Questions to Ask When Hiring a Wedding Photographer
Your wedding photographer isn't just another vendor—they're the gatekeepers of your memories. They're capturing all those little details you've been dreaming about and planning for over the past year. These photos are how you'll remember your big day, how you'll show your kids, grandkids, nieces, and even new friends the magic that was your wedding.
Once you've fallen in love with an editing style, it's time to dive into the interview process. Here's your game plan:
Photo by Taylor Nations Photography
First Contact
Response Time: How quickly do they respond to your inquiry? Speedy replies indicate professionalism and reliability.
Pricing Transparency: Are they upfront about their pricing? Clear and honest pricing can save you from unexpected surprises later on.
These initial interactions can tell you a lot about what to expect down the road.
Photo by Aislinn Kate Photography
Set Up a Consultation
Always, always, always set up a consultation—preferably in person, but video calls work too. Your photographer (and their team) will be shadowing your every move on one of the biggest days of your life. You want to ensure their personality gels with yours and your fiancé's, and that you feel 100% comfortable around them.
Photo by Aislinn Kate Photography
Key Questions to Ask
During your consultation, make sure to cover these bases:
Creative Process: What's their approach to capturing your day?
Flexibility: How do they handle changes in the day-of timeline?
Typical Wedding Day: What does a typical wedding day look like for them?
Dress Code: What will they wear on the day of your wedding?
Proximity During Ceremony: How close do they get during the ceremony?
Posing Guidance: Do they help with posing to ensure you look your best?
Sneak Peeks: Do they offer sneak peeks, and how soon after the wedding?
Turnaround Time: How long will it take to get your photos back?
Shot Lists: Can you provide them with a family photo list or specific shot list?
Planning Meeting: Will you have a planning meeting prior to discuss and formalize logistics?
Photo by Tiny House Photo
Post-Consultation
After your chat, pay attention to how quickly they send you a quote and contract. This can be another indicator of their professionalism and efficiency.
Photo by Jusine and Wayne Photo
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, you want to ensure you love their personality and professionalism. These photos will be cherished not just for the day of but for the rest of your life. So take your time, ask the right questions, and choose a photographer who feels like a trusted friend capturing your love story.