Summarize:

Your potential photographers will bring along a portfolio of their pictures to the interview. It’s important that you spend plenty of time looking through this in detail with your partner. Ask the photographer to give some context for the pictures, including asking about the style used, and the type of wedding it was.  The portfolio is a crucial document that gives you the best idea of what sort of style you photos will be getting. The pictures will have been carefully chosen to represent what the photographer considers her best work. Ask yourself if the pictures in the portfolio move you, or you think they capture the magic of the wedding.  Be sure to ask if the production values on the pictures in the portfolio are the same as in the deal you are discussing. Spend some time looking back through the notes you made during the interview to help you decide. These notes are a record of the interview that can give you a good idea of the impression you got from the photographer. You can compare the scores across the different shortlisted candidates with your partner, and evaluate their relative strengths and weaknesses. Price will no doubt be a factor in your decision, but try to think carefully about the value of these photos to you. It will be hard to value them quantitatively, as they are a record of the biggest day of your life, which you will always look back on. You will want a photographer that will capture the emotion of the day, as well as all the key moments.  Some people recommend putting aside at least ten per cent of your wedding budget for the photos.  Don’t rush the decision, and try to weigh up all of the different factors, including cost. You will use the interview in part to determine the technical skills and style of the photographer, but it is also an invaluable opportunity to assess her soft skills. Think about how personable the photographer is. If you take a disliking to her for whatever reason, this could create a negative dynamic or atmosphere on your big day. Keep in mind some basic questions, and discuss your response with your partner after the interview.  Ask yourself simply if you liked the photographer. Do you trust them to handle all the pressures and stresses of a wedding and still deliver great pictures? Do you feel comfortable around them? Will your friends and family be able to relax and have a good time?
Examine the portfolio. Evaluate your interview notes. Consider the value of the photos. Think about how personable the photographer is.