Now that you’re engaged and planning your special day, you might wonder what questions to ask your wedding photographer. Choosing the right photographer is super important, as these photos will preserve your wedding day for the rest of your life! To help make sure that you book the perfect wedding photographer for YOU, here are 8 questions you should ask before booking.
8 Important Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer
How do you backup your photos and keep them safe?
Out of all the questions to ask your wedding photographer, this might be the most important one. While most professionals have a backup plan in place, it’s still good to double-check. That way you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your photos are safe!
I personally shoot using dual SD card slots on two different cameras. So, in the rare case that something goes wrong I’ll always have a backup. I also wait until I deliver your full gallery to clear the SD cards. With me, you won’t ever have to worry about losing your photos!
Can we see a full gallery?
While viewing a wedding photographer’s portfolio or Instagram page is important, it’s only a small sample of their work. Asking to see a full gallery will help you better understand how your special day will be captured. You’ll get to see their photography and editing style, as well as how exactly they shoot a wedding. That way, you can make an informed decision when it comes time to book!
Here are links to my portfolio and Instagram, and please reach out if you want to see a full gallery!
What’s your approach and style to documenting a wedding day and how do you pose couples?
You’ll definitely want to ask this question, as the way your photographer shoots a wedding will play a big role in how your photos will turn out. It’s your wedding day after all, and you’ll want to make sure your photographer captures it exactly the way you want!
If you’re looking for someone who will give your special day a documentary-like feel, then contact me! My goal is to capture the complete story of your day. Instead of perfectly posed shots, I like to connect with you and use collaborative prompts for candid, editorial-style captures. Don’t worry, I’ll mix in more traditional photos too, if that’s something you want.
How would you describe your editing style?
Similar to the question above, make sure you find out your wedding photographer’s editing style. The last thing you want is for your photos to look completely different than what you envisioned! While each session is a little different, I tend to edit my photos to have a light and moody feel.
Do you have experience shooting in low-light conditions and do you use flash?
Sometimes natural light isn’t available or doesn’t capture the vibe that you want. So, it’s important that you ask this question, especially if you’re planning on having an indoor or evening portion of your wedding. Experience with flash and low-light conditions will help ensure that all your photos turn out beautifully!
What would happen if there was an emergency leading up to our wedding?
As much as we try to plan for everything, sometimes emergencies happen. Just in case your photographer can’t make it to your wedding, you’ll want to make sure they have a plan B. Knowing that they can connect you with a backup photographer with a similar style will ensure there won’t be any problems capturing your wedding.
I have several backup photographers with similar shooting styles that I completely trust to capture your big day. Also, rest assured that you’ll continue to receive my client experience and that I will be the one to edit your photos. If anything happens on my end, I’ll ensure it affects you as little as possible!
How long have you been in the photography business?
There are a lot of variables when it comes to your wedding day and booking a photographer with more experience can be beneficial in case something unexpected happens, like a change in the weather. However, while one photographer might be more experienced than another, it doesn’t mean that they are the right one for your wedding. It’s also important to consider other things like their photography approach, editing style, and how comfortable you are with them.
I have 15 years of photography experience and three in the wedding industry under my belt, so I’m comfortable shooting in all kinds of different settings and scenarios. Let’s just say I know a thing or two when it comes to the wedding photography biz!
What are the next steps and what’s required to book?
Of the questions to ask your wedding photographer, this one is especially helpful to get a good idea of the process leading up to your big day. Each person is a little different, so it’s smart to understand expectations so you aren’t caught off guard. I know that booking a photographer can feel overwhelming, which is why I have my entire process laid out to make working with me as clear and easy as possible!
There you have it – 8 questions to ask your wedding photographer! If you keep these in mind, you’ll be sure to find the perfect person for your big day. Then you can focus on what’s really important – celebrating your marriage with your loved ones! For more wedding inspiration, read my blog about a Magical Abbey Road Farm Wedding. Or if you’re looking for a venue, check out my Top 10 Wedding Venues in Oregon!
Ready to book your own PNW wedding photographer? Click on the link below to inquire!
