8 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer
Choosing a wedding photographer is a big decision. I’ve found that couples get the visual aesthetic they want after having detailed conversations with potential vendors, but knowing what to ask can feel tricky. Consider these questions to ask your wedding photographer and you’ll know if they’re the right match for your big day.
1. What Packages Do You Offer?
The average couple spends between $1,151 and $3,000 on their photography package, but that price range is flexible. It always depends on what packages each photographer offers. But you have to remember, that is the average price for the average photographer.
Someone who only started shooting weddings six months ago might provide a limited package for a smaller fee. Maybe they’ll shoot for four hours at your wedding and include a 30-minute engagement session. Or maybe they will offer everything imaginable for an unsustainably low cost, deliver subpar results and miss the contracted delivery targets.
I’ve been shooting weddings for more than 15 years. I’m an expert at what I do, so my packages are all eight hours at a minimum and customizable. I shoot film, provide prints, add extra hours, and provide more add-ons for those who want them. My couples get every image as a high-resolution download as well, which some photographers keep behind a separate paywall. Everyone’s different, so it’s crucial to ask about packages upfront.
2. Do You Shoot Candid or Posed Pictures?
Some photographers only do candid/documentary/photo-journalistic or posed photography. Others offer both. There’s nothing wrong with either option, so listen to your gut. If you think posed pictures have an outdated vibe, find a photographer that can deliver candid photos full of laughter and spontaneity.
Plenty of people have incredible experiences with posed portraits too. Some couples find that direction helps them get the look they want. It’s how my couples know to hold each other under the sunset before I photograph everyone on the dance floor. If you aren’t sure which you prefer, browse your loved ones’ wedding pictures or examples on Pinterest to see which style suits your personality.
3. Do You Have a Second Photographer?
Some photographers bring a second photographer or an assistant or both. While the primary photographer takes pictures while you get ready, their assistants can snap pictures of your pristine venue or mingling guests.
I’m more of a low-key photographer who most times works by myself, but I do recommend adding a second photographer for weddings with 140 guests or more. It’s a requirement for my couples inviting more than 180 guests. Every photographer is different, so it doesn’t hurt to ask during your vendor calls.
4. What Are Your Travel Fees?
Travel fees can surprise people. If a couple is planning a New York City wedding and wants to hire a Rochester-based photographer, they’ll likely ask the couple to cover their travel expenses. Those may include plane tickets, a hotel room, and meals, depending on the photographer.
I’d also advise hiring someone close to your venue because local photographers will have experience there. If you’re one of my couples getting married at Audrey’s Farmhouse, I’ll know how to capture every inch of the 3,000-square-foot property because I’ve shot weddings there before. Someone flying in from out of state may need extra time to get familiar with the space.
Travel fees can add $1,000-$5,000 to a wedding budget if a couple works with a photographer who doesn’t live near their venue. I highly recommend hiring a somewhat local photographer after choosing your ceremony location, unless you’re not concerned about adding to the overall cost of your wedding.
If your photographer is driving in, it’s common for the travel fee charged to cover their time traveling and car-related expenses like gas and wear and tear.
5. Have You Ever Worked at My Venue?
Asking potential photographers about their experience at your venue is important. You should know that they’re familiar with the space so you get the best lighting and poses possible. If an inexperienced photographer wastes time guessing where you should take pictures, you’ll lose valuable minutes during your wedding day.
It’s not the end of the world if your photographer hasn’t been to your venue before. I find it refreshing to be somewhere with completely fresh eyes. Upon arrival, I will take just a few minutes to explore your venue and get a lay of the land. You could even do an engagement session at your venue before your wedding arrives to work with the space. Asking this question will clarify what needs to happen to get your dream gallery.
6. Do You Shoot Weddings as Big or Small as Mine?
Every couple deserves a photographer who feels confident on their wedding day. If you accidentally hire an inexperienced photographer who hasn’t shot a big celebration before, they might get overwhelmed or sidetracked and miss great photo opportunities.
Smaller weddings also require a photographer with flexibility. They could need to shoot your exit differently because there isn’t a big crowd sending you off.
You don’t have to know exactly who’s coming to your wedding before hiring a photographer. Estimate the general size of your wedding so they can work through the logistics with you based on their experience.
7. How Do You Handle Changes In Weather?
Asking about weather plans could give you more peace of mind if you’re dreaming of having an outdoor ceremony. Any photographer should feel comfortable talking about how they’ve adapted to unexpected rain, wind, or snow and still captured beautiful pictures — especially because it’s becoming an aesthetic trend couples are loving.
8. How Long Will It Take to Get My Gallery?
Every photographer needs time to edit the pictures they take during weddings. You should ask about any potential photographer’s average timeline before signing your contract. Couples often wait between 4 to 12 weeks to get their pictures back.
The people who work with me get their full gallery within three to four weeks because I’m excellent at what I do. I also used to run production at a wedding studio. You shouldn’t have to wait months to get your full gallery. Trust me, I’ve been there. A great photographer will send your photos while you’re still floating through your post-wedding bliss.
This is the most important question most couple’s don’t ask! Everyone’s focused on the event itself, but once it’s over, the turnaround time is the only thing that matters.
Ensure a Fantastic Wedding Photography Experience
Save these questions to ask your wedding photographer later — you’ll want them handy when you’re ready to reach out to your potential photographer. Let’s set up a call to go over every detail you want in a photography package and what will help you get your dream gallery.
