Questions you should ask your wedding photographer before your big day
It goes without saying that your wedding day is one of the most memorable days of your life. There is so much planning, money and time that goes into making your special day exactly what you want and it’s important to know that your vendors have your back and understand your vision, especially your wedding photographer.
It’s kind of funny to think about but most couples will spend more time interacting with their wedding photographer than anyone else on their wedding day. Wild right?! That’s why it’s so important that you know, like, and most important, TRUST the person behind the lens capturing your big day. But before you sign on the dotted line, it's important to ask the right questions to ensure that you and your photographer are on the same page and that they have all the bases covered on your wedding day. Here are some essential questions to help you determine if your wedding photographer is a good fit an my answers too because I’d love to work with you on your big day 😉
How would you describe your photography style?
Every photographer has a unique style, and it's essential to make sure that their style matches your vision. Do you want a traditional, classic look, or do you prefer a more modern, artistic approach? Review the photographer's portfolio and ask for examples of weddings they've shot in the past to see if their style matches what you have in mind.
My Answer: I describe my photography style as a mix between candid and modern-editorial. I love prompting my couples with movement but also love composing a high-fashion, modern shot when the time is right. My editing style definitely leans toward bold, true-to-life-color. I love using color in my images so that you can relive the day just as you saw it!
What is included in your packages?
Wedding photography packages can vary significantly in terms of price and what's included. Some photographers may only provide digital images, while others may offer albums, prints, and additional services. Be sure to ask for a breakdown of what is included in each package and what additional costs you may incur.
My Answer: I have 3 different base wedding packages that can be customized for any bride’s needs. After planning my own wedding, I realized how important flexibility was when it comes to packages because all brides have different needs. I also have a la carte options like printed wedding albums, additional day of coverage, rehearsal dinner coverage, etc. so that your wedding photography package is EXACTLY what you need.
What’s your favorite thing about weddings?
I’ll be honest, being a wedding photographer isn’t for the faint of heart. You want to work with a photographer who has experience shooting weddings and that enjoys shooting them. Ask how many weddings they've shot in the past and what types of weddings they've worked on - were they big or more intimate? Ask about what crazy situations they’ve had to overcome on a wedding day and HOW they did so.
My Answer: I love shooting weddings because of how different each wedding is. There is no one size fits all type of wedding and it’s always so fun to see how my couples make their day custom to them! If we are talking about photography specifically, my favorite part of a wedding to shoot is the reception - which is a hot take for most photographers! I just feel that at this point in the day, there is a lot less stress and tension and it’s the best time to capture my couples and their guests most naturally!
What is your backup plan in case of equipment failure?
Equipment failure can happen to even the most prepared photographer. SD cards can corrupt, lenses can break, cameras can crap out - Ask your photographer about their backup plan in case their equipment fails on your wedding day. Do they have extra cameras, lenses, and memory cards on hand? Will they bring backup photographers if necessary?
My Answer: I show up to every wedding with two cameras that each have two SD cards! After your wedding day all of your files are backed up onto 2 separate hard drives and a cloud storage system. I also keep your SD cards until after your wedding gallery is delivered - just to make sure your photos are safe. This is also why all of my wedding packages come with a second shooter for the off chance that my gear happens to all go wrong. It’s a nice level of protection for me and my couples.
Can we see a full wedding gallery?
Reviewing a full wedding gallery will give you a better idea of how the photographer works throughout the entire day. Ask to see a full gallery to get a sense of how they capture different parts of the wedding, such as the ceremony, reception, and portraits.
My answer: I am always more than willing to send over a full gallery to my clients! I also have a handful of weddings on my blog that can help you get an essence of how I will capture your big day!
How do you handle editing and post-production?
How many photos can we expect Post-production is the editing process that takes place after the wedding day. Ask your photographer about their process for post-production and including how long it will take to receive your images and what type of editing is included.
My answer: My turnaround for wedding galleries can range from 10-14 weeks from your wedding day depending on the season - some seasons are busier than others. You can expect anywhere from 60-80 photos per our of coverage. So for example if you hire me for 8 hours, you can expect a full gallery with around 480-640 photos depending on how involved your big day is.
Choosing the right wedding photographer can be difficult, especially when there are so many different ones to choose from. By asking these essential questions, you can make sure that you and your partner know, like, and trust your wedding photographer and can go into your big day with confidence in knowing that they will capture your wedding exactly how you imagined it!