7 Questions To Ask Your Wedding Photographer

Narrowing down your search to find the perfect wedding photographer for your special day can be a daunting task. I’m here today to walk you through the process, and give you some simple questions that you can take to your consultation or initial phone conversation, that should help you navigate those waters of uncertainty, and get to know the photographer personally and professionally at the same time. Here are my top recommendations for 7 questions to ask your wedding photographer.

Question 1: Find out some basic information.

You’ll want to get to know them and learn more about their business, as well as what their passions are as an artist. Ask them how long they have been a photographer. This answer obviously will vary, so make sure that, whatever their answer is, you’re comfortable with their answer.

Know that many times, your budget and their pricing will vary based on their years of experience. More experienced wedding photographers will typically be priced higher based on their experience and the fact that they can confidently deliver reliable wedding galleries that are comparable to their portfolio.

Question 2: What is their photographic style.

Many photographers will have a consistent style in which they photograph and document weddings. Make sure that their style aligns with your vision of your wedding day and photos. This is important; these photographs will last a lifetime and, ideally, you will cherish them forever without any regret.

Question 3: What is included in their wedding packages.

Look over the cost closely. Does that package include things such as an engagement session, prints, digital copies, a 2nd photographer, etc?

All of those additional items may come at an extra cost to you and your partner, depending on the photographer. In the coming months, I plan to write more on this subject, but until then, have an open conversation with your potential wedding photographer and learn their opinion on such items, and why it is (or why it isn’t) included in their packaging.

Question 4: What a typical wedding day looks like for them.

Do they have a set order for doing things? Are they flexible at all? Does their schedule, or order of events match what you’re looking for, or your wedding day overall?

Question 5: What makes them different from other photographers.

Look for them to be able to state a distinctive quality about themselves or their business that makes them stand apart from all the other wedding photographers out there. Or, better yet, maybe they will come right out and tell you why you should pick them above anyone else. Does their answer match your vision and/or unique style?

Question 6: What is the turnaround rate for photos?

Most photographers will have a stated minimum and maximum window for you to receive your edited photo gallery.

If you have a specific request, such as a photos used for thank you notes that you need prior to this window, now is the time to ask them if that’s a possibility.

Question 7: What the process is of securing a wedding with them.

How much is the deposit and when do they need it by?

When is the remainder of the balance due?

Do they have a written contract that states all the logistics mentioned in the consult clearly? Does it state the turnaround time, payment information, etc.? (Tip: if not, look elsewhere.)

Armed with these questions to ask your wedding photographer, you are sure to be able to open knowledgeable dialogue between you and your potential vendor, as well as get to know them on a personal level, too. Finding a wedding photographer can be stressful, but when you find one that fits your personality, it will seriously make your whole wedding day so much better.

Did you have any other questions that you think are important to add to this list? If so, I would love to hear them in the comment section below.