Internet is a great place to start your search for a great photographer, since many professional photographers put their photo portfolio on the net. You might want to narrowing down with professional photographer near your wedding place. Find one or two, then create preliminary appointments to see their real portfolios.

You could also try to find prospective photo studio in your local area by search in the local newspaper or phone directory. After finding some prospective studios, give them a visit and see someone who will actually be your wedding’s shooter (as professional photo studios often to have more than one photographers). Again, see his/her portfolios.

When seeing someone’s portfolio, ask yourself these questions:

1. Color & Clarity? Great photographers would come with wonderful color mix and crystal clear photograph.

2. Detail shots? Pay attentions to small detail, as great photographs are mosaic of beautiful details.

3. Emotions & expressions? Your wedding would be the unforgettable moment in your life, then only great photographer able to record these feelings in their photographs.

4. Style? Make sure that the photograph’s style is match with your wedding theme.

5. Poses? Great photographer should be able to take great poses, not just standard one.

After seeing some photographer’s portfolios, you should be able to narrowing down them to the most work & style that you really like. Don’t forget to ask additional questions that can help you to separate true professionals from just ordinary vendors, such as: Back-up equipment in case problems arise on the wedding day, are they dress formally, are they familiar with the wedding location(s), etc. Last but not least, ask for references professional photographers you can contact. All professional photographers should have references, and if he/she can’t provide you with at least one, then skip him/her. Try to contact these references before making your final decision.

Hope by following these advice, you would be able to spot top talented photographer that suits you and would minimize the risk from the vendor’s disappointment.