You’re engaged…woohoo! Now comes the fun (and sometimes overwhelming) part, researching and booking vendors. When it comes to photography, you might be wondering: what questions to ask a wedding photographer? Having been on both sides, planning my own wedding and now working as a wedding photographer, I’ve learned there are things I wish I had asked and things I want my potential clients to know. So, let’s dive into the must-ask questions to help you find the perfect photographer for your big day!
1. What is your style, and how do you approach a wedding day?
This is such an important question because every photographer has a unique style and approach! Some focus on a documentary, candid style, while others lean towards a more posed, editorial look. Their approach to a wedding day can also vary, do they take charge and direct moments, or do they blend into the background and capture things as they naturally unfold?
It’s essential to find a photographer whose style matches your vision and whose personality makes you feel comfortable. Ask to see full wedding galleries, not just highlight reels, to get a true sense of how they capture an entire day.
2. What is your backup plan? If you aren’t able to be there on my wedding day due to an emergency, what happens?
Life is unpredictable, and while no one likes to think about worst-case scenarios, it’s important to know your photographer has a solid backup plan in place. Ask if they have a trusted network of photographers who can step in if needed. Do they have second shooters or assistants who could take over?
3. What happens to my photos after the wedding? Do they get deleted once delivered, or do you keep them?
This is so important, I can’t stress it enough! After your wedding, your photos (and video, if chosen) are the one thing you have left from the day. You want to make sure your photographer has processes in place to keep your images safe.
Ask about their backup system, do they use dual memory cards while shooting? How and where are the photos stored after the wedding? How long do they keep them? Also, find out how long your online gallery will be active and whether there’s a fee to have it re-uploaded if needed.
For me, both of my cameras have dual memory cards, and as soon as I get home, I upload everything to my computer, two hard drives, and the cloud. And they never get deleted. Like, never. I keep online galleries active for a year, but since I always have backups, I can easily re-upload them, for free.
Quick story: A bride from 2021 reached out to me today because her wedding photos were on an old device, and she forgot to move them over. She thought she’d ask if I still had them but understood that I probably didn’t… but I did! I was able to re-upload her photos, and she was beyond grateful.
Not all photographers keep images forever, and some charge to re-upload galleries, so it’s crucial to ask before booking. That way, you know what to expect and can take any necessary steps to back up your photos yourself!
4. What does communication look like when working with you?
Planning a wedding involves a lot of moving parts, so knowing how and when you can communicate with your photographer is key. Ask what their preferred method of communication is, can you text them, or is it strictly email? How many meetings are included in your package? What’s their typical response time?
For me, I want my couples to feel like they can reach out anytime! I’m available via email and text, and I include however many meetings needed in my collections to go over details, timelines, and any questions you have. I also aim to respond within 24 hours/days because I know how important quick communication is when planning a wedding.
Every photographer has a different approach, so it’s important to find someone whose communication style aligns with your needs and expectations. The last thing you want is to feel like you’re left in the dark leading up to your big day!
5. Do you have insurance?
This one is pretty simple, all professional photographers should have insurance, especially when working at venues (and most venues require it!). Liability insurance protects both you and the photographer in case of accidents, and equipment insurance ensures that if anything happens to their gear, your wedding day coverage isn’t at risk.
6. How long until I get my final gallery?
Turnaround time is an important detail to discuss and should be clearly stated in your contract. Some photographers take several months, while others have a quicker turnaround depending on their workload.
For me, I take on a limited number of weddings each year so that no one has to wait months and months for their photos. I believe in delivering galleries in a timely manner while maintaining the highest quality.
Make sure to ask about sneak peeks as well, some photographers provide a small selection of edited images within a few days so you have something to share while you wait for the full gallery!
7. What do you love about weddings?
Ask this!! The person you choose should truly love photographing weddings. You want someone who is passionate, excited, and genuinely cares about capturing your day, not just someone who sees it as another job.
When your photographer is just as excited about your wedding as you are, it makes the experience that much better!
8. What is your booking process?
Understanding the booking process upfront ensures there are no surprises. Ask what’s required to officially secure your date, do they require a retainer fee? When is the final payment due? What does the contract include?
For me, I make the process as simple and clear as possible. A signed contract and retainer fee are required to lock in your date, and I provide a payment schedule so you always know what to expect. Everything should be discussed in advance, so you’re never left wondering about the next step!
9. Can I see full wedding galleries?
You should always be able to view a couple of full galleries from real weddings! While Instagram and website portfolios showcase the best highlights, they don’t show how a photographer captures an entire wedding day, from getting ready to the ceremony, reception, and all the in-between moments.
Seeing full galleries will give you a better idea of their consistency, editing style, and how they handle different lighting situations. It’s one of the best ways to make sure their work aligns with your vision for your own wedding photos!
Choosing the right wedding photographer is about more than just loving their photos—it’s about trusting them to capture one of the most important days of your life. By asking what questions to ask a wedding photographer, you’ll gain a better understanding of their style, process, and professionalism, ensuring they’re the perfect fit for you.
If you’re looking for a photographer who truly cares about your experience, values communication, and will preserve your memories with passion, I’d love to chat! Reach out here to inquire about your date, ask any additional questions, or just say hello! And be sure to check out my Pinterest to get wedding inspo!
