For most events in our lives, a cheap camera is sufficient to record what is important for posterity. But some things like weddings are, hopefully, once in a lifetime, and worth paying more to have it photographed right. So from the myriad of choices how should one go about selecting which photographer to hire? Here are seven principles that will aid in that choice.

1. Availability. If you are wealthy, you may be able to hire the best New York photographer to capture your California wedding. However, most people will want to hire someone more locally, someone whose transportation costs will be more reasonable. For example, a couple in Virginia would choose someone specializing in Virginia Beach wedding photography. Also, since photographers are especially busy on Saturdays, will he/she be available on your big day?

2. Skill. Photographing a wedding is much more than aim and click. It involves good equipment and expert skill. Everything is digital these days. What is the pixel range they will use for the pictures? The more pixels, the larger the file size but the better the resolution. Then what is the company’s reputation? What do others say about their skill in taking wedding pictures? Are samples available?

3. Personality. Imagine yourself working with them for several hours, planning your special day. Would they be good to work with? Do you think they would be pushy or would they try to work with your budget and wishes? Would they want to run the show or would they fit into your plans? Would they work well with any children in the wedding party?

4. Price. Of course, though the average cost of a wedding in the U.S. now is over $20,000, few are willing to put most of that into the pictures. Is the photographer reasonable in comparison with others in the area? Is their price of what you want within the budget of your wedding?

5. Service. How quickly are the pictures available? Some will even display the wedding pictures during the reception. That is a nice touch. How quickly can prints be made? How available will they be to others on the web or on CD, and how soon?

6. Options. A wide variety of options should be available. For example, if you so desire, is the photographer available during the rehearsal? Are they willing and available when you want the main photographic event to take place? Are they OK letting relatives take their own pictures while they are setting up shots? What creative suggestions do they offer? Can others print pictures off their website?

7. Integrity. What is their reputation about keeping their promises and delivering what they say? Will they be in place when needed and stay as long as you expect? Will all the parts of the package you chose be delivered as you expect?

A wedding is too important to rely on an amateur to do an adequate job. Consider these points as you plan your special day and, chances are, you won’t be disappointed with the result. Looking for a Virginia Beach photographer? Check out Expressions Photography. Their friendly and professional expertise will capture all the memories of your special day.