Top Questions to Ask A Wedding Photographer Before You Book
Planning your wedding is such a beautiful journey, and one of the most important decisions you’ll make along the way is choosing your wedding photographer. As a wedding photographer myself, I know that this isn’t just about finding someone to snap pictures—it's about connecting with someone who will capture the heart and soul of your love story. Today, I want to share with you the top questions to ask your wedding photographer before you book, so you can feel confident that you've found the perfect match to document your day!
But first, if you want to learn how you can book me as your wedding photographer, you can learn more here. Ready to get started? Contact me today!
Why Connecting with Your Photographer Matters
Before we dive into the questions, I want to take a quick minute to emphasize how important it is to connect with your photographer on a personal level. You’ll be sharing some of the most intimate and emotional moments of your life with them, so feeling comfortable and understood is essential. I always strive to build that trust and connection with my couples, because when we're on the same wavelength, that natural, effortless joy truly shines through in your photos.
1. What Is Your Photography Style?
One of the first questions to ask your wedding photographer is about their style. Yes, you’ll look at their photos (more on that next), but often it can be helpful to hear how we describe our unique styles too. Your wedding photos should feel like you, so it's important that the photographer's approach matches the vibe and emotion you want to see in your memories.
2. Can I See a Full Gallery of Recent Weddings?
When couples ask me to see a full gallery, I get so excited because it’s the best way to showcase the entire wedding story! It's one of the most important questions to ask a wedding photographer because it allows you to see the consistency in their work—from the getting-ready moments to the dance floor magic. A full gallery reveals how we handle different lighting situations, special details, and the flow of the day, giving you a true sense of what your wedding might look like through their lens.
3. How Do You Handle Low-Light or Tricky Lighting Situations?
Let’s be honest, weddings don’t always have perfect lighting. After doing this for almost a decade now, I’ve learned that handling low-light or tricky lighting situations is all about experience and adaptability. Whether it’s using creative techniques or bringing in additional lighting equipment, knowing how to work with what I have is key to making sure you look incredible no matter where we are or what time of day it is.
4. What’s Your Approach to Posing Versus Candid Shots?
I have to be honest, I love talking about this with my couples! Every couple is different—some feel totally comfortable with candid moments, while others need a bit more guidance to feel confident in front of the camera. My approach usually blends the best of both worlds: giving you gentle direction for those classic shots while also stepping back to capture those beautiful, unscripted moments when you’re just being yourselves.
5. How Many Hours of Coverage Are Included?
One of the common questions to ask your wedding photographer is about coverage. I like to make sure that my couples have enough hours to fully capture their day without feeling rushed. I believe every part of your day is a piece of your love story that deserves to be remembered.
6. Do You Have Experience with Our Venue or Similar Locations?
Every venue has its own character and lighting quirks, and having experience at your venue can be a big plus. If the photographer you are talking to has shot at your venue before, they will already have a sense of the best spots for those stunning portraits. If they have not been to your wedding spot before, that’s OK too! This can also give us an opportunity to be unique with our shots. As a wedding photographer, I am always looking out for a beautiful spot, or where the good light is.
7. How Do You Handle Unexpected Situations (Weather, Timeline Delays, Etc)?
Weddings have a wonderful way of surprising us, don’t they? Whether it’s a sudden rain shower or a change in the schedule, I’m always ready to go with the flow and help you find creative solutions. Your photographer should always come prepared with a backup plan so the day keeps running smoothly, no matter what happens. I like to discuss this ahead of time with my couples so we have an idea of what to do if there’s bad weather or delays.
8. How Long Will It Take to Get Our Photos?
I know how eager my couples are to relive their wedding day through their photos! One of the most common questions to ask your wedding photographer is about turnaround time. In my opinion, your photographer should always give a clear timeline of when you can expect to receive your images so you’re not left waiting in suspense.
9. How Long Have You Been Shooting Weddings?
Experience makes all the difference when it comes to navigating the unpredictable nature of weddings. I’ve been fortunate to capture countless love stories, and each one has taught me something new. This experience helps me stay calm and focused on creating beautiful images, even when things don’t go exactly as planned. It makes a big difference.
10. What Happens if You Become Ill or Have an Emergency on Our Wedding Day?
While nobody wants to think about this, it’s important that you do. A good wedding photographer should take their commitment to your wedding day very seriously, and I personally always have a contingency plan in place! I work with a network of trusted photographers who can step in if something unexpected happens to me. My goal is to make sure your day is captured beautifully, no matter what.
11. How Do You Handle (or Want Us to Handle) Guests Taking Photos While You Are?
Your friends and family are excited to capture your moments too, but it’s important to find a balance. I always encourage couples to discuss this with me beforehand, so I can focus on getting the best shots without any distractions.
Why Asking These Wedding Photographer Questions Is Important
Asking these questions to your wedding photographer isn’t just about finding someone to take pictures—it’s about finding a partner in this journey who understands your vision and knows how to turn it into a reality. You’re going to spend ALL of your wedding day with this person. I believe that the right photographer is more than just a vendor—they're someone who truly gets to know you and is there to capture the real, authentic moments of your day, from the laughter to the happy tears and everything in between.
Finally, if you're looking for a photographer who feels more like a friend, celebrating alongside you and capturing every moment with the love and care it deserves, I'd love to connect! Reach out to me today.