What to ask your wedding photographer before saying I Do?
- Michele Gibson
- Jul 2
- 3 min read
You’ve started your search for vendors to make your wedding dreams come true. The beauty of this time is that many local and big businesses want to offer you great service at a great price. But who can provide you with the service you need?
Especially when it comes to who will be in charge of putting your memories into timeless, pieces of tangible art called photos. You should ask these key questions first:
What Is Your Primary Focus When Taking Photos?
Is it the couple, the events, and/or the details? When you ask them this question, the answer should resemble, “We capture photos that tell the story of your day.”
Why? Because the best photographers should work towards becoming documentarians. Their job is to photograph the hard work you put into every detail and the unique energy of your relationship.
If this type of photography sounds expensive, remember this: a lot can be photographed in the first few hours of your wedding and not every photographer will put you in a box limiting your photo priorities. This is the beauty of hourly wedding services.
You have creative and financial freedom to hire a photographer for what's important to you. Package deals are great for weddings that fall into the industry opinion for how long a wedding usually runs i.e. 4/6/8hrs. But hourly pricing skips the guessing game on service vs. value.
How Comfortable Are You Working Under A Wedding Timeline?
This question is a nice way to understand a photographer's experience. If they can walk you through an example of their timeline management, then you can have more trust in their ability to capture beautiful images under stress without adding to yours.
Have You Taken Photos In Well-Lit (Daytime) And Low-Lit (Evening/Nighttime) Settings?
This will help you choose an experienced photographer for the specific time of day and/or night your wedding will occur. Ideally, they will have experience in both. This can be seen in their full galleries.
What Is Your Time Frame And Method For Delivering Photos?
These bring insight into accountability and discovering special offers photographers may provide.
Just as your photographer wants to work with a couple that respects their craft and business, you want to work with a photographer that respects your time and excitement to receive your wedding photos.
On average most photographers deliver full galleries within 4 to 6 weeks, often delivering a preview set of photos within a day to week after your wedding.
Photographers may offer printing services. Wedding albums and photo books are the best gifts after your wedding. They are a secure and tangible way to bring your photos into your home, and they can make great gifts for your favorite guests i.e. parents, grandparents, etc.
What Is Your Refund And Cancellation Policy?
This information should be found in their contract and/or their FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions). Be bold and have a conversation with your photographer about what they will do under undesirable situations causing cancellations. As well as what the photographer will hold themselves accountable for in case of mishaps.
If this sounds like a lot, don’t worry. These are the questions every photographer wants you to ask when they meet you at open houses or wedding shows and take your calls.
It not only shows that you are a serious buyer for the near future, but it also allows them to understand whether you both have mutual goals and interests. This transaction is a relationship first before it is financial.
Having a good relationship with your wedding photographer is essential. We are tasked with giving your wedding day a permanent home, and we love working with clients who appreciate our art. We also love to be your support, cheering you on and creating a space for you, your partner, and your loved ones to celebrate to the fullest with everyone in frame.
Work with a wedding photography team that keeps everyone in the shot. If you love to have a hands-free experience and not worry that your uncle or cousin might miss the shot (they should be celebrating with you!) then let's chat.
