Top 8 Questions to Ask Before Booking Your Wedding Photographer
Congratulations! If you’re reading this, you just said YES to forever with your favorite person. I am so excited for you! Picking a wedding photographer is an important decision, and it is hard to know the right questions to ask when there are so many awesome options out there. I want you to feel 100% sure about your choice, so here are my top questions to ask your wedding photographer before you book with them.
Ready to book your photographer but don’t know where to begin? I’m here to help with the top 8 questions to ask your wedding photographer before you book!
What’s your photography style?
Every photographer has their own unique style of shooting and editing. Some photographers are photojournalistic, just letting the day happen organically, while others are experts at posing their subjects. There are many types of editing styles as well, from bright and airy to dark and moody to fine art photography. Make sure your photographer’s style fits with what you’re looking for.
Where can I see your portfolio?
To help you determine if a photographer’s style is right for you, you’ll want to take a look at their portfolio of course! For example, here are a few weddings in Minnesota and beyond that Life & Art Photography has shot. Take a look at their website and their social media feeds (photographers love Instagram!) to get a good idea of their style. Really look at the feel of the photos to see if they are what you want from your wedding day!
One of the most important questions to ask your wedding photographer is to see their photos, of course! You’ll get a good feel if the vibe of the photos is right for you.
Can I see a full wedding gallery?
This is one of the questions to ask your wedding photographer that you might not think of right away, but there are a lot of parts to the wedding day that might not be found on their website. Online portfolios are a great way to get to know a photographer’s style – it is a compilation of all their best images, but you want to see a full wedding day or two to make sure your photographer can handle everything from getting ready to a late night partying. (Special props if they have a wedding with a similar venue or layout to yours!)
I don’t know how to pose – will I have help?
A wedding can be stressful enough without worrying about how to look your best on camera. I got you. You will want an experienced photographer who knows how to pose you to highlight your best angles while getting those bride-and-groom and family portraits! I believe the best shots happen when the photos feel fun – so joking, movement, and playing are what you can expect from me – and believe me, I will do whatever it takes to make you laugh!
I firmly believe that laughter is the best medicine – and makes the best photos!
What are the package options and what does each package include?
Of course, budget will be a consideration. Take your photographer’s experience into account, hours of shooting, and extras like engagement shoots and albums. There is a lot of variation among photographers, so keep it simple with things like all-day packages or all-inclusive pricing. Don’t forget the old adage, you get what you pay for.
Can you help me plan a day-of timeline?
You’ll want to capture different types of photos at different times – details, getting ready, bride and groom portraits, family portraits, golden hour… is your head spinning yet? Don’t worry – that’s where your photographer comes in! Us photographers go to a LOT of weddings, so before the day arrives, make sure they are able to help to plan out your perfect day. You want to be totally in sync before the wedding so you get the most magical snapshots of your big day.
Your wedding photographer will be with you from the first look to the last dance, and for all the special details in between.
What is your turnaround time?
Let’s be honest… you don’t want to be waiting four months to see your wedding photos. A photographer’s turnaround time can vary drastically, so be sure to ask. I’d expect a month or two from most photographers.
Most important one! How do you feel with that photographer?
This one is really a question for you, not a question to ask your wedding photographer, but it is probably the most important to keep in mind! There is no one who will spend as much time with you on your wedding day as your photographer – except maybe your fiancé! They will be there for every big and small moment of the day, so having someone you feel comfortable with matters so much. And the more relaxed you are, the more great photos you can get!
Most importantly, make sure you and your photographer feel like a good fit, so you can be relaxed and stress-free on your big day!
