When shopping for your wedding photography....

When it comes to purchasing things PRIOR to doing the research, I am guilty as charged. It is something that I am constantly telling clients NOT to do. With weddings (as opposed to my spontaneous gadget purchases) there are NO "returns." I am sure everyone can agree that weddings are too large of an investment to go into blind or uninformed.

Julie Brewer (the beautiful gal in the photo above) of Brewer Photography and Videography has provided some helpful information to consider when shopping for your wedding photography.

1. Light - Keep in mind that photography is defined as "the study of light." Light draws your eye exactly where we, as artists, want you to focus in an image. I use it to skim across the face of a bride in pre-ceremony, silhouette the bride in a beautiful doorway, or create harmony as light rims around a couple during portraits. Light should be both flattering and interesting - meaning that in my images you can point out exactly where the light is falling and how it is working to enhance the image. From pre-ceremony through the reception, I am constantly controlling and shaping light to bring something more interesting to the image.

2. Natural Posing - Most couples want a photojournalistic look, but can admit that they might not be the most comfortable in front of the camera. My goal is for your engagement and wedding images to focus on the relationship between the two of you. With a few prompts and tricks, I am able to get some relaxed, natural moments where you are completely focused on each other. And, that's really what your wedding day is all about, right? 3. Mature Compositions - Sophisticated and mature images are a result of conscious decisions to frame and compose images that have deeper meanings. Reflections, shadows, and layers are some of my favorite elements that delve beneath the surface of a wedding to the level where the less obvious stories behind an image are communicated.

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER: The 5 Most Important Criteria By Julie Brewer, Brewer Photography & Videography

1. Quality - It's as simple as taking a critical eye to the actual images. Look for the way the photographer handles him/herself throughout the day's different scenarios. - Do they tend to have harshly lit images? - Do they flatter the bride and groom? - Is there ambiance? Consider indoor, outdoor, and evening images - Are the images in focus, crisp, and clear? - Do they have a lot of filters that will look dated in a few years? - Can you see the lace and beadwork of the bride's dress? - Is there an element of art in their work? Consider composition and framing All of this is within the photographer's control and you should expect and demand quality work. Remember that the techniques of refining quality come with experience, so you should expect to pay in line with the quality you will receive.

2. Style - Every photographer has a style...whether it is mainstream traditional or something unique they have refined. There are two things to consider when judging a photographer's style. - The first is simple...do you like it? Will you be comfortable with the way this photographer shoots you and your husband? - The second...do you want your wedding images to look this way? Some styles are edgy and trendy and might be great for a portrait, but you might not want your wedding images to be quite so time-stamped since you will have to look at these for the rest of your married life.

Style Questions - So what exactly is my photographer's style?

- Light - Perhaps THE MOST IMPORTANT question! Photography is the study of light. So, are the images bright and colorful, dark and moody, or is there inconsistency? Are receptions lit flatteringly and is the photographer in control of the light or are they at the mercy of the venue?

- Postproduction - Are the images almost bare...clean, consistent, colors appear as they would in reality? Or, are there lots of filters (and are they used in a way I like)? Do they alter the skin tones making them look warmer or colder? Are colors super saturated and un-natural?

- Posing - Do the couples look relaxed and natural? Are the subjects models or real couples?

- Composition - Are the compositions throughout the day mature? Is the subject's head in the center of every image as if the photographer just grabbed the shot or is the composition more mature...meaning did the photographer think beyond the moment to craft an image where beautiful light meets a natural moment and was captured in an interesting composition to tell a story? Often, looking at a photographer's blog or website will give you a deeper understanding of their style because it is a concentrated sample of their work at each event. Compare each event they show and notice the similarities and differences. Consistency is AS important as overall style. Anyone can have a "good day," but you want to make sure that for your photographer every day is a "good day."

3. Personality - Before the wedding, your photographer should be giving you advice on schedules, timing, lighting, and tips. If you don't immediately feel that they are knowledgeable and resourceful, then you should move on. On your wedding day, you will spend more time with your photographer than anyone else. They will be the third wheel. So, you want to work with someone you feel completely at ease with - that includes private moments, in various states of dress, etc. If they are very outgoing, you might consider that they will most likely be very much a part of your wedding day. If they are quiet, they might hang back and shoot more photojournalistically allowing you to have your moments without interference. After the wedding, you will work with your photographer for months while they edit your wedding and then you begin the print order and album fulfillment process. Do not underestimate the value of working with a photographer you 'click with.'

4. Reputation - Don't ask the photographer for references from past brides. No one is going to send you to an unhappy client as a reference, so those aren't worth much weight. Ask for referrals from everyone you meet in the wedding industry. Planners, venues, florists, bakers, and make-up artists know people on a personal level and can often judge their personality and ability to follow through. Keep in mind though that their judgment on quality is just as influenced by yours on marketing so reserve that judgment for yourself. Only you know if they are what you are looking for!

You don't have to have a full service wedding planner to get access to their Rolodex...if you hire a 'day of' coordinator, they will provide you with referrals, as well. Keep in mind that anyone can have one bad experience, but its the overall sense of reputation that you get from brides and wedding partners. Ask first, if the company is familiar (this will give you a clue to how long they have been in business). Then, if they have a reputation for follow through and longevity.

5. Price & Value - The bottom line is that you most often get what you pay for. Now, prices vary in different markets and can be influenced by the photographer's individual situation. For example, if a photographer is new in town and looking to build their business they might be less expensive. If a photographer is trying to shock people into building a reputation as a couture photographer, they might be incredibly expensive (but have very few bookings). If a photographer is full time, they might actually be less expensive (full timers must fill their calendars while part timers don't have the same pressure). Your main concern should center around not only the price, but also the value. Start by narrowing down your search based on the criteria above - quality, style, personality and reputation. From there, compare the pricing and decide who offers you the most value in their work.

One big tip...don't be concerned with the 'extras' you get in a package. You won't be happy if you sacrifice quality images so you can afford an album; you will just be stuck with an album full of bad pictures. Most photographers have payment plans and will archive your images so you can get the most bang for your buck by investing in the actual images and then working out the details on the albums and prints later. If you love the images, you will be more than happy to take your time purchasing the products and will be much happier in the long run.