The picture of happiness: 10 questions to ask before hiring your wedding photographer

Some moments are too important to trust to a camera phone.

Your wedding will be one of the most memorable times of your life, and no one can capture it better than a professional photographer. So how do you find the right one? As you begin the interview process, here are 10 questions to help you determine if you've found the best photographer for your wedding.

__1. Does the photographer have a gallery of wedding images you can review?__

Reviewing sample work allows you to see the photographer's strengths and weaknesses -- don't fool yourself, every photographer has them. You'll also be able to get an idea of their style. Are they formal with an eye for the perfect picture, or do they love to capture the hidden moments when no one is looking? Look for images you can see yourself in. Think of three words that describe you, and share those with your photographer. Every photographer has a style, and reviewing their gallery can help you determine if theirs is right for you.

__2. What is the photographer's working style?__

Photo Credit/Stock Art:Stock photos

Some photographers are orderly and operate like wedding planners. Others prefer to sit back and let the events of the wedding unfold. It's important to find someone who can understand and meet your expectations. Discuss this ahead of time and ask away so you understand how well the photographer's working style matches your own.

__3. Is the photographer available for an engagement session?__

An engagement session does more than provide you with priceless images together before you get married. It's also your first opportunity to work with your photographer and develop a relationship that will allow you to be completely at ease on your big day. Use this session to confirm if the photographer is indeed the right person to capture your wedding.

__4. Will the photographer create a detailed shot list?__

This list will ensure no important photo is missed during the commotion and excitement of the big day. You should be able to create that list together, add to the list leading up to the day and have a copy of it the day of. Take an honest look at what images really matter, and fill your photographer in on situations he or she might need to be aware of to prevent awkward moments and ensure he or she can get the shots that matter most.

bride and groom sitting in a car

__5. What kind of lighting will be used?__

Whether you have an indoor or outdoor wedding, you'll want to make sure your photographer has professional grade lighting equipment to deliver the images your wedding deserves.

__6. Does the photographer have backup equipment?__

You've prepared contingency plans for every other aspect of your wedding; your photographer should as well. A true professional photographer won't miss your perfect shot because of a technology issue. He or she will always bring one or two backup cameras, lenses, flashes, additional lighting equipment, extra memory cards and batteries.

__7. Does the photographer have liability insurance?__

Accidents happen at weddings, and if one of your guests trips over your photographer's light stand, it's good to know you both are protected. Your reception venue may even ask the photographer to submit a certificate of liability ahead of time.

__8. Will there be one photographer or two?__

A second shooter increases the probability that no shot will be missed, especially if you are having a large wedding. If there will be two photographers, ask to meet them both to get a feel for their personalities and how well they might blend in on your big day.

__9. What will happen to the images after your wedding?__

Will your images be backed up to a hard drive or the cloud once processed? How long will your photographer keep the images afterward? Will they be kept for a couple of years or dumped immediately? If you have any concerns about losing your photos, knowing what the photographer plans to do with your images after your wedding is important.

__10. When will you get your photos?__

No, you won't get your pictures the day after; no photographer can deliver that quickly. It's a good idea, though, to get a general idea of the timeline ahead of time. You might even be able to agree on getting a couple images ready for social media use very quickly. But obtaining your photos likely will take several weeks. To help with the wait, some photographers will send you a sneak peak with a few images. Just ask ahead of time!