Nothing captures the memories of your wedding better that good photos. Long after the flowers have dried up, the cake eaten and the esteemed visitors have left, your album preserves the memories. Hence the need to invest in good wedding photography.

The difference between a photo you stare at for minutes and one you don’t want to give a second look is the person behind the camera. For the special occasion your wedding is, you need to ensure that person is a professional wedding photographer, not an amateur.

This is how you will know you are dealing with a professional photographer:

1. They have been in the trade for a while.

Professionalism comes with experience. Experience comes as a result of doing something over and over again until you are proficient in it. To get the necessary experience, the photographer must have been operating for sometime.

Longevity of operation gives you the assurance they can handle your wedding, since they have successfully done it in the past in different circumstances in the various weddings.

Anything above a year in wedding photography is satisfactory. If you want, you may work with a photographer with a lesser time under their sleeves but trade very carefully.

2. In it fulltime.

To many people, photography is a hobby. Something they do as a side hustle to complement their primary job. Not bad in any way, some do it perfectly right. The only problem is that most part-timers take it lightly, after all they have little to lose if anything goes wrong.

However, most professional photographers are into photography fulltime. That’s what they have been trained for and do if for a living. You can be sure they take it very seriously, and would not entertain any mistakes.

You are better off working with a professional photographer who is doing it fulltime.

3. Have proof of competence.

Having photographed in different events over time, professional photographers have amassed rich collection of photos. These photos are stored in albums available online (on the websites) or when you visit their premises.

Every professional photographer has album upon album, which they freely present as selling points to their prospective clients.

When you meet a photographer with but few photos mainly taken in one event know you are dealing with an amateur.

4. They have specialized in few fields.

Generally, professionalism comes specialization.

While many photographers are jacks of all trade, professional photographers seem to specialize in a few areas. If you are lucky to find one who has specialized in weddings you will be in for a great treat.

5. Have developed distinct styles.

A professional will confidently and clearly elaborate what they do, so with professional photographers. They are sure of their styles and tastes. In addition to their own styles, they are well versed with other current styles and trends in the photography industry. They are also so sure about how they go about their wedding photography work.

When you sense such command know you are dealing with a professional photographer, if possible strike a deal.

6. Thorough and gets to the details.

A professional photographer will carefully listen to you and understand what you want. Then they will advise on how you can improve on your proposal so that it would even be better.

Moreover, they ask the right questions. Questions like your expectations, the type of visitors, the program, and a liaison who will help identify family members so that all are photographed.

7. They have a contract.

Important too, you know you are with a professional photographer when they have a contract. Beyond the verbal agreement, a written agreement seals the deal.

Avoid a photographer who lacks the qualities listed above. More often than not they will be an amateur.