We've looked at about 60-odd online/at wedding shows (very possibly more), and shortlisted them based on their style and quality; that was literally the only thing that was important to us, budget etc didn't come into it.

We have seen one that we've shortlisted so far, and are seeing another tomorrow. We may see a further 1 or 2, depending on how it goes tomorrow. When we met with the first photographer, we were looking at whole albums (many photographers we looked at didn't have entire albums on their sites, and we wanted to see plenty of examples of a wedding from start-finish to ensure that style and quality were consistent), considering how we got on with them as a person (I couldn't book someone I didn't like at all, I think you need a rapport; though I think there's a balance), and considering how we thought they would perform at our venue (our venue is not traditional, and we want someone who has worked in similar venues and will bring out the best in it; we saw one photographer who's photos were lovely, but every single wedding they'd shot was in a barn/stately home with cream coloured walls, and we were concerned that they wouldn't be a good 'fit' for our venue).

I think what you ask/look for will depend on what your priorities are. Ours is very much style and creative flair, and consistency; we can compromise on other things.

I looked at the style and quality to start with, i wanted a relaxed style, no overly posed pictures and I don't like overly photoshopped pictures either, a lot of them did the style that I liked but then ruined it by altering the photos in such a way that it was very obvious that they were nothing like the originals. THen I looked at how they put together the albums, there was one I saw in a fayre and they had cut the tops of heads off, half of bodies, they had things in the pictures that shouldn't ahve been there, this was the album that they were showing people as their best work so decided to stay well clear of them. Then finally it was down the actual photographer, how easy he was to get on with, whether i liked what he was suggesting and what other people said about him. He is going to milling around me for about 10 hours, he will be there when I am nervous and getting ready, I wanted someone that wasn't going to make me feel awkward, someone that would just come into the house and settle with the flow of my family and the day.

We have 2 photographers and actually never considered it until we meet them and mentioned we get both and love the idea. It means i get photos from different angles and the wife concentrates on the guests whereas the husband concentrates on the bride and groom so see everything. My advice go and meet all 3, take some questions with you and make it clear your not making a decision there and then and viewing other photographer too which will stop them pushing you for a decision but hopefully make them more competitive and go with your gut feeling xxx

Ive bumped a thread on this for you called "must have shots and how to choose the RIGHT photographer" :-)

How to Choose the Right Wedding Photographer
Photography is the cornerstone of your wedding's memories. The right picture instantly takes you back to the happiest day of your life. Capturing your nuptials the way you envision starts with choosing a wedding photographer who is professional and experienced.

Below are simple tips to hiring a wedding photographer who will provide you with memories you will treasure forever.

1. Start Searching Immediately

Hiring a wedding photographer is one of the first things you should do, because the best professional photographers book their schedules a year in advance. If you want outstanding pictures, start searching for your photographer when you have decided on the date. A wedding photographer's peak season is Saturdays during the spring, as this is when many couples get married. If you will be celebrating an "in-season" wedding, book your photographer at least six to twelve months in advance.

However, if your plans call for an out-of-season wedding or wedding on a Sunday, there is a good chance your chosen photographer is free. Six months will likely give you adequate time to find the photographer of your dreams.

2. Search Everywhere

Good wedding photographers have a reputation of success, and therefore are relatively well known. They should be the easiest to find. Start your search by asking for recommendations from friends and family who have held weddings prior to your event. Ask if they liked the photographer. Look at their wedding album.

Additionally, other professionals involved in your wedding day festivities will likely have worked with photographers in the past. Ask for recommendations from your wedding planner, venue manager, caterer, baker, florist or limousine driver.

If all else fails, WeddingPhotographerUSA is an online directory of photographers organized by state. This may not exactly be a recommendation, but it will help you weed out the amateur photographers from the professional ones.

3. Look at Wedding Photo Samples

If you have a list of photographers from which to choose, peruse their Web sites to begin eliminating candidates from your list. Determine which photographer will meet your budget as well as your needs. Consider how well they perform in different settings/environments. For example, if you are throwing a beach wedding, it makes sense to find a photographer who is stronger in filming outdoors.

Think about the tone that you want your photos to express. Are you and your fianc serious and traditional, or do you prefer a more light-hearted and playful theme to your wedding photographs?

After narrowing your selection of wedding photographers down to about three, make appointments to interview the candidates. During the interview, ask to see samples of past work.

Likely, the photographer will have two or three wedding albums available for show. Make sure you see at least one album of an entire wedding, from start to finish. After examining all of the photographer's work closely, request to see another set of photographs from a recent wedding. This will enable you to see both his best work-from the pre-selected albums-and her average daily work.

First, examine the basics of the pictures-such as color, clarity, exposure, graininess and composition. Then determine the photographer's style; does she shoot photos that are adventurous and unique or are they standard and ordinary? This will also help you determine which style you prefer.

Pay attention to the photographer's ability to capture the emotion of the day. Does it appear that he has the personality to make his subjects comfortable and happy? Or is she the type of photographer that seemingly takes pictures without much passion.

Come away from the interview knowing the quality of the photographer, his overall style, and if she will adjust her style to your individual taste.

4. Gauge Their Professionalism

While not all amateur photographers are created equal, the best way to ensure you receive a quality wedding album is to hire a seasoned professional with a solid background from which to draw.

During your initial interviews, find out how many weddings the photographer has shot. He/she may have been a professional photographer for 15 years, but only doing weddings for the past year. Remember, wedding photography is much different than any other type of photography.

Along with the number of years he/she has been filming weddings, ask how many actual weddings she has photographed. This will give you a better idea of how experienced the photographer has become.

With such experience comes not only the knowledge of how to photograph a wedding, but also how to act during the ceremony and reception. For example, how will he dress and how will he act to your wedding party and guests?

Finally, find out if the photographer has shot at your wedding venue before. If he has, he may know of places to get good shots or ways to capture moments the best.

5. Discuss Wedding Photography Equipment

Although you may not be a professional photographer yourself, you should know what type of camera and equipment your photographer will be using during your event. You may find that you are more particular about it than you think.

For example, there are advantages to both digital and film that you may want to consider. Both produce high quality images, but some say film produces better pictures when enlarged. Others contend that digital pictures are easier to manipulate and produce.

In the end, if the photographer uses a digital camera, make sure it takes images of at least 8 megapixels or larger. If film is the photographer's preference, make sure they use professional grade film instead of consumer quality film.

Just like every photographer should bring along an assistant to help him during your wedding, every photographer needs backup equipment in case his original equipment fails. Flashes, lenses and cameras should all come in multiples. Extra batteries, film and memory cards are also a must.

6. Determine Costs and Sign the Contract

While you want to make sure you book your photographer for the date of your wedding immediately, make sure you read over the legal details of exactly what you will get before signing the contract.

First, negotiate price. Contrary to what you may have been told, everything is negotiable, including price, packages and wedding proofs. This means knowing exactly what type of service and what package of photographs you will be getting.

Then make sure that the photographer you want is the photographer you will get at your wedding. Some larger companies may do a bait and switch. Also, find out what part of your wedding day will be covered and how many hours you have with your photographer. This means communicating with the photographer about the details of the event, when and where the ceremony will be held as well as the reception and what types of photographs you want.

In all, the contract is in place to remind both you and the photographer of the services you agreed upon.

Following these simple steps will ensure you hire the photographer to meet your needs and receive a wedding album to treasure for years to come.