As you knock on the door you think to yourself... "Okay, this one better be the one!". The one you met yesterday talked your ear off, the two you met with last week didn't have the photography style you envision, and the one you'll meet tomorrow is completely over your budget - but you are desperate. So, this one has to be the one, everyone else is booked, wrong, or too expensive... "please be the one!"

The photographer opens the door and the warm smile puts you at ease. You walk through the studio gazing at past wedding photographs. Although you know only the best are hung, their version of "the best" connects with you, and every photo seems better than the last. "I hope this is the one", you think.

As you sit and peruse the wedding photographer's portfolio, you realize that the lump in your stomach, which seemed to linger with every other photographer, has suddenly melted. The photos talk to you and fit with your vision and style, "Perfect!" you think. But, now the interview begins... all of a sudden you are nervous again.

1. How did you get started in wedding photography?
2. Do you belong to any professional organizations?
3. Will you be the photographer at my event?
4. How many cameras will you be using?
5. What makes you different from all the other wedding photographers?
6. What are the differences between your packages?
7. Do I have the option of having color and black-and-white photos in my album?
8. Do you have an assistant? If so, is that part of the package price? If not, is this option available to me?
9. What happens to the negatives?
10. How long does it take for me to get my album?
11. Can you post the photos on the Internet?
12. Do you have on-line purchase capabilities for family and friends?
13. Does my package include pre-wedding photos?
14. If I want a mix of both photojournalistic and traditional, how much of my album will be dedicated to each style of photography?
15. Do you offer special photographic effects? For instance, cross processing, sepia tones, hand coloured, soft focus, or high grain?
16. Has your photography appeared in any printed publication?
17. What options do you offer for displaying my photographs other than the wedding album? For instance, post cards, shadow boxes, albums, memory boxes, and other products.
18. Can I get a list of references who I can call?

You are finished! The photographer answered all your questions and for the first time, you felt like they really listened and heard you. You find yourself going through the portfolios for the second time, you picture yourself in the photos... you can't wait until the wedding... "this is the one!"