Questions You Need to Ask Before Hiring a Wedding Photographer

When hiring a wedding photographer, you’ll want to make sure to ask them the right questions, so you know that the wedding professional you’re hiring is going to be the photographer who is the best fit for your personality and your wedding. You also want to make sure that the wedding photographer you’re hiring understands your vision and ideas for the wedding - the types of pictures you’d like to get, the angles of your wedding pictures, and if they provide wedding albums, a variety of digital photos, and how you can get prints of your wedding pictures.

Feel free to print up my blog so you can bring this list of questions with you to interview your potential wedding photographer. Then, make sure you write down your answers or record the conversation so you can review the answers. With so many elements of your wedding day to plan, you always want to take notes to remind yourself of the details and refer back to them when making a decision with your significant other.

Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer

What kind of wedding photography experience do you guarantee?

Ask them what they do at weddings and how they move around, and they will be behind-the-scenes or right next to you? This is important because you want to ensure you like their style and feel comfortable with what they do on your wedding day. The last mistake you need is for the photographer to be too pushy and consistently ask guests to pose when they are trying to enjoy your big wedding day!

What kind of wedding photos do you plan to focus on during the wedding

Find out if they take candids and bridals and if they will also take pictures of your engagement dinner (if you would like photos of that event). Also, check to see if they will focus more on the bride or the wedding group. You don’t want someone who will be taking general pictures and miss out on getting beautiful bridals! Ask them as many questions as you can about their wedding photography focus to ensure you and the photographer are on the same page. If the wedding photographer understands your focus, they will most likely get the images you want to see when you review your wedding photos.

Do you have wedding vendor referrals for my wedding? 

Does your wedding photographer have a responsible and helpful vibe? Can they provide you with a reputable vendor list, florist, wedding dress seamstress name, and phone number? Can they give you a bridal or wedding checklist to help you plan your big day? While they can’t do all the planning for you, a wedding photographer whose been in the business for a while should have good, reliable connections to others who have bridal and wedding services and products. In addition, they should be able to connect you to them by giving you an introduction via email or text. 

What should I expect on my wedding day?

Where will the photographer be when they are taking pictures? How much time will they take for bridals beforehand, where will you meet, and where will you be taking the group bridal party pictures? How will the photographer get there, and will they have a videographer or drone videographer to get aerial images of your big day? 

If your photographer is experienced, they can recommend a wedding photography schedule, how long it will take to get great wedding pictures. Suggestions on locations to take pictures if you haven’t decided where you would like to take them. 

Will I get a sneak peek of my images after the wedding?

When will you be able to see proofs of your wedding images? Do they have a digital photo portal where you can view your untouched wedding digitals? How many pictures will you get to see? Ask them timelines - a good wedding photographer with experience will give you a timeframe for seeing your wedding photos and getting your first look back at your big day!

Can I get references for three clients that you’ve worked with?

A professional should not hesitate to give you the names of three clients who they have worked with so you can find out their experience with that wedding photographer. If they refuse to give you references, that’s a red flag! Stay away from anyone who doesn’t give you, or drags their feet about giving you references. Even if they are new to wedding photography, they can give you references of people they have worked with in the past in a similar field. Either way, call the references to find out their experience with the photographer to see if they are a good match for you.