10 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer
1. Can we see full galleries?
This is probably the most important one. You want to look at two or three full galleries to make sure the photographers style and vision align with your own. You also want to look for consistency in their portfolio so you aren’t surprised when you get your photos back.
2. How do you describe your working style?
This is also another really important question to ask. You need to make sure that the way they photograph a wedding, won’t interfere with your vision. Do you want someone to be more hands on and posey? Then you probably don’t want to hire someone that describes their shooting style as documentary. If you want someone that shoots more candidly without interfering then you should 100% go with someone that’s documentary.
3. Do you have backup equipment?
I have had several cameras fail at weddings. I’ve had a camera fail as I was prepping to leave for a wedding. Hire someone who continue working your wedding without hesitation if their gear breaks down. Most photographers tend to have two camera bodies on them at all times, and some of us have more than that.
4. Will my photos be backed up in multiple places?
This is another huge problem in this industry. Photographers losing clients images and not having a backup solution available. My cameras have two card slots so I’m backing up to two cards as I shoot a wedding and then hold on to those cards until it’s delivered. I also backup to at least one external HD and online cloud storage if I’m on the road. Make sure that the photographers you’re interested in have a set workflow for this. Although things can still happen, it’s better to be more safe than sorry.
5. Are you comfortable photographing people in all lighting situations?
The short answer to this question is a lot of photographers are not great at harsh light or low light. This is why it’s so important to look through several full galleries, and if you don’t see these lighting situations, ask to see them.
6. Will you be photographing us as we are or will you potentially put us into situations we aren’t comfortable in?
I normally like to ask my clients before their portraits if they’re cuddly with one another or what their love language is. If I have clients who say they aren’t cuddly then I will either have them run around playing games or do more editorial posing. If I have clients who say they love to cuddle then I will shoot them a bit more intimately. I have seen SO MANY photos from photographers with clients who are clearly uncomfortable with the pose they’re in, and this is most likely the culprit.
7. How do you deliver our photos? Can we print and share them?
PLEASE ask this. Make sure you know all of this and that it doesn’t become an issue upon delivery. You don’t want surprises when it comes to actually getting your photos back! Also ask if you’re allowed to print them on your own and share them on social media. Every photographer has different policies.
8. How much time do you need for wedding party, family formals, couples portraits, etc?
If you have a wedding planner they will probably email your photographer and ask this question to create the timeline. It will still be important for you to know how long the person you’re hiring needs to competently photograph each set of photos. I shoot fairly quickly, but I have friends who take three times as long as I do to set up each photo.
9. Where should we print our images?
This will be different for every photographer. If you want professional level prints then ask your photographer if you can print through them. See what they suggest for alternatives.
10. What’s your experience level with photographing weddings?
Be sure to ask what their experience level is when it comes to how a wedding day works. Make sure you are comfortable if they have little to no experience, because things can and do go wrong. A seasoned pro may be better equipped to handle certain situations (family feuds, late timelines, etc).
When selecting a wedding photographer, it’s also valuable to understand their approach to editing and post-processing your photos. Some photographers prefer natural edits that maintain authentic colors and lighting, while others may apply dramatic filters or extensive retouching to create a particular look. Knowing this upfront ensures your final images align with your expectations. Additionally, consider asking about their experience with different wedding venues and conditions. Outdoor ceremonies, especially those held during sunset or in shaded areas, can present unique lighting challenges. Photographers skilled in handling varied environments will produce better results regardless of weather or location. Communication style is another important factor. A photographer who actively listens and integrates your input throughout the planning and shooting process can make for a more comfortable and enjoyable experience. Review how responsive they are to questions or requests prior to booking. It’s also worth clarifying their policies regarding image rights and usage. Will you receive full copyright ownership, or are there restrictions on how the photos can be shared or printed? Understanding this helps avoid surprises later when you want to create albums or share images online. Finally, many couples find it helpful to discuss contingency plans if an unexpected event arises on the wedding day, such as delays or changes in schedule. Experienced photographers often have strategies to adapt smoothly without sacrificing key moments. By expanding your questions beyond basic logistics and style, you gain a comprehensive picture of how the photographer will manage your wedding coverage, protecting your investment and ensuring cherished memories are beautifully captured.
