What to ask your wedding photographer

Okay, choosing vendors is hard! When you’ve never planned a wedding or elopement before how do you even start? After choosing your date and venue, I’m guessing photography is next on your list. Finding a style you like and someone who fits your budget is just the start and then there is the consultation. Most photographers will likely lead you though the consultation with information you may not even think to ask but just in case they leave some things out make sure to ask some questions yourself! Scroll down to see the 10 questions I think every couple should be asking their photographer before they book!

What is your shooting style? Making sure you like the way a photographer edits their images is important but how they photograph you is what’s going to make you feel comfortable in front of their camera. Do you want candid images, posed, a little of both? There is so many ways a photographer may go about getting those amazing images you see on their Instagram or website. There’s no wrong way to this question it will be more about preference. I tend to shoot more candid and pose when needed. Find out what your photographer does and why they do it that way.

Have you ever shot at a venue/location like mine? It’s not necessary that your photographer has shot at your exact location although that is great as well! Just make sure they know how to shoot in the type of location you’ll be at. Dark venue with little light? Ask if they’ve ever shot in low light. 2pm ceremony on a golf course? Ask them about any harsh light weddings they’ve shot at before and how they handled it.

Can I see a two or three complete wedding galleries? Any photographer can get a couple beautiful images from an entire wedding day so make sure you ask to see a few full day galleries! Pay close attention to the “small” moments like family formals and getting ready pictures. Make sure their work is pretty consistent throughout the day and not just the couples formals at sunset.

Do you work off of a shot list? Personally, I do not use a shot list except for family formals, I prefer for the day to flow more organically. Some photographers accept them and even may ask for one. This again would be personal preference so try and think about what you prefer. Ask them if they use one and why or why not to get a better understanding of if they’d be a great fit for you!

How much time do we need for our day? This will vary by photographer and by your own personal wedding day! Your photographer will know how much time you should need based off what you’re wanting and how much time they’ll need for pictures.

How much planning help do you offer? Location help, timeline planning, and vendor recommendations are just a few of the ways some photographer choose to help you with your wedding planning. Your photographer may offer more or less so make sure to check in with them about this if you think you will want help in some areas.

Do you have insurance? If you’re getting married at a venue, some places require all vendors to hold insurance. Check in with your photographer to make sure they’re legal and insured to be safe!

Do you have a backup plan in case of an emergency? I could write ten pages on just this but for your sake I’ll just give you the cliff notes. Lets be honest, shit happens. Even on your wedding day something can go wrong. As much as we don’t want to think about that, make sure your photographer is prepared for everything! Do they have backup equipment? How are they backing up your images to make sure they don’t loose them? What happens if they can’t be there on your wedding day (sickens/accident/death)? How do they handle bad weather? The list goes on but just make sure they got you covered!

Last but definitely not least, Get to know your photographer! What kind of music do you like? Where’s your dream travel destination? Do you like  tacos or nah? Sounds silly but making sure you have a connection with your photographer will make the wedding day so much more fun and will help you to feel more comfortable in front of their camera!

Hopefully these questions are helpful! Write them down, add your own, and chat away with your potential wedding photographer!