Choosing the perfect wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions you'll make for your big day. Your wedding photos will be the memories that you'll look back on for years, so it's essential to ensure that you and your photographer are a perfect match. Your wedding photographer is the only vendor that will be by your side for the months leading up to your big day, the entirety of your big day, and for months after your wedding day when they share your final wedding gallery with you.
To help you make an informed decision, I've compiled a list of important questions to ask potential wedding photographers, along with some questions to ask yourself. These questions will guide you in finding a photographer who not only has the technical skills but also the personality and professionalism that align with your vision for your wedding day.
What to ask your potential wedding photographer:
"How long have you been shooting weddings for?"
Wedding photographers who have been around for years will have a ton of acquired experience under their belt. They'll know exactly how a wedding day is supposed to go, including what to do in worst-case scenarios. They also offer a portfolio with diverse wedding styles and settings. If you're looking for a budget photographer, they will more than likely have less weddings under their belt.
"Have you shot a wedding similar to mine (guest count, venue, etc.)?"
The photographer should provide examples or describe their experience with similar guest counts and venues. If your wedding has a 300-guest count and is at a large venue, but the photographer you're speaking with has only shot smaller weddings, that may be cause for concern.
"Have you shot at our venue before? If not, do you plan to check the venues out in advance?"
A good photographer will either have prior experience at your venue or will be willing to visit the venue beforehand or arrive early on the wedding day to scout it out.
"Will you be our photographer on our wedding day? If not, who will be?"
The photographer should confirm that they will personally be shooting your wedding. If they have associates or are a large studio, they should clearly explain who will be present and provide information about their experience and style.
If they can't tell you exactly who will be shooting your wedding, that's a red flag. 🚩
"Do you have full galleries we can see?"
The photographer should provide access to full galleries from previous weddings. This helps you understand their consistency, style, and how they capture entire events.
If they don't share full galleries, that's a red flag. 🚩
Follow-up question: "Are these galleries from weddings you've shot as a lead photographer, as a second shooter, or at a styled shoot?"
The photographer should only send full galleries as a lead photographer. Clarify if the photographer is sending you a gallery as a second shooter, which does not fully show their abilities to direct a wedding day as a lead photographer.
Second shooting and styled shoots should never be portrayed as a real wedding and being sent one as a full gallery is a red flag. 🚩
"Do you have liability insurance?"
A professional wedding photographer should have liability insurance and should be able to provide proof upon request. This is important for protecting both parties and meeting venue requirements.
All professionals have insurance, so if they don't, that is a red flag. 🚩
"How long after the wedding will we receive the images? How will they be delivered?"
Look for a clear timeline for image delivery, typically ranging from 4-8 weeks after the wedding. The photographer should also explain how the images will be delivered, usually through an online gallery or a USB drive.
In my professional opinion, Dropbox is a red flag. 🚩
"What about a backup plan if you are unable to shoot my wedding for some reason?"
The photographer should have a contingency plan, such as hiring a second shooter that is capable of lead shooting. They should reassure you that your wedding will be covered even in case of emergencies.
No backup plan = red flag. 🚩
"Do you have a second shooter or assistant?"
The photographer should let you know if they work with a second shooter or assistant. This can be important for capturing different angles and moments, especially at larger weddings.
"Do you have any backup equipment?"
A professional photographer should have backup equipment, including extra camera bodies, lenses, and lighting, to ensure that technical issues don’t disrupt your wedding coverage.
No backup equipment is a red flag. 🚩
"What is it like to work with you on a wedding day? How do you handle mishaps and stress?"
The photographer should describe their approach to managing the wedding day, including how they handle any unexpected issues calmly and professionally. Their demeanor should match your expectations for the day.
"Can we request a list of specific shots we would like?"
Most photographers are open to accommodating specific shot lists and should be willing to discuss and incorporate your requests into their shot plan.
"What will you wear on our wedding day?"
Expect the photographer to dress professionally and appropriately for your wedding. They should assure you that they will blend in with your guests while maintaining a professional appearance.
What to ask yourself:
"Do you like them and get along with them? Do your personalities jibe?"
Do you feel comfortable and have a good connection with the photographer? Your personalities should be compatible to ensure a smooth experience on your wedding day.
"Do you feel a connection with their work?"
Do you love the photographer's style and does their work resonate with you emotionally? Their portfolio should evoke the feelings and memories you want captured.
"Are you comfortable with this person's customer service and communication style?"
Reflect on how the photographer communicates and handles your inquiries. Did they respond to your inquiry and follow-up emails quickly and thoroughly? Did they make you feel comfortable and heard? Good customer service and clear, prompt communication are essential for a stress-free experience.
"Did the photographer listen well and address all of your concerns?"
Did they answer all of your questions? Did they answer questions you didn't know you had? Make sure the photographer is attentive and responsive to your questions and concerns. This shows that they understand and are committed to meeting your needs.
Choosing the right wedding photographer is SO much more than just finding someone who can take beautiful photos. It’s about finding someone who understands your vision, connects with you on a personal level, fits seamlessly into your wedding day, and can capture the genuine emotions and moments that make your wedding "you".
By asking the right questions and considering your personal connection with the photographer, you’ll be able to select a professional who can perfectly tell the story of the biggest day of your life Remember, your wedding photos are a legacy of your love story, so take the time to choose a photographer who truly aligns with your needs and expectations.
At Caitee Smith Photography, I am more than happy to answer all of these questions and any others you may have when inquiring about my services. I'm all about educating and informing my couples on what they can expect from me, from start to finish.