wedding journal

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!

Amanda and Bobby truly had a stunning wedding at Saphire Estate in Sharon, MA. It was nothing short of spectacular. The couple shared their first look in front of the stunning venue, capturing a moment filled with emotion and anticipation. The backdrop of the estate’s elegant architecture added a touch of timeless beauty to their intimate exchange.

Before Amanda and Bobby shared their intimate first look in front of the stunning Saphire Estate, Amanda had a touching first look with her dad and brothers. These heartfelt moments set the tone for a day filled with love and joy.

Following these special moments, the family and wedding party gathered for photos. Despite the impressive size of the wedding party, totaling 25, the atmosphere was anything but overwhelming. The group was incredibly kind and organized, making the photos breeze. The wedding party was so supportive of the couple, it was beautiful to be part of that.

Favorite detail

Amanda and Bobby left was the personal notes each guest’s seat at the table. These heartfelt messages were a true testament to Amanda and Bobby’s thoughtfulness and the depth of their connections with each guest. Each note was carefully crafted, reflecting the couple’s genuine appreciation and love for the friends and family who came to celebrate their special day.

This personal touch not only added a unique and intimate element to the reception but also showed Amanda and Bobby’s personalities. Warm, considerate, and deeply caring. These notes brought smiles, laughter, and even a few tears, creating a memorable and cherished experience for everyone present.

It was a perfect day, and I’m so happy I was able to capture it for them. From the beautiful setting at Saphire Estate to the personal touches and emotional moments, it was truly a joy to document Amanda and Bobby’s special day.

See more photos from Amanda & Bobby’s perfect day!

As a wedding photographer, it is crucial to be prepared for any unexpected situations that may arise on the big day. Over the years, I have learned the importance of having an emergency kit on hand, as there have been numerous instances where someone needed something urgently, and no one else had it. Read below to check out what I have in my emergency kit and what I’d recommend.

1. Shoe Horn:

A shoe horn might seem like an odd item to include in an emergency kit, but it can be a lifesaver for both the bride and groom. Oftentimes, wedding shoes can be tight and uncomfortable, which can cause unnecessary stress. A shoe horn helps ease the process of putting on and taking off shoes without damaging them or hurting the feet. Here is the link to the shoe horn I keep on me.

2. Tide Pen and Shout:

Having a tide pen and shout stain remover in your emergency kit can be a quick solution to tackle unexpected stains on wedding attire. These handy stain removers can save the day by ensuring that the couple looks their best throughout the entire event. I’ve seen them work magic on wedding dresses!

3. Hair Accessories:

Hair emergencies can be a nightmare, especially for brides. Having a collection of hair accessories in your emergency kit can help you assist the bride or bridesmaids in fixing any hair mishaps that may occur. I keep bobby pins, comb, hair spray and hair ties in my kit.

4. Sewing Kit:

A sewing kit is an essential component of any wedding day emergency kit. I’ve had to sew on bottoms on suit jacket multiple times for the groom and groomsmen. This is a must for your kit.

5. Deodorant:

Including a travel-sized deodorant in your emergency kit can help the couple, and even yourself, feel fresh and confident throughout the long day of capturing precious moments.

6. Sanitary Products:

It’s essential to be considerate of the needs of the bride and her bridal party. Including sanitary products such as tampons or pads in your emergency kit can provide comfort and relief during unexpected situations.

7. Tums:

Wedding day jitters can sometimes lead to an upset stomach. Having Tums or other antacid tablets in your kit can help alleviate any discomfort the couple may experience, ensuring they can enjoy their special day to the fullest. I’ve been to a few weddings where no one has had tums so adding these to my kit was a must.

9. Safety Pins:

Safety pins are versatile tools that can fix a wide range of issues. From securing loose hems to temporarily fixing broken accessories, safety pins are a handy item to have in your emergency kit.

10. Scissors:

A small pair of scissors can come in handy for various purposes. Whether it’s cutting loose threads, opening packages, or assisting with minor wardrobe adjustments, having scissors readily available is essential. I keep two on me because someone always needs scissors!

11. Advil:

Wedding days can be long and tiring, both physically and mentally. Including a few packets of Advil or other pain relievers in your emergency kit can provide quick relief for headaches or any other minor aches and pains.

12. Cliff Bar:

Lastly, it’s important to have a quick source of energy on hand. Including a nutritious snack like a Cliff Bar or any other energy bar can help keep you fueled throughout the day, ensuring you have the stamina to capture all the magical moments. These are my favorite and I always have a few on me during weddings.

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What do you carry in your emergency kit?