be attending the rehearsal?

• What type of equipment do they use? Do they have a back-up if anything goes wrong?

• What type of wedding packages do they have?

• What is included in the price? Are there any extra costs?

• What are their refund and cancellation policies?

Here are a few questions specifically for the photographer:

• How long after the wedding do they keep the negatives? Can you take possession of the negatives?

• Is an album included in the price?

• What size pictures are included in the album?

• How many photos will be taken?

Here are a few questions specifically for the videographer:

• Will you get the master tape?

• What special effects are in included in the price?

• How much say will have in what goes into the final tape?

• How many tapes come in the package?

Not all couples use both a photographer and videographer, but if you choose to use both, make sure that they work well together since they’ll be sharing lighting and floor space. If there are any special events or people you want photographed/ taped you need to let them know. Ask them to get a variety of people in the pictures and not just the same people over and over again.

Make sure to get everything in writing to avoid any future misunderstandings.