As you look for a wedding photographer, there are many websites that give you “questions to ask” during your meetings. They serve as great guidelines but what you really want to focus on is how well you gel. If you get along with your creative pro, you will result in LOADS better results every time. They will enjoy themselves more and you will end up much happier.
Choosing the right wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions a couple will make when planning their wedding. After all, your wedding photos will be the lasting mementos of your special day. With so many options to choose from it can be overwhelming trying to find the perfect fit. The key is asking the right questions during your interviews to get a sense of each photographer’s style, experience and personality. Here are 10 of the most important questions to ask any wedding photographer you are considering.
Do You Specialize in Wedding Photography?
While many photographers are skilled in multiple genres, like portraits or events, the best wedding photographers focus specifically on weddings It is a unique type of photography that requires technical proficiency as well as a knack for storytelling A true wedding specialist has an in-depth understanding of how to capture all the special moments throughout the wedding day from multiple angles. They are also well-versed in shooting in diverse locations and lighting scenarios that wedding days often entail. Photographers who specialize in weddings have the portfolios to showcase their expertise.
How Would You Describe Your Style of Photography?
Wedding photography styles can range from photojournalistic to very posed portraits. Many photographers use a blend of documentary coverage with some traditional portraiture sprinkled in. Ask to see a full portfolio from a complete wedding day to get a sense of how they capture the story from start to finish. Make sure their aesthetic matches what you envision for your own wedding photos.
Do You Shoot Digital, Film or Both?
Many wedding photographers shoot exclusively digital for the convenience, low cost and ability to provide a quick turnaround with edited images. However, some specialize in film photography using older camera equipment and development techniques, providing a truly vintage look. Other photographers offer their clients a hybrid approach, shooting both digital and film and providing a mix of photo styles. Be sure you communicate your preferences so you end up with your desired final product.
How Do You Handle Challenging Lighting Scenarios?
From dimly-lit ceremony venues to direct sunlight to dance floor spotlights, a wedding photographer must be ready to shoot in tough conditions. Ask how they tackle difficult lighting situations like these so your memories are properly exposed and not too dark or washed out. Good photographers know how to use flashes and reflectors judiciously to add light when needed while keeping things looking natural. They also know how to override automatic camera settings to handle high-contrast scenarios.
What Is Your Backup Equipment Strategy?
The last thing any couple wants is for their photographer to have camera problems mid-wedding with no backup. Get an understanding of the backup equipment and contingency plans your photographer has in place in case of camera failure. At minimum they should have secondary camera bodies and extra batteries, memory cards and lighting gear. Best case, they have even more redundancies across camera makes and models to ensure they can keep shooting no matter what.
How Do You Approach Wedding Day Timelines?
Weddings require careful coordination with venues, planners and other vendors to stay on schedule. Ask how your photographer helps keeps things running smoothly and captures all the must-have moments even when delays or surprises pop up. Do they help stage family formals efficiently? Are they flexible if the timeline shifts? Can they adapt on the fly if needed? Look for someone who is both professional and nimble when it comes to your wedding day timeline.
How Do You Capture Candid Moments?
Posed portraits are an important part of wedding photography, but many couples most cherish the candid, unscripted shots. Ask how your photographer discreetly moves around receptions and dances to document genuine interactions and emotion. Do they have methods for blending into the scenery and not distracting guests? Can they anticipate and expertly capture spontaneous moments as they unfold? Their techniques for candid photography can reveal a lot about their style.
How Do You Plan and Stage Group Photos?
Those big family formals and wedding party pictures need some pre-planning and skillful direction to get everyone looking their best. Ask how your photographer approaches these staged portraits to keep them fun rather than tedious. Do they have an efficient system for getting people in place? Can they quickly get everyone’s attention? Are they comfortable directing large groups? Getting the shots you want with 50+ family members takes expertise and patience.
What Is Your Post-Production and Retouching Style?
After the wedding, there will be many hours spent selecting images and editing in post-production. Ask how long clients typically wait to see proofs and what their retouching style entails. Do they believe in preserving the authenticity of images or using heavy retouching instead? Are they comfortable showing before-and-after examples so you see their editing approach? Their post-production techniques can drastically impact how your images turn out.
What Is Your Approach for Delivering the Final Wedding Photos?
You’ll want to discuss the photographer’s timeline for delivering proofs, album designs and the final edited hi-res photo collection. Many photographers provide a sneak peek within a few days and full proofs within a few weeks. Album design and final delivery may take another month or more. Ask about their typical timelines so you can manage expectations. Also understand how they will ultimately deliver your images and if there are options for printed products, online galleries, digital downloads, etc.
Choosing your wedding photographer is a very personal decision. Be sure to evaluate portfolios and do in-depth interviews to find the professional whose personality and working style meshes well with you and your fiancé. Asking the right questions during your search can help uncover red flags and deal-breakers and ensure you ultimately have an amazing experience on your wedding day. With careful consideration of these top 10 questions, you will find the perfect wedding photographer to beautifully document all the special moments you will cherish for a lifetime.
How long after the wedding will we have to wait to see any photos?
In today’s world, many photographers do early sneak peeks that they post to Facebook or Instagram. This is a GREAT way to get a glimpse into the goodness (hopefully) that will follow. But it’s best to know ahead of time how long you’ll have to wait before you can see most of your photos. Some photographers don’t show any pictures until ONE YEAR after the wedding. It could be seven days, seven weeks, or seven months. Personally, it’s not my preference but it’s something you want to be aware of before you book them.
Do you have an assistant and/or second (associate) shooter?
First of all, there is a difference between an assistant and a second shooter. Typically, an assistant is there to assist the wedding photographer. They will help carry equipment, prep for portraits, etc. That person is called a second shooter. They are usually set up at a different angle to get the best photos. I’m a big fan of having second shooters. If possible, it’s best for the second shooter to take pictures of the guys getting ready while the main photographer takes pictures of the girls. You may have more angles of your first kiss, first look, first dance, etc. Also, you won’t be completely lost if your main photographer gets sick or hurt, which brings me to…
Another NEPA photographer Jeff Dietz adds to this point:
5 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer
What questions should I ask a wedding photographer?
Initial questions should clarify basic wedding logistics, the photographer’s style and everything their package includes. It’s important to nail down details of their services, as well as their general approach to editing, equipment choice and shooting style. Are you available for our date? Do you have any time restrictions?
Should you interview your wedding photographer?
You’ll be spending the entire day with the photographer you choose, so in addition to loving their style, having an in-person or phone interview is a great way to make sure you’ll be happy to have them around. Not sure where to start when it comes to interviewing your wedding photographer of choice?
How do I choose a wedding photographer?
You should always do ample research and narrow it down to a few wedding photographers you love. From there, you will go into the interviewing phase, where you reach out to each wedding photographer to assess whether they’ll be a good fit for your wedding. What important questions should you ask?
Should you hire a wedding photographer?
Wedding photography is a profession that is more intimate than, say, a meteorologist or accountant. This creative professional is capturing intimate moments of a major life milestone, which is why Benson encourages to-be-weds to ask this question. As such, it’s advisable to have a photographer whose heart and soul are really in the job.
