Your wedding lasts but one day but your photographs and videos last forever. Beloved relatives overseas can still witness your special day if you have a special record of the celebration. It is important to take the time and effort when selecting a photographer/videographer. Some of the technical requirements you need to communicate to your intended professional can seem quite daunting so use this list below to assist you to ask the right questions. Once done you can then leave this to the professionals and get on with the business of enjoying your wedding, leaving you with many happy smiles to be captured on film.

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• First of all, ask for references. Talking to others about how they felt about the Photographer or Videographer will sometimes let you know more than samples of their work.
• Next ask to see samples of their work.
• For photos, pay attention to clarity and colour - are the pictures too dark or light?
• Ask how many weddings they have done. Are they new or established?
• Do you want black and white prints instead of, or as well as colour.
• Do you want the photographs professionally presented in an album?
• Ensure that the photographer or videographer is able to arrive before the guests.
• Are they willing to work overtime if the festivities last longer than planned?
• For the videos check for smooth editing, steady camera and good sound quality.
• Make a list of priorities photographs you want to be done and provide a final written timetable of events, not only for your photographer, but also for a close friend who can be briefed as liaison 'man', to help round up and group any necessary friends and members of the family for your group photos.
• You can also let your guests be your unofficial photographers, by placing a disposable camera on a few tables at your wedding. Pass the cameras around and watch the fun begin.
• You can also arrange your photographer to bring a drop screen to give a nicer background for family photos.
• Finally, ask about a price and get a quote. Basement prices might not be a good thing. If you want high quality, you will have to pay. Make sure you look around at other professionals so you know you are being charged a fair price.
• Before finally committing yourself and your deposit to anyone, make sure you meet the person who will actually carry out the job at your wedding. Do not just talk with the manager.