When choosing the vendors for your wedding day, it’s essential to find people you feel comfortable with and trust. This is especially important when it comes to choosing a wedding photographer, as your photographer (and videographer) will be the two vendors who will undoubtedly spend the most time with you throughout your event(s).
As you’re interviewing potential photographers, take time to determine not just their prices, but also the style and quality of their images and whether their personality would be a good fit for you and your wedding day. Not sure what to ask? Check out my frequently asked questions (and answers)!
Q: How would you describe your photography style?
A: Every photographer has a different style for their art. Some like to observe and take documentary-style photos of the day, while others specialize in carefully choreographed images. Ask your photographer not only to describe their style but also to show examples from previous weddings they’ve shot to give you a better idea of what to expect. Personally, I choose both.
My style of shooting is photojournalistic (as though I’m telling a story), while specifically my couple and family portraits are editorial and choreographed where I take the time to position and pose everyone. After all, these are most likely the photos that your mom and dad will want printed and displayed.
Q: Have you shot a wedding at our venue before?
A: It often helps to have a photographer who is familiar with your venue and knows the best spots nearby for photos. However, if they’ve never shot a wedding at your venue before, that isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker. Ask if they’ll be checking out the venue before the wedding to find the perfect photo backdrops.
Most times, my team and I arrive early at the venue in order to scout portrait locations. In addition, I always request a floor plan from the venue approximately one month before the date in order to receive their most updated looks and renovations.
Q: What’s included in your wedding package?
A: Most photographers have standard packages as well as extras you can add on for an additional fee. Be sure to ask what’s included in the packages, like the number of hours and prints or digital files, and be aware of any fees for travel or other costs.
My packages range in prices according to the individual needs of each couple. For this reason, packages are customizable (some may include albums, prints and/or thank you cards etc.). Travel fees are included in most packages except destination weddings, and there is no cap on the number of digital images delivered. As a reference though, consider receiving 150-200 images per hours of coverage.
Q: What happens in the event of an emergency?
A: Be sure to ask any potential photographer about their backup plan in case they’re ill or unable to photograph your wedding because of an emergency. This may feel like an awkward question, but it’s important to know there’s a solid Plan B in place so you’ll get the wedding photos you want, regardless of unexpected circumstances.
I belong to a number of Wedding Photographer associations, one of them being Fearless Photographers. These organizations always provide a list of emergency photographers to all their members. The list matches members with other photographers who shoot in a similar style, thus guaranteeing the quality and style of your images and ensuring that the images you receive will be exactly what you envisioned when you hired me! 🙂
Q: Can we view full galleries of your recent weddings?
A: You might have fallen in love with a photographer’s work when you saw it on their website, but a full gallery from a previous wedding can give you a better idea of the photographer’s style and skill. A complete gallery will also help you see if the photographer is consistent with the quality of their images.
I can absolutely provide a sample gallery! Sample galleries are provided upon request, and they showcase my work in its entirety…an entire wedding from start to finish.
Q: How long have you been photographing weddings, and how many weddings have you shot?
A: It’s a great idea to ask about your potential photographer’s experience level, as well as their workload. You don’t want to hire someone who’s never photographed a wedding before to captures images of your big day.
I’ve been a professional wedding photographer for over eight years. and I’ve documented approximately 150 weddings.
Q: What do you love about photographing weddings?
A: This question may sound like small talk, but it’s an excellent way to get a better understanding of a photographer’s personality and how they’ll approach your wedding day. After all, you want a photographer who’s (almost) as excited about your wedding as you are!
Taking time to interview potential photographers gives you a chance to ask all these important questions and address any concerns you have about your wedding day. Before speaking with a photographer, be sure to write down a list of questions you have and any other details you want to know, to ensure that you’re prepared.
