12 Questions you SHould ask your

wedding photographer before you book them

Planning a wedding is no small task. From color palettes to dinner menu options, there are many detailed decisions to be made. Some brides opt to hire a professional wedding planner. However, some tend to handle the preparation themselves, operating and organizing via to-do lists, calendars and spreadsheets. Whether you delegate the planning to a coordinator or plan things yourself, the decision-making process remains the same. You have the final say on all wedding aspects, and that includes choosing the right photographer.

A wedding photographer’s job is to capture every detail of your big day with little to no intrusion or stress. Because the photographer(s) will be spending a lot of time with you, documenting intimate and emotional moments, you’ll want to make sure you’re comfortable with them. Here are a few key questions you should ask a wedding photographer before hiring them.

1. How do you feel about wedding guests taking photos during the ceremony and reception?

Social media has become a popular aspect of the wedding culture, such as couples creating wedding hashtags for their guests. Wedding goers are able to take and post photos to social media sites like Instagram with clever hashtags incorporating last names, catchy love phrases or both. Once the festivities are over, the couple may search their hashtag and scroll through photos taken by family and friends. However, allowing this could ruin a great photo opportunity for your wedding photographer. For example, guests blocking views of the first kiss, first dance or caking cutting. Many professional wedding photographers prefer guests to refrain from personal photography, but ultimately, it’s up to the couple to decide what’s best for them. The important thing here is to be sure to find a photographer whose overall vision aligns with yours.

2. What do you wear to photograph a wedding?

Asking this particular question can help clue you in as to how experienced the wedding photographer is. To make sure they are respectful of religious or cultural ceremonies in which some colors may be considered taboo, some photographers may ask about your dress code, However, most professionals will choose to wear darker colors like black or navy and comfortable shoes since they’ll be on their feet all day. Their outfit choice will also be suitable for the weather and environmental elements.

3. When you’re not photographing weddings, what do you like to shoot?

A lot of photographers transition into wedding photography to pay the bills. While they enjoy capturing special moments at these ceremonies, their first passion might fall into another photography genre. Inquiring what else a photographer likes to shoot will reveal a lot about their personality and photography style. If they prefer to photograph food, they’ll be great with capturing up-close details. If they enjoy shooting landscapes and travel, they’ll have a keen eye for post-ceremony shots of the couple and wedding party and venue. Though their photographs will exhibit their talent, you’ll also see and appreciate their passion and influences.

4. May i See Reviews From Past Couples?

This is a very valid question to ask your photographer and references from past clients are so incredibly important. Reviews from past clients can give you a real idea of the level of professionalism of your photographer. They can also give you an idea of the photographers personality, as you see what couples they’ve tended to work with and, more importantly, who they’ve worked well with. This way, you can get a sense of their style and how they work and decide whether or not they will be a good fit for you and your vision.

5. Tell Me About Your Experience As A Wedding Photographer.

You’ll want to know all about your photographers experience, and there are a few key items to look for. You’ll want to know how many years of experience they have, of course. However, you’ll also want to know how long they’ve been a wedding photographer specifically. This will also let you know their general knowledge, such as their experience as a lighting expert, using different kinds of equipment, etc. You will also want to know how well they can handle different situations, especially high-pressure ones. Your photographer should be able to handle anything that comes up while maintaining a professional attitude on your big day.

6. May I See A Portfolio/More Pictures?

This is very important to do before you hire a photographer. It is hard to get a feel for the photographers style when you only see a few photos. You’ll want to see a complete portfolio of their photography. This will give you a more general idea of their style. You should also consider different aspects of the picture. Make sure their portfolio is not monotonous. You’ll want to see that your photographer uses all kinds of lighting, focus, and other effects. This shows they make an effort to capture the right details of special moments during the festivities in the best angle possible.

7. How Many Photographers Are Included In MY Package?

You will want to make sure that you have at least two photographers for a few reasons. First, one photographer can’t be everywhere at once. Having more than one photographer means they can divide and conquer in order to capture more moments during the festivities. It is also practical to have a photographer of each gender. This way, there’s a female photographer, who can remain with the bride for getting ready/pre-ceremony shots while the male photographer will do the same for the groom.

8. Is An Engagement Session Included In My Package?

Your engagement is an important chapter in your love story, but some photographers don’t include an engagement session in their package. You’ll want to remember this time with your fiance, so consider booking a photographer that includes an engagement session in their overall services. This session is one you can really make your own. You can be more relaxed during this shoot and really let your personality shine, so you’ll want a professional to capture the moment.

9. May I See A Sample Timeline Of The Day?

It is important that your wedding day go as smoothly as possible, so you will want to know that your photographer is efficient and organized. You will also want to confirm with the photographer what moments you want captured, so that you can both prioritize. It is important to check on whether or not your photographer can provide a detailed wedding day checklist. This will not only help you organize your day, but will also allow for you and the photographer to communicate properly and to meet all your photography needs.

10. What is your primary style?

This is also a matter of communication between you and your photographer. To make sure that everyone’s on the same page, you’ll want to know what style your photographer prefers (portraits, proofs). Decide what style you want for your wedding day and select a photographer who fits that style. This will ensure that you get your wedding photos in the style that you want, and that the photographer gets to focus on what they excel at. it’s a win-win that will make sure your photos come out perfect!

11. I don’t photograph well and can be awkward sometimes. Can you help me?

This is a very important thing to communicate to your photographer. Some people take a little time to warm up when they’re in front of the camera, so you’ll want your photographer to know how to work with you to help you feel confident while shooting. This makes it crucial that you choose a photographer who has a good personality, so that you feel relaxed and comfortable during the session. That way they can take more natural, candid snapshots to help you look amazing in your photos.

12. What’s your favorite part of the wedding?

This is a question that can help you get to know the photographer better. It lets the photographer show their passion and expertise regarding the profession and can help you get a better sense of the way they work. Asking them to explain their favorite moment can show you how much attention they pay to detail and what they will focus on when shooting your wedding. Not to mention it can help the two of you connect and build a rapport before you work together, which is extremely important.