Choosing the right wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your big day. Your photographer will capture moments you’ll cherish forever, so it’s essential to find someone whose style and approach align with your vision. To help you feel confident in your choice, here are five key questions to ask your wedding photographer before booking:
1. What is your photography style, and how do you approach weddings?
This is arguably the most important question to ask and hopefully, if you’re reaching out, you already have a sense of the photographer’s style based on their portfolio. Every photographer has a unique style, whether it’s light and airy, dark and moody, or vibrant and true-to-color. Ask about their aesthetic and approach. For example, do they focus on candid moments, posed portraits, or a mix of both? Understanding their philosophy and workflow will help you determine if they’re the right fit for your vision. My approach is definitely a health mix of both and I love a good editorial vibe – I want you to feel like you’ve stepped right off the pages of Vogue!
2. Can I see a full wedding gallery?
While social media and portfolios often showcase a photographer’s highlight reel, it’s important to review a full wedding gallery. This will give you an idea of how they handle different lighting conditions (for example, evening reception lighting is much different than natural light), capture the flow of the day, and deliver consistency across an entire event. I would recommended asking for 2-3 full wedding galleries to get an idea of what to expect.
3. What is included in your wedding packages, and do you offer customization?
Photographers’ packages vary widely, so ask about what’s included. Common options include a set number of hours, a second shooter, and an engagement session. If you have specific needs, ask if they can customize a package to suit your wedding. Be sure to get clarity around the images that are included. For example, some photographers offer an engagement session but images are purchased separately. Additionally, you definitely want to know ahead of time if there are any additional anticipated fees you may not have thought about (travel, taxes, etc.). If you’ve gotten this far in my blog, you may have already received my pricing! My prices are all inclusive, meaning the digital images and taxes are already factored into the amount.
4. Do you offer an engagement session, and why is it beneficial?
This question builds upon #3 above. Many photographers include engagement sessions in their packages, and they’re a fantastic way to get comfortable in front of the camera. This session allows you to build rapport with your photographer, practice posing, and create beautiful images to use for save-the-dates or your wedding website. I offer complimentary engagement sessions with every collections and I HIGHLY recommend all my couples take advantage of this session!
5. What is your turnaround time, and how will we receive our photos?
It’s exciting to relive your wedding day through photos, so understanding when you’ll receive your gallery is important. Ask about their typical turnaround time and whether they provide sneak peeks. Additionally, clarify how you’ll receive your images (e.g., online gallery, USB drive) and if prints or albums are available. Lastly, this is a great time to ask about any limitations to digital downloads. For example, can you share the gallery with family and friends? What about other vendors? Is there a limit to the number of downloads you would receive (for example, I have seen some photographers limit online wedding galleries to a max number of five downloads).
Bonus Tip: Don’t be afraid to trust your instincts! Beyond the answers to these questions, pay attention to how you feel during your conversation. A good connection with your photographer can make all the difference in creating a relaxed and enjoyable experience on your wedding day. Remember that you’ll be spending most of your wedding day with your photographer! You’ll definitely want to ensure your personalities and energies match. I can already tell you that I am going to be that bubbly, always positive, high energy hype girl! If that’s your jam and you love my style, let’s talk more about the magic we can make!
