The key to finding the vendors of your dreams? Asking the right questions…

This especially goes for wedding photographers! Your wedding photographer will provide you with one of the only mementos you will walk away with after the “I do’s” are all said and done. Plus, you’ll spend a ton of time with them on the day of your wedding. It’s a great idea to interview your photographer before booking to make sure they’re the perfect fit. 

Not sure what you should be asking your photographer of choice? First and foremost, make sure they have your date available. Once that is determined, it’s time to get into the details! Keep reading to find out exactly what questions you should ask your wedding photographer before booking.

How long have you been a Wedding Photographer?

There’s a ton of photographers out there! You want to be sure you’re hiring someone that has plenty of experience in shooting weddings in particular. Choosing a photographer with plenty of wedding experience will ensure that they work well with other vendors, can navigate any wedding day mishaps, and will overall help your wedding day run smoothly. 

How would you describe your photography & editing style?

A wedding photographer can be one of the best in the business in terms of skills and quality of work, but if their aesthetic and style don’t match your wedding vision- they may not be the right fit for you. In addition to checking out examples of their work, ask them to describe their shooting and editing style to see if it aligns with your vision. 

Can we see a full gallery?

Pictures do speak louder than words, after all! Ask your photographer to see a full wedding gallery or two of recent weddings they’ve shot. Social media and websites usually feature the “best of the best” from a wedding gallery, seeing a full gallery will give you an idea of what the rest of the shots will look like from your day. 

What is it like working with you on the day of the wedding?

As I mentioned earlier, you’ll be spending a lot of time with your wedding photographer! They’ll be your VIP vendor, and will be by your side most of the day capturing all of the magic. 

Aside from making sure their energy and personality will mesh well with yours- asking them what it’s like working with them on the day of your wedding will give you an idea of the overall service that they will provide.

 I personally pride myself on going above and beyond for my couples and will fill any role they need me to on the day of their wedding, and the days leading up to it! Whether my couples need guidance in their planning or someone to help them breathe through stressful moments- I always have their back!

Do you have a backup plan in place?

Life can be unpredictable! In the unfortunate case that your photographer is unable to shoot your wedding, you want to be sure they have a safety net in place so you won’t be left trying to find a new photographer days before the wedding! The same goes with backup equipment, memory cards, and saving your photos in multiple places.

What’s your cancellation/reschedule policy? 

Every photographer is different when it comes to their policy with cancellations and rescheduling. While planning a wedding during a global pandemic, it’s a safe idea to ask what your photographer’s policy is with any Covid-related cancellations and reschedules- along with any other cancellation possibilities. 

Can we request specific shots?

Chances are you’ve been scrolling through Pinterest and IG for inspiration for your wedding photos. If you have specific images / poses you’d like to recreate- ask your photographer if they’re willing to deliver them. I always ask my clients for a specific shot list, so I know exactly what types of shots (and who is included in those) mean the most to them. 

What do your wedding packages include?

This one is a MUST. Most photographers will have different pricing options within their packages- some offering second-shooters, including engagement sessions within their package, and different options of hourly coverage. If your photographer is traveling, be sure to ask what their travel fee is!

Do you offer sneak peeks? If so, how soon will we get them?

Editing and perfecting wedding galleries doesn’t happen overnight, and you’ll most likely be super eager to get a peek at the photos from your wedding day!  I know how excited I was to see the photos from my own wedding, so I always get my couples’ sneak peeks within 24-48 hours (I don’t mess around!) of the wedding day. 

When will we receive our wedding gallery?

Every photographer is different with their turnaround time on galleries. Some can take up to 8-10 weeks to deliver a full wedding gallery! I always deliver my galleries to my couples within 4-6 weeks, without sacrificing the quality or quantity of the photos I’m delivering! Ask them how long it takes them to deliver galleries before booking, so you don’t end up having to wait longer than you hoped for. 

If you’re happy with the answers you receive from your photographer of choice, make sure to review the contract to see if what you discussed is reflected in writing. Typically, your photographer will have you pay a deposit to secure your date, and after the contract is signed and the deal is sealed – it’s time for the fun part! Go pour a glass of bubbly to celebrate finding your perfect wedding photographer!

If you think I may be the perfect Wedding Photographer for you (I’M HONORED!!), head over to the contact form to inquire!