Beyond all the planning and preparation, there’s one thing your brides can expect to happen on their wedding day — and we’re not just talking about their dad’s cheesy jokes during his reception speech (although you can probably expect those, too)! We’re talking about real emotionally-charged moments…the kind that your brides will want to relive over and over again for years to come!

To make the most of these moments, you’ll want to recommend a photographer who’s equipped to do the job — an experienced professional, whose toolkit combines technical excellence with unique personal style and artistry. But, how do you separate stellar photography from the rest of the bunch? Here are a few rules of thumb:

Style Matters. In addition to technical expertise, great wedding photographers are skilled at bringing passion and creativity to their work. When reviewing portfolios for potential photographers, look for images that aren’t only high in technical quality — such as proper focus, exposure and color balance — but also express the photographer’s preference when it comes to lighting, composition and feel. Every photographer is different! Find one whose style speaks to you and your clients.

The Camera is Only Part of the Equation. A good oven doesn’t always guarantee a delicious cake, right? Well, when it comes to wedding photography, the best camera equipment does not always guarantee great photography! That doesn’t mean we’re undervaluing the importance of a high-quality camera, lens and back-up equipment — those should all be considered. Still, know that a great photographer will use their gear as a tool of their trade and deliver an image that’s natural and authentic— not overdone.

Evaluate Experience. A talented wedding photographer knows the ins & outs of a wedding day — and that degree of experience will be reflected in their photography. Sure, many photographers can get a few good images out of hundreds, but it takes true experience to capture an entire day professionally. Be sure your photographer recommendations have ample experience shooting weddings and working in that environment. It’ll give you and your clients peace of mind in knowing that he or she will be prepared for anything, aware of everything and give you more consistent results.

Relaxed & Real. How many times have you cringed looking back at your high school prom photos, in all their stiff, posed glory? With great photography, that’s not the case. A great photo is characterized by people who are comfortable and genuinely enjoying the moment. Therefore, a great photographer will go beyond a basic snapshot and use their expertise to achieve a natural-looking portrait or moment.

It’s All About the Moment. Above all, a great wedding photographer knows that in addition to the requested images of the day, the moments they capture will elevate their work and delight their clients. Those memorable moments for your client such as their mother’s tears of joy, or the bride’s favorite uncle having a big laugh with his buddies at the reception? These moments capture the treasured bond that your clients will share with the ones who made their wedding memorable. And when it comes down to it, these moment-focused images are the mark of truly great wedding photography.

This is a guest post from Derek. Derek is a George Street Photo & Video Wedding Coordinator. With more than 4 years’ experience, couples can count on Derek throughout the wedding planning process. He is there to ensure our talent has all the necessary information and that they’re ready for the big day. When he’s not assisting brides, Derek is out pursuing his passion for acting and directing.