Top 5 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer

Sure, Santa Barbara has picture-perfect backdrops for weddings of all styles. In the eyes of a truly experienced and professional photographer, they can make any location and wedding look magic. But there are some locations that are easier for photographers due to the natural setting, little staging necessary and the ease of guiding the bridal party around with little to no effort for all the "required" wedding portraits on the wedding day.

We recently spoke with one of Santa Barbara's premiere photographers Mary Jane Strong and asked her what her favorite things were about working at Montecito Country Club - but also some of her top tips for choosing a professional wedding photographer. Here's what she had to say:

(photo by Jose Villa)

TOP FIVE REASONS MONTECITO COUNTRY CLUB

IS BELOVED BY PHOTOGRAPHERS:

1. The MCC has the perfect place for the ceremony over-looking Santa Barbara and it's within walking steps of the reception site. It creates an easy, perfect flow for the wedding day.

2. I love shooting at the MCC because it is surrounded by gorgeous greens and rolling hills. It's truly the perfect backdrop for photos.

3. The country club itself is charming and has lots of great natural light inside. The huge window that faces out towards the ocean is magical for photos!

4. It's also nice knowing that you have a sweet back-up location for the ceremony, if the weather just isn't cooperating. I have photographed ceremonies inside and it is just beautiful.

5. I absolutely love the high ceilings and the little bridge above the room that allows you to photograph the entire reception from a high vantage point. So fun and different!

TOP FIVE QUESTIONS ALL BRIDES SHOULD ASK

PHOTOGRAPHERS WHEN INTERVIEWING:

Before meeting for an interview the couple should ask availability and pricing. Because if either of those two don't fit, it's not worth meeting.

1. What is your approach to the wedding day? I think brides should really find out how photographers execute their photos and see if it jives with their style & personalities.

2. How would you define your style of photography?

3. Have you shot at the venue? Do you have any slideshows you could show from the venue?

4. Would it be possible to see a full wedding? I think this is important for brides to see what a full event looks like, not just a few favorites from each one.

5. What is the editing process? Who does it and how long will it take to see the photos?

__________________________________________________________________

And, finally, editor's note: make sure the photographer has actually worked the venue at which your wedding will take place. If they have not, insist that they come out before the wedding if at all possible to ensure they know where they will be guiding you the day of the wedding. Also, many venues have strict policies on where one can go for photographs and it is good that you and your photographer know that in advance.

Thank you to Mary Jane Strong for "guest blogging" this week with her expertise. You can contact Ms. Strong and see her incredible work at: http://www.maryjanephotography.net/.