The key to finding wedding vendors you love? Interviewing them before you sign the contract. This is especially true when talking about a wedding photographer. You’ll be spending all day with the photographer you pick, so make sure you love their style. An in-person or phone interview is also a good idea to make sure you’ll be okay with them being there.
Not sure how to start interviewing your potential wedding photographer? We’ve put together a list of questions that will help you narrow down your choices and find out everything you need to know.
Finding the perfect wedding photographer is crucial for capturing the magic of your big day. While standard interview questions are helpful, delving deeper with less obvious inquiries can reveal valuable insights into your photographer’s personality, approach, and commitment to making your wedding unforgettable.
11 Not-So-Obvious Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer
1 Will you be our photographer on our wedding day?
Many photography companies employ multiple photographers Ensure you’ll have the same photographer you connected with during the initial consultation This personal connection is vital for a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
2 What will you wear on our wedding day?
A photographer’s attire reflects their professionalism and respect for your event. Talk to them about their dress code to make sure it fits with the theme and level of formality of your wedding.
3 Do you have an assistant and/or second shooter?
An assistant helps with equipment and logistics, while a second shooter captures additional angles and moments. Consider the benefits of having both, especially for larger weddings or complex events.
4. What will happen if you get sick or have an emergency on the day of our wedding?
Professional photographers have contingency plans for unexpected situations Discuss their backup plan to ensure your wedding photography is covered in case of emergencies,
5. How long do we have to wait before we can see the pictures?
Many photographers post sneak peeks on social media, but you should ask when you can expect to get most of your photos. This could be anywhere from a week to a few months, depending on how they work and how they edit.
6. Do you have any backup equipment?
Equipment malfunctions can happen. Ensure your photographer has backup gear to avoid any disruptions during your wedding day.
7. What is your attitude normally like on a wedding day?
A positive and enthusiastic photographer can significantly impact the overall mood of your wedding day. Ask about their typical demeanor to ensure it aligns with your expectations.
8. How many weddings/events do you typically photograph in one weekend?
Consider the photographer’s workload and potential fatigue, especially if your wedding falls on a busy weekend. Ask about their typical schedule to gauge their availability and energy levels.
9. Do you allow other people (guests) to take photos while you are?
Some photographers prefer to control the photo-taking environment, while others are more flexible. Discuss their policy on guest photography to avoid any conflicts or disruptions.
10. Is there any additional equipment that you set up during a wedding?
Large flashes, umbrellas, or other equipment might be used depending on the photographer’s style and the venue’s lighting. Discuss their setup requirements to ensure it aligns with your decor and preferences.
11. Do you have any meal requirements on the wedding day?
Most photographers require a hot meal and breaks during the day. Discuss their specific needs with your caterer or venue to ensure they are accommodated.
Additional Insights from Renowned Photographers:
- Anni Cee Photography: Emphasize the importance of reviewing the photographer’s full wedding galleries to understand their style and avoid unrealistic expectations.
- Abby Grace Photography: Highlight the photographer’s perspective in choosing couples, ensuring a perfect match for their style and personality.
- Daniel Moyer Photography: Ask about the photographer’s motivation during a wedding day to gain deeper insights into their values and commitment to capturing beautiful and meaningful moments.
By asking these unconventional questions, you can gain a deeper understanding of your wedding photographer’s personality, approach, and commitment to capturing your special day. This will help you make an informed decision and ensure you choose a photographer who aligns with your values and vision for your wedding. Remember, a good photographer is not just a vendor but a collaborator who will help you create lasting memories of your most important day.
Will you be the one shooting my wedding? If not, can I meet the photographer who will be on-site?
It’s important to know who you’re hiring for your wedding day because some wedding photographers work with other people. You should know right away if the person you’re talking to isn’t the photographer who will be there for your big day; you’ll want to feel just as comfortable with the person who will be with you during the celebration.
Do you often shoot weddings that have a similar size and style to the one we are planning?
A good wedding photographer can take pictures at any event, but there is a difference between taking pictures at a wedding with 75 people and one with over 300 people. You should make sure that your photographer knows how they’ll record the day, if they need to bring in extra photographers, and if they’re the right person for the job. It doesn’t matter if they haven’t shot a wedding like yours before; they need to be sure about how they’ll record your day.
5 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer
FAQ
What does a wedding photographer need to know?
What to tell your photographer you want?
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.
