Start asking around, meeting pros at bridal shows, and browsing the Internet for local pros. Make a list of everyone you want to get in touch with and start making calls (or sending emails). Be sure to ask about:
* Availability (both date and time).
* Photography style (candid, traditional, photojournalism, artistic).
* Rates and packages (labor and allotted hours, processing, copies, etc).
* What you receive in the end (negatives, album, additional copies, CD copy of your photos, photos on the Web).
This should give you a pretty good idea of what to expect from a photographer. From there, you'll have to set a date to meet with the person face to face. In a face to face meeting you can ask to look at the photographer's portfolio (do not meet with anyone who does not have a portfolio). Seeing the portfolios in person (versus viewing them online) gives you a chance to see how the final album will look and feel. It also gives you a good idea of the photo quality and even more about the artist's style. Take time to look through the album and note what you like and dislike. It should read like a book, playing the wedding out like a story. Even without knowing the bride and groom you should get a feel for their style and the flow of the wedding. Also look for sharp, crystal clear images, an intuitive sense for using light, and attractive compositions. If the pictures seem too artsy, too bland, washed out, blurry, badly composed, cold, not emotional enough, consider looking for someone else. You'll be spending a bit of money and you want it to be worth it.
Once you have looked over the photos and have a good feeling about someone, you need to talk details.
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