Wedding photographs are an important part of any wedding, and if you are looking for a good wedding photographer in Cedar Falls, keep in mind the following.

Word of mouth recommendations are how many self employed wedding photographers get much of their business, and if you just don’t know a good photographer, check with friends and family for their referrals. It’s also worth booking your photographer as far ahead as you can; not surprisingly many wedding photographers are in high demand at the most popular times of the year to tie the knot. If friends and family can’t recommend anyone, browsing online lets you look at reviews and comments about local photographers from customers.

Once you have a short list of several possible photographers, set up an informal interview, and ask to see a portfolio of work. Seeing several different albums of different wedding photographs will give you an idea of their style, which is something you should be thinking about anyway. You may want to go with more traditional wedding pictures, or you may prefer a documentary style, an emphasis on candid and natural pictures or something else – it’s up to you. You should look at wedding pictures taken in the same sort of environment that you are thinking of getting married in; for example, a beach or inside a church.

Although the photographer is doing a job, it’s also important that you have a positive connection with your wedding photographer. They may have firm ideas or a well established way of doing things, although ideally they should be open to your suggestions and ideas, and able to picture the same end result as the two of you. A good wedding photographer is a good listener, is very much a people person and should be able to mingle with the guests at the ceremony and reception naturally.

Of cost, the cost of your wedding pictures is important, and although it’s tempting to save money and simply have friends take pictures, this is one occasion where it’s worth paying for a quality product. Expect to pay anything from around $2,000 to upwards of $15,000 for the services of a good photographer and the photo package. Try to get an idea of the cost when doing your initial research, although you won’t be able to have a firm cost until you know exactly what you want in the way of pictures, albums and any extras. And don’t forget to ask for a contract and read it carefully before signing; it’s worth remembering that most wedding photographers retain the rights to the pictures they take.