Wedding Photographers

Well, after months of debate and consideration, I have finally decided on my wedding photographer. Being an amateur photographer myself, I knew this would be a difficult decision for me. It took me months to decide on the photographer who would take my senior photos, so I knew choosing a wedding photographer would be even more trying. So who's the lucky winner? Dan Philips Photography out of Cedar Falls, IA.

A few tips for choosing a wedding photographer:

• Attend some bridal shows, and do some meet and greets with a few area photographers.
• Do some online research and try to narrow down your options by looking at photographer websites.
• Define your style. What kind of photos do you want to capture your big day? Do you like traditional wedding photography or a more photo-journalistic style?
• Ultimately, you have to "like" your photographer and have some sort of relationship with them. Make sure your ideas and goals coincide with those of your photographer.
• Ask questions! What do their packages include? Can you customize your own photography package? What types of technology do they use? What are your rights to the finished photos after the wedding?
• Do you want special effects and alterations done to your photos? Check to see if this is an option with the photographers you are looking into and ask to see a portfolio of their work.
• Ask for references from past clients. Some photographers provide testimonials on their website. Ask if you can get in touch with the couples featured on the site to ask them more in-depth questions. 
• Ask how many photographers will be present at your event, and make sure you are meeting someone who will definitely be photographing your wedding. (It's ideal to have at least two photographers).
• Get everything in writing.
• Don't settle. It's your day, and your photographer should conform to your needs and wants.

The Knot also provides some great tips for choosing a photographer.