You’ve booked your venue, you’ve picked out your dress, and you’re ready to start planning the details of your dream wedding. But there’s one detail that shouldn’t be forgotten: your photographer. Your wedding photos are one of the most important things you’ll hold on to from this day—you want them to be as beautiful as possible! To help make sure you’re picking the right person for the job, here are some questions every bride-to-be should ask her wedding photographer:
How much do you charge, and what’s included in your package?
The first thing you should ask your photographer is how much they charge and what’s included in their package. The costs will depend on the photographer, so it’s important to find out how much photographers in your area generally charge. If a photographer has many years of experience, their prices will tend to be higher than those of newer photographers. Also keep in mind that some photographers offer more services than others as part of their packages—for example, some may include an album for every client or include online hosting for all images from each shoot.
The next step is deciding if the price fits into your budget: if it does (and even if it doesn’t), make sure to have a conversation about whether these services are worth adding onto the package upfront so there won’t be any surprises later on down the road!
What is your photography style?
This is a great question to ask not just because it will help you understand their style, but also because it gives them the opportunity to show off their portfolio. If a photographer has really unique images in their portfolio, then chances are they’ll be able to create something similar for your wedding. That being said, if most of their images are standard and run-of-the-mill, then this probably isn’t someone who will add anything special or unique to your big day!
What would you say are your best shots?
One of the best ways to get a sense of how a photographer will work with you is by seeing their previous work. Having some examples of their best shots will help you decide if they are right for your wedding day, or if you even like the style at all.
You should ask:
- What would you say are your best shots?
- Can I see samples of your portfolio in person?
Do you use a second shooter, or are you on your own?
If you have a second shooter, they’ll be able to capture more angles and capture more candid moments. A second photographer will also be able to catch the little details of your day that might otherwise be missed by a single photographer. For example: if you are having an outdoor wedding and want photos of your guests dancing on the dance floor or eating at their table during dinner, having two photographers can help you achieve this goal.
How many weddings have you photographed?
This is an easy one. The more weddings a photographer has photographed, the better. You want someone who has been doing this for decades and has perfected their craft. This also means they are likely to have a good understanding of what works and what doesn’t work at different stages in your wedding day.
Can I see more examples of your work?
This is a great question if you’re still trying to decide which photographer you want to hire. You should see examples of their work before you book them, so that you know what their style is like and how they handle different situations.
If the photographer doesn’t have any samples of their work on hand, ask them how they would go about providing these for you. They should be able to send some photos via email or link to an online gallery where you can view them as well as read reviews from past clients (if applicable).
Have you ever worked at my wedding venue?
If you don’t know the answer to this question, ask your photographer. If you’re getting married in an unusual place (like an airplane hangar or castle), try asking them “Do you have any experience with photographing at [my venue]?” This way they can tailor what they show off to reflect that kind of location. If they have worked at your venue before and if they are able to talk about their experience there, they might be able to give you some insight into how to make your day run smoother. On the other hand, if they haven’t worked at the venue before but are excited by the challenge of working in an unfamiliar space, that’s great too!
Are you the photographer who shows up on my wedding day, or will it be someone else?
Whether you’re a wedding photographer or a bride, the question of who will show up on your wedding day is a very important one. The photographer who shows up for your engagement session may be the same person who shoots your wedding, so it’s important to ensure that you feel comfortable with your choice. Unless otherwise specified in any contracts signed before booking, the photographer will be present at every event, including pre-ceremony details (such as getting ready), ceremony and reception.
How much time do you need for family portraits and formals after the ceremony?
This is a question to keep in mind as you make your wedding day timeline. You might be tempted to have the most number of people involved in your photos, but if it’s too long, then it will wear down your guests (and your photographer).
It’s best to ask several photographers about their approach to family portraits and group shots after the ceremony. Some may prefer photographing just one large group photo with everyone together while others will want more time with smaller groups of people so they can get better candids.
Do we have to take more than one set of the same photos with everyone in different combinations of family members and friends?
If you have a specific photo in mind, be sure to let your photographer know. If not, they can make suggestions based on their experience and the venue where they are shooting.
If you want as many photos as possible and don’t mind repetition, then yes—you will likely need several sets of each pose with different people. Some photographers may have packages available where this is included; others may charge an additional fee per set of pictures if time allows it (and they aren’t booked up).
Do you edit all the photos yourself before showing them to us or do they come straight out of the camera?
If you want to get the most out of your wedding photography, you need to hire a professional. A good wedding photographer will be able to capture the little moments that make each wedding unique—the way the light filters through your veil as you walk down the aisle, or how your new husband’s eyes glisten with emotion as he sees his bride for the first time.
When searching for a photographer who will suit your style and needs, ask questions like: Do they edit all their photos themselves before showing them to us? Are they good at taking photos of people? Or are they better at capturing beautiful images of nature or architecture?
When will we get to see our pictures, and how long will it take to receive all of them?
In general, most wedding photographers are able to send you a set of images within one month or two. You should also ask if there is an extra charge for rush orders. If so, how much more per hour would that be?
At the end of the day, photography is an investment in your memories. You can do it yourself for free, but there’s no way you’ll get the same quality as a professional. If you want something more than just some blurry pictures on your phone and Instagram followers, then there are options out there that will give you what you need — just make sure they’re worth it!