Choosing a wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your big day. After all, these photos will be cherished for a lifetime, so finding someone whose style, personality, and process align with your vision is key. To make sure you’re getting the perfect fit, here are the top 5 questions to ask your wedding photographer before booking:
What Is Your Photography Style, and Can We See a Full Wedding Gallery?
Photographers have distinct styles, ranging from candid and documentary to more editorial and posed. It’s important to ask what their style is and request to see a full wedding gallery (not just highlights). This will give you a real sense of what your final album will look like and if it matches your vision.
Why it matters: Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and you’ll want photos that reflect the mood and energy you’re hoping to capture. Seeing an entire gallery helps you know what to expect from start to finish.
How Do You Handle Low-Light or Challenging Lighting Situations?
Weddings are dynamic events, and lighting changes constantly—from dimly lit ceremonies to vibrant receptions. Your photographer should be able to handle various lighting conditions and still produce stunning images.
Why it matters: Whether your venue is a dark chapel or a sunset reception, you want a photographer who can adapt to changing light without missing a moment.
How Many Hours of Coverage Are Included, and What Are the Costs for Extra Time?
Weddings don’t always run on schedule, and your timeline may change throughout the day. It’s important to know how many hours your photographer will be available and what the fees are if you need them to stay longer.
Why it matters: You don’t want to be stressed about your photographer leaving before the reception gets into full swing. Make sure you know how flexible they can be and what it might cost to extend their time.
What Is Your Backup Plan for Equipment or Emergencies?
Things can go wrong—cameras can fail, memory cards can get corrupted, or unexpected emergencies can arise. Ask your photographer what their backup plan is for equipment and how they handle any unforeseen circumstances.
Why it matters: Peace of mind! You need to feel confident that no matter what happens, your photographer has it under control and your memories are safe.
When Will We Receive Our Photos, and How Will They Be Delivered?
After the wedding, the anticipation for seeing your photos will be high. It’s important to know the photographer’s turnaround time for delivering your images and how they will be shared with you—whether through an online gallery, USB drive, or prints.
Why it matters: Knowing the delivery timeline sets your expectations, so you’re not left wondering when you’ll see your wedding day memories.