JO HAYWOOD discovers how to get the perfect wedding album.

And this is us at the church door. And this is us signing the register. And this is us cutting the cake. And this is us having our first dance. And this is me falling over with my dress over my head."

We've all experienced it, the dreaded, and often dreadful, chore of looking through someone else's wedding photograph album.

Scores and scores of snaps of people, most of whom we don't know from Adam, standing in rigid lines looking strained and uncomfortable with children picking their noses in the front row. And we've got to look at every single one without yawning or sighing, all the while saying inane things like "your flowers look lovely", "is your mum's hat supposed to look like that" and "can I kill myself now, please".

But it doesn't have to be that way. Wedding photographs don't have to coma-inducingly boring - they can be relaxed, informal, candid and a joyful reminder of a wonderful day.

Just ask professional photographer Paul Cooper of Huntington, York, if you don't believe me. He began shooting weddings part-time 10 years ago before turning pro in 1995. Since then he has picked up more than 50 awards for his work, including UK Photographer of the Year in 1999 and UK Digital Photographer of the Year in 2000.

He is part of a new breed of wedding photographer who don't stick rigidly to old-fashioned traditions but instead take more candid shots that capture the real feel of the day.

"Candid shots rather than posed ones are really fashionable at the moment - particularly in black and white," said Paul. "But just because the shots are candid doesn't mean you don't have to do your homework. You still have to make sure the chaos is under control, that people are in vaguely the right place at vaguely the right time and that you get all the shots the bride and groom have requested."

Another current trend is for couples to opt for an autumn/winter wedding in a dramatic setting such as Ripley Castle or Allerton Park. But this can cause problems for photographers.

"It's amazing how many couples simply haven't considered that it might be dark outside," said Paul. "It can come as a bit of a surprise to them when all their shots have to be taken inside.

"Traditional weddings are always very structured but with civil ceremonies the structure is, well, let's just say it tends to be a lot more loose, and the bride and groom have to be prepared to let themselves and their photographer go with the flow."

"Wedding photographs don't have to be coma-inducingly boring - they can be relaxed, informal, candid and a joyful reminder of a wonderful day."

But just how do you "go with the flow"?To get you started, here are Paul's top tips for happy snapping:

Book your photographer about a year in advance to ensure they are available on your big day. Remember, the better the photographer, the busier they are likely to be.

Check out the main photographic organisations' websites at bipp.com and mpauk.com. They provide lists of accredited photographers from all around the country and provide links to individuals' websites where their work is displayed.

Always take a good look at a photographer's portfolio to decide whether his or her style is right for you. Getting the right photographer, someone you like and can get along with is the key.

Check that your photographer is just doing one wedding on the day, then if things go wrong there is plenty of time to sort them out.

You should expect to pay between £750 and £3,000. You can of course pay a lot less, but if you want professional quality photographs £750 is a realistic price. Having said that, you don't have to opt for a professional. There are some really talented amateurs doing great work, so if you like them and you like their style don't be put off just because they are part-timers.

Agree beforehand how many shots you want to be given to choose from. I usually provide 100-120 shots and on average the couple take away 60, although some of them take the lot.

Be realistic. Wedding spreads in glossy bridal magazines and Hello! are probably done over a couple of days using professional models and about 300 rolls of film. Unfortunately you simply can't get the same effect in 40 minutes on a wet Wednesday in Wigginton.