Wedding photography has become much more creative over the last number of years. It used to be that you could identify the wedding photographer by the poses of the couples in the wedding day photographs. All that was changed it seemed was the couple- everything else was basically the same ? the setting, pose, backgrounds etc etc.

In the new millennium things have certainly changed. Now, in addition to the ever traditional photographs many couples opt for a ?journalistic? approach that capture the day's unexpected special moments ? such as when the best man's toast brings tears to the bride's father's eyes or other spontaneous moments that will always be fondly remembered.

Although the trend in earlier times was almost exclusively toward color photos (black and white photographs seeming ?old fashioned?), it now seems that a mixed approach is apparent, with black and white making a definite artistic comeback. Many couples now choose a combination of color and black and white photographs for their wedding day album. Black and white photos can even be hand tinted as a special touch and extra special emphasis.

It is important that when selecting a photographer, and whittling down your choices, that you look through as many samples of the photographers work as you possibly can. Bear in mind that any portfolio that is submitted for your review and consideration is a selling collection of the very best of that persons stock and trade ?

in this case their ability to shoot outstanding photographic pictures. The collection that you are basing your valued choice on may consist of only 50 photographs out of a total of 10,000 that the artist may have shot over his career. That would count as only ? of 1 %. How then can you assess and judge the photographer's skill expertise, and consistency?

First of all when examining the collection ? judge not only the photographs and images, but also the quality. Are the colors rich and vibrant? Are the images in focus and well framed? Are the subjects placed in a balanced manner and in symmetry? Are the colors rich and vibrant? If you are planning an outdoor wedding. Then does the artist's work look clear, neat and clean? Is natural light used to its best advantage? If on the other hand if you are planning a wedding or reception inside ? a restaurant for the reception , or a large older church for the wedding ceremony , both of which may have low ambient lighting levels ? then how are the photos in a similar setting. Does the photographer seem to have the organization to plan for and utilize artificial lighting setups? Lastly you should take care to evaluate whether the photographer knows well how to organize and frame the elements in a shot to take best advantage of all the variables in your settings and photographs for best results.

Remember that your wedding day is ?Your day in the Sun?. What you will be left with to reminisce your special memories will be what is contained in your wedding photo album. Take extra care to choose your wedding day photographer carefully.