Ah, wedding planning season: cake tasting, venue visits, and vendor calls. One of the big hurdles during planning is finding a wedding photographer, the person who will capture not only your ceremony but also all the details you’re working so hard to deliver. Once you’ve identified what you’re looking for, how do you start the conversation? What questions do you ask your wedding photographer potentials to find *the one*?
I might sound like a broken record here if you’ve come from my post on photos for life, not likes. But one more time for the folks in the back, it’s not selfish to know what you’re looking for in your photographer. (Don’t settle.)
There are three big steps in finding your dream photographer bestie.
First: do a little research. You don’t have to know every aspect of all the different kinds of wedding photography, you just have to know what style makes your heart skip a beat. What kind of photos could you see you and your boo in?
Second: start making a list of your absolute fave artists.
Third: ask questions. Lots of ’em. This list below is just a jumping-off point, so get inspired and add on with your own specific questions!
1: Why are you a wedding photographer?
Seems silly and weirdly straightforward, but we’ve all got a reason. I’m pretty sure. At least, I hope so. This is hard work, and even more rewarding. Anyone you’re considering working with should be able to tell you what got them started and why they’re still in the biz.
2: What’s your favorite thing about being a wedding photographer?
If someone who works in weddings doesn’t have a favorite thing about weddings, run.
3: Can you tell me about the most fun wedding you’ve ever worked as a photographer?
This shows you the level of rapport or closeness a wedding photographer has with their clients! We love to reminisce on good times because it really is a celebration for you two, and questions like this for wedding photographers is always super interesting!
4: What was the trickiest moment you’ve had to work through?
Wedding days don’t go to plan. Never 100% perfectly, at least. They just don’t, and that’s a good thing! Asking this upfront lets you know how comfortable your potential wedding photog is with taking charge if need be to make the magic happen.
5: Are there any additional costs for printing and use rights?
This practice drives me absolutely mad, but it’s something that is still done. Sometimes, photographers don’t automatically include print and use rights in their pricing so that they can add fees later. Find out now.
6: Will you work with my wedding planner? (If applicable!)
Teamwork makes the dreamwork. Especially when bumps in the road come along on the big day, but more importantly, when your wedding photographer is willing to work with your wedding planner, this means less stress and work for you!
7: How do you schedule your photography timeline?
Another topic that goes either way. I’m fully Camp Timeline, as evidenced by this whole gosh-darn post right here. Some photographers don’t do timelines– at all. Logistically, it helps us keep everything on track and moving forward. As a photographer, when you’re working with a limited amount of daylight, you have to know where to be and when. Additionally, learning how a photographer builds a timeline lets you know a little more about how they plan for your moments and gives you an extra sense of security that they’re there and showing up for you.
8: How would you describe your personality?
Trust me, y’all will be spending a lot of time together. It’s good to get a sense of who they are and what motivates them!
9: If (xyz) were to happen, how would you keep the day moving and on track?
Always a “just-in-case” question. We see a loooot on wedding days, so we’re pretty unflappable.
10: How would you describe your work and your growth over your career?
Hopefully, they’re willing to engage in a conversation on change and learning with you. No one really stays the same, whether that’s through technique or editing style. It’s good to keep growing
Bonus question: How will my photos be edited?
I cannot stress the importance of this question enough. As far as questions to ask your wedding photographer go, this is a big one. From turn-around time to AI editing to if they’re actually going to edit all of the photos themselves, it’s good to know what to expect. For example, I only hand-edit my clients’ photos because I think it cheapens the experience to have software do it for me. It takes the individuality right out of the craft, and by extension, serves more to boost a portfolio than to make sure you have the best and highest quality photographs possible.
I hope these questions help in your pursuit to find a wedding photographer! It’s funny; it feels a lot like dating sometimes. But when it comes to picking the photographer who you’ll trust with capturing one of the biggest days of your life, it’s a process that’s so incredibly important.
Thought of any questions I should add to the list? Drop ’em below, or send me a line! I’d love to connect with you on Instagram too!
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