Choosing a photographer for your wedding day can be a very daunting task. After all, there are so many to choose from, where do you begin? Here are a few pointers to help find the perfect wedding photographer for you:

Start Early. Good photographers are usually booked a year in advance or more. Starting early will give you the best selection and ensure that you get a photographer you are happy with.

Research. Attend expos, skim through magazines, ask friends and family for recommendations. Look at pictures from as many photographers as you can to see what style(s) appeal to you.

LOVE their work. Pick out a few photographers whose work stands out to you. This is really a personal decision as each photographer has his or her own unique style.

Consultation. Make sure to setup a consultation with your potential photographer(s) to go over details and see more work. It’s a good idea to see albums from individual weddings to get an idea of what you can expect. "Portfolio" albums from different weddings may not be typical.

Ask Questions! Prepare a list of questions in advance to go over with your photographer. Typical questions may include: How much is the deposit? Are the (digital) negatives included? What is the turnaround time for the pictures? Remember, there is no such thing as a dumb question!

Sign a Contract. Be sure to sign a contract with your photographer that lists all of the details for your wedding, including your names, the photographer’s name, the wedding date, the details of the wedding package and the price. Make sure to read and understand the details of the contract. This will help protect you and also prevent potential misunderstandings in the future.

Make a request list. If you have any requests that you would like photographed, put it in writing and send it to your photographer in advance. Some requests require a particular kind of location or lighting so it’s always good to let your photographer know ahead of time.

Lastly, don’t forget to Have Fun!