Another necessary shot is of the bride, her mother and the groom’s mother along with the grandmothers. This generational photo is not only a great additional to the wedding photo album but can also be used as a thank you gift after the wedding, printed and framed. Throughout the day there will be plenty of pictures of the bride, but you should also make sure to get a few candid photos of the groom. Instructing the photographer specifically to do this will give the bride a photo of her new husband for her desk, purse or anything else.

Not all the important pictures are of the bride and groom, most of them yes, but not all of them. One of the last two pictures you can’t forget is of the cake. When its eaten and long gone, you’ll be happy you have a picture of it so you can remember how beautiful it was before you ate it. In addition, make sure to get a picture of the wedding rings. This shot might seem a no-brainer, but so many couples forget about how many unique and creative ways there are to photograph their wedding rings on the wedding day like on top of the champagne cork or in the bride’s bouquet. These five photo opportunities are fun, unique and must-haves for any bride and groom.

Along with experience will naturally come a portfolio of work examples (click here to check out our wedding portraits gallery). Hiring a photographer without ever seeing their work is one of the riskiest things you can do. Seeing how the capture a wedding will give you a feel for how they can capture yours. As each photographer will have a different style of shots, use this portfolio to help you pick the photographer that you think would be compliment your personal style and the feel of your wedding and wedding party.

Last, but certainly not least, you want a photographer that’s enthusiastic about what they do and about working with you on your special day. Upbeat, funny and easy going are traits to look for when picking someone that you’ll be spending most of your wedding day with. Make sure that they are flexible to change but are also not a pushover. You will have chemistry with the right photographer, and finding the right one will make you even more excited to get married!

A combination of experience, examples and enthusiasm make up a great photographer that will help you capture all the pieces of your wedding so you can look back on them for the rest of your life. Remember that when it comes to photographer, its quality that you want, and it’s worth paying for. There’s nothing worse than realizing your wedding is over and all you’re left with are a few bad photos.