Top 5 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer
So, you booked your dream wedding venue, you have your date locked down… now what? Let’s find someone to take those pretty photos for ya huh? Photographers often book out their calendar as early as one year in advance, so you’re going to want to lock your favorite photographer down ASAP.
Finding your wedding photographer can be an extremely overwhelming experience, but I’m here to help! First things first, take a look at Pinterest and start to narrow down what kind of photos you are drawn to. Keep this in mind as you head into the internet world to start your search. Along with having an idea of the photo styles you are most visually drawn to (i.e. bright, bold, colorful, dark, moody, desaturated). Keep in mind, you do NOT need to know your “style”, just find photos that make you feel good and put them all together. After, make a separate list of characteristics you value in your wedding vendors. Do you want someone to make you laugh? Would you prefer someone who is type A? Or do you value a more laid back vibe?
Keep in mind, you will be spending your entire wedding day with this person, often sharing extremely intimate moments with them just a few feet away. Make sure you hire a photographer who you would feel comfortable sharing that with!
Keep both these lists on hand as you begin your search. Yes, Instagram can be a gorgeous black hole of beautiful wedding photography but I encourage you to hop on the old desktop computer and start browsing websites of the photographers you are most drawn to. Get a feeling of how they talk, take a look through their blogs, and read those reviews!
Now you’re all set up to chat with your potential photography suitors, here are the most important questions to ask and why…
Can I see your full galleries?
I cannot stress this enough, you should be seeing multiple full galleries from your wedding photographer prior to hiring them. This will give you an insight into how they capture a wedding day start to finish. Instagram is a highlight reel where people showcase their best work. Make sure you love their full wedding galleries just as much.
What’s your involvement leading up to the wedding day?
Every photographer has a different way of doing things. You may be surprised at some of the perks of hiring someone who professionally attends weddings every weekend. Do they help you make a timeline? Do they have an excellent vendor referral list of florists, videographers, etc.? Leading up to your day you want to feel as supported as possible, make sure what you need aligns with what your photographer provides.
What’s your role on a wedding day?
Some photographers play a much more active role and will be there cheering you on the entire way. Others may be more reserved and observant, and like to play the role of the fly on the wall capturing all those small moments that make your day special. Have your photographer walk you through how they like to shoot a wedding day, and see if it fits your vibe.
What should we expect after the wedding?
You are going to be EXCITED to see these photos, so it’s important to have realistic expectations from the get go! How long does your photographer take to complete your photos? Are you going to want sneak peeks? Are you going to want album services once you’ve fallen in love with your photos?
What other services do you offer?
Photographers offer a range of services with their packages. Second shooters, engagement sessions, boudoir sessions, album services, timeline help, vendor referrals, the list goes on. Your photographer has the potential to not only take photos but be a deep well of wedding knowledge and resources.
Thank you for following along, and make sure to follow me on Instagram to keep up with all the exciting things going on! And if you’re in the market for a totally bomb wedding photographer, my DMs are always open. See you next time!