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Choosing your photographer is one of the most crucial decisions when planning a wedding. We ask expert wedding photographer, Paul Roland Williams on the top five questions to ask.

Are you a member of any professional photographic bodies?
Although, the work of a photographer that does not belong to a professional body maybe just as good as one that does, it is a very good measure of how professional they are. The top three professional bodies are:
BIPP (British Institute of Professional Photography)
MPA (Master Photographer's Association)
SWPP (Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers)
Top tip: the SWPP allow members to join without qualifying. You simply have to pay their annual fee for membership so it’s worth asking if they are a “qualified” member.

Can I see some complete weddings?
Rather than looking at a 'gallery' of photos that the photographer has selected from various weddings, it is important to see at least one or two complete weddings so that you can see that the photographer is consistent.
Top tip: most photographers have their clients' weddings on their website, viewed by using a password.

Can you provide a reference?
This is a good way of checking that your photographer is a good 'all-round' professional. You need to feel confident that your photographer can provide a good service on the day and after as well as being able to take great photographs.
Top tip: Most photographers can provide testimonials, but if they can also give you the contact details of someone willing to recommend them, it is a good sign.

How do you manage and process your image files?
There's a whole workflow process that the photographer is responsible for. Once the images have been taken, they have to be downloaded to a suitable storage device, backed-up, renamed and filed/catalogued, then edited and finally finished/retouched ready for presentation.
Top tip: some photographers out-source the finishing and re-touching stage, but really good photographers regard it as an important part of the creative process and do it themselves.

Do you have insurance and a contingency plan?
Your photographer should be able to tell you that they have two or three photographers they can call on to do the job should the worst happen. They should also be able to tell you that they have comprehensive break-down cover and insurance covering compensation.
Top tip: ideally your photographer should have professional indemnity insurance cases such as negligence or failure of equipment and public liability to cover your guests for incidents such as tripping over a camera bag.

To find out more about Paul Roland Williams go to paulrolandwilliams.com.

Click here to download the WeddingPath fact sheet on Photography.