First, let me tell you, congrats!
Planning a wedding is so incredibly fun and everything is all about you and your partner’s vision for the day. Personally, I felt so many people made it sound like something that should be scary or tense or causing stress in your life. Finding all of your wedding vendors can be (and should be) so incredibly fun, because you’re looking for creators and creatives who will help make your special day special.
I’ll tell you one thing, finding the perfect wedding photographer was one thing in the wedding planning process that I was most excited to get started on – they’re the ones who capture the fleeting moments, the laugher, and the tears and turn them into timeless memories. They don’t just look for what happened, but they’re looking for the things you might not have noticed and they’re looking for the things you felt.
After years of bridal modeling, I’ve posed in front of (not exaggerating) something like 100 wedding cameras and met as many photographers – and a lot of them were considered when I was looking for wedding photographers.
For me, choosing the right wedding photographer isn’t just about liking their portfolio – it’s about making sure you’ve found someone you can trust on your big day and someone who you want AROUND for some of the most intimate moments of your life
After about 250 Instagram profiles, 115 websites, 27 inquiries and 6 calls, here’s my break down on the essential questions to ask potential photographers.
Questions About Experience
Yours, as the Client:
- What’s included in my package?
Be clear on what you’re getting—hours of coverage, engagement sessions, albums, prints, or digital files. You want to make sure that your vision for the weekend is considered and covered. - How many photos will I get?
This will help you understand the scope of the final deliverables. - Do you offer albums or prints?
If preserving your memories in a physical format is important to you, ensure they provide these options. - Do I have permission to share, print, and publish my images?
Check if there are restrictions on how you can use your wedding photos. - How long will it take to receive my photos?
Understand the timeline for sneak peeks, full galleries, and albums.
Theirs:
- Have you shot at my venue before?
While it’s not a dealbreaker, familiarity with your venue can give the photographer a creative advantage. If this is something that matters to you, plenty of venues will allow the photographer to come and visit ahead of your big day to scout the location and make sure things move smoothly. - How many weddings have you photographed?
For some people, experience matters and they want a seasoned pro. Depending on your budget, you may want to consider going with someone with more experience or someone who’s early in their career, but has the right aesthetic or vibe you’re looking for.
Questions About Equipment
- What type of equipment do you use?
This question is more for peace of mind, as professional photographers invest in high-quality gear. Even if the answer doesn’t make sense, a good photographer should know! - How do you back up the photos?
Safeguarding your wedding memories is crucial. Ask about their backup processes—both on-site and after the event. I’ve seen videos on TikTok where photographers talk about storing SD cards in their bra after a wedding to make sure that if anything happened to their equipment before they got home, they’d have the photos safe and sound. - Do you have a second shooter?
A second shooter can provide additional angles and coverage, especially for larger weddings. A major trend happening right now is about having a shooter capture guest portraits during cocktail hours or as favors – while you may be able to outsource that with a professional guest portrait photographer, you can also consider using a second shooter to cover a fun activity like this.
Questions About Emergencies
- What happens if you can’t make it due to an emergency?
Life is unpredictable. Make sure they have a contingency plan, such as a network of professional photographers to step in if needed. - What is your cancellation policy?
Understand the terms around cancellations, rescheduling, and refunds, so there are no surprises.
Questions About Everything Else
- How would you describe your photography style?
Ensure their approach aligns with your vision—whether it’s traditional, documentary, or fine art. - Can I see a full gallery from a recent wedding?
Reviewing a full gallery will give you a better sense of their consistency and ability to capture an entire day.
My Wedding Photographer Experience
When planning my own wedding, I asked these exact questions—and I’m so glad I did. My photographer Lauren has been everything to me – she’s talented, but also has been so prepared, organized, and professional. In that initial call, she took the time to answer all my questions, which ultimately is what made me know she was the person for my big day (weekend).
If you’re looking for a photographer who goes above and beyond, I can’t recommend Lauren enough – everyone knows her to be a bride’s girl through and through and her wedding weekend package is perfect for capturing every detail that goes into the big day.
Finding the right wedding photographer is about more than just their portfolio—it’s about their experience, preparedness, and ability to align with your unique needs. By asking these key questions, you’ll not only clarify what’s important to you but also find a photographer who will make you feel confident and comfortable on your special day.
Do you have more questions about choosing a wedding photographer or want personalized advice? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to help you navigate this exciting part of wedding planning!
