When choosing the professionals you work with for your wedding day, not only is it essential to find people you feel comfortable with and connect with, it’s also very important when it comes to choosing your wedding photographer. Unlike the rest of your vendors, your photographer will be with you all day, enhancing and capturing memories you’ll look back on for the rest of your life.
As you’re meeting with photographers, take time to not only determine 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.
If you’re not sure where to begin, start out with these seven essential questions!
How would you describe your photography style?
Every photographer has a different style for their photos. While some like to observe and take documentary-style photos of the day, others specialize in carefully posed images. There are also very different styles of editing that are ‘True to life,’ ‘Light & Airy,’ ‘Dark & Moody,’ etc. Get to know the style you are drawn to and know if your photographer works in that style.
Have you shot a wedding at our venue before?
It can help if your photographer 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 locations.
What’s included in your wedding package?
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, a second photographer (shooter), an online gallery, whether you can download your digital files, prints, albums, an engagement session, and ask about any fees for travel or other costs.
What happens in the event of an emergency?
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.
How long have you been photographing weddings, and how many weddings have you shot?
Not only is it a great idea to ask about your potential photographer’s experience in terms of how long they’ve been photographing weddings, but also ask about their workload and the amount of weddings they typically do in a year. You want to make sure that you hire someone who is seasoned and experienced to be able to produce quality images in most lighting scenarios.
What do you love about photographing weddings?
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 not only approach your wedding day but how they will regard you. After all, you want a photographer who’s just as excited about your wedding day as you are!
Taking time to meet with 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 make sure you touch on everything you want to ask.
