Unless you have the body of 'The Body' (a.k.a. Elle McPherson), the smile of Megan Gale and cheekbones you could slice bread on, chances are you're probably a bit camera shy. So herein lies the problem: How do you, the blushing bride, ensure that you'll look like Cinderella rather than one of the ugly sisters in your wedding photos and still have enough money left over to hire a carriage for the reception rather than a pumpkin? Solution: By choosing the right photographer.

Should you find that master lensman, you'll still need to consider many other aspects of his or her services. Price, coverage, reputation... the list goes on. However, by addressing these eight essential areas you'll be well on your way to getting the perfect pics.

The Proof is In the Pudding

Ask the photographer if you can view a proof portfolio, which is a sample album of another couple's wedding. Otherwise, you'll be shown a display album compiled using the photographer's best images that, more often than not, have been shot with professional models. This can only serve one of two purposes (neither of them good). It will either raise your expectations to an unrealistic level of how your wedding album will turn out or make you feel a little insecure because let's face it, how many of us can really compete with those flawless giraffes?

Also, ensure the photographer that took the photos for the proof album will actually be the one attending your wedding. Some companies have multiple photographers and some even subcontract the work out.

Street Cred

Is your photographer a smooth-talker, a con-artist or the real deal? A smart bride will check a photographer's reputation. There are many online chat rooms where brides log-on to recommend or warn against various wedding service providers.

It's an added bonus if a photographer has a professional membership to a reputable institution such as the Australian Institute of Professional Photographers (AIPP). The AIPP only allocates memberships to fulltime photographers and encourages a high standard of ethical conduct which weeds out some of the cowboys and hobby photographers out there.

Your Way or the Highway

Some photographers try to manipulate the wedding so that it runs to their schedule or in the order that they are used to photographing. It's your day and you should have the freedom to enjoy it. Don't be bullied into doing things the photographer's way. Make sure that from the initial meeting there is a good rapport between you, your fianc? and the photographer, as there should be in any harmonious and professional working relationship.

Name Your Price

Make sure that you have a confirmed all-inclusive price for the final album at the time of booking otherwise you may be billed for hidden extras such as enlargements and reprints.

Do you want images in black and white? Sepia? Hand-coloured photos? Knowing what you want makes it easier to fix a price.

Some photographers also make themselves a healthy bonus by charging overtime. Make sure you know how much of their time you will be getting and ensure this is enough to cover all of your photographic needs.

Remember if you have children amongst your wedding party, they are not always co-operative.

You should be able to get full coverage of your wedding for between $1500 - $4000.

Cover Me

Get everything in writing because then there will be a point of reference should any disputes arise. The written contract should specify:

- The total cost of the album

- The size and the amount of prints to be received

- Who keeps the negatives and for how long

- The additional cost should you want more prints than the number initially agreed to

- How many hours the photographer will spend with you on your wedding day

- How long it will take to deliver the proof album after the wedding.

I'm late, I'm Late - For a Terribly Important Date

If you don't leave yourself enough time between the beauticians and the photographer's arrival you may find yourself without the gorgeous 'at-home' beauty shots.

Couples also often underestimate how much time they'll need at each location and find themselves fitting in only one or two settings. This means there's less of a choice when it comes time to put together the album.

Plan B

Don't let Mother Nature rain on your parade! You may find taking outdoor shots impossible due to the weather or a planned street setting may be unsuitable due to traffic congestion. Anything could happen on the day so make sure you have back up plan. Your photographer should be able to suggest alternative locations that will still make for beautiful or interesting photographs.

Press Start

As with everything to do with weddings, the hardest part is knowing where to start. Why not begin by browsing Bride Online's extensive list of photographers at http://www.brideonline.com.au/WeddingPhotography/. A skillfully composed photograph can convey a thousand emotions. A good wedding photographer should be expert at capturing the tenderness, intimacy and love between newlyweds and able to present you with a portfolio to rival any supermodel's.