Whether you are in search of a commercial photographer, a fashion photographer, professional photographers, sports photographers, portrait photographers or a wedding photographer, you can look to online resources to easily compare services, quality and prices.

By using the many sources as a directory of photographers, you can search by a specialty or broaden your search to be more general.

When shopping for photographers, ask yourself the following:

1. Why type of service am I seeking from the photographers I am looking at?

2. How much do I want to pay?

3. Are they local, or is there a travel fee?

4. Is there a sitting fee on top of the package purchase? Most photographers charge a fee just to show up. This is what the "sitting fee" is considered.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find photographers through general photography search engines

Skip Yahoo and Google and go straight to industry specific websites to find your photographers. There you can find lots of listings to help you make that all too important decision about who to hire as your photographer.

I recommend: Start out at the Photographersindex.com to find photographers worldwide. Photographers.com also offers you a global search engine for photographers. Search by specialty, country, state or city. Use PhotoLinks.com to search by specialty or location.

Use a national or statewide directory of photographers

Utilize national photography or state photography organizations for lists of their members and available photographers. Organized groups generally require a membership, and they often offer quality control measures for the work of their members.

I recommend: Use the American Society of Magazine Photographers (ASMP) website to find print photographers. Use one of the many National Press Photographers Association for your photojournalist needs. Find a Professional Photographers of America (PPA) Certified Professional Photographer for your next photography project.

Find wedding photographers with ease

The wedding industry is a large and expensive one, so compare the prices and services of many wedding photographers before booking or recommending one of them.

I recommend: Search for wedding photographers by state at WeddingPhotoUSA.com. Find a more wedding photographers information by state at OneWed.com. You can also use the wedding photographers list from Wedding Photography Directory. Another source is Photography Pros.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Finding the right photographers for your job can be tricky. Don't look for a photographer out of his or her specialty just because they are cheaper. Instead, match quality and specialty to project, and you should come out with a professional who is willing to work with you to provide top notch service and delivery.
• •  Before committing to a photographer, ask to see his or her portfolio of work. If you are close enough, visit him or her in person. Often a studio says a lot about a person. It showcases his or her work, but also sets the tone for the level of professionalism. Ask to see their website or online album of photos.