20 Key Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer
Choosing a wedding photographer is a big decision, as they're responsible for capturing the moments and emotions of one of the most important days of your life. When you start the search, you might naturally think to ask about their style, availability, and cost. However, there are many other important questions that can help you understand a photographer's professionalism, reliability, and how they might handle specific situations.
This article highlights 20 questions you might not think to ask but are key to finding a photographer who will not only capture your special day beautifully but also provide a smooth and stress-free experience.
1. Will you be the actual photographer shooting our wedding, or do you send associate photographers?
This question is important to ensure you're getting the photographer whose work you admire. Some studios employ multiple photographers, so knowing who will be there on the day can help set your expectations and ensure your photos have the quality and style you’re looking for.
I will always be the primary photographer shooting your wedding. My general rule is if there are more than 120 people, I will have an assistant shooter to help capture every angle of the ceremony and aid in portraits.
2. Can we see full wedding galleries, not just your portfolio highlights?
A portfolio often showcases the best shots from various weddings, but full galleries provide a better sense of a photographer's consistency and ability to capture the whole story of the day. Look for variety and attention to detail in these galleries.
Absolutely. After hearing some details about the wedding of your dreams, I can send over full gallery examples of similar events.
3. What's your approach to posing couples and groups? How do you make people feel comfortable?
Understanding a photographer's approach to posing can help you gauge whether their style aligns with your vision. A good photographer will also have strategies to help you and your guests feel relaxed and natural in front of the camera, which is important for capturing authentic photos.
Prior to the event, I get to know couples via zoom to understand their vision for photography during their event. I will then approach the wedding depending on their desired aesthetic and what they are looking for in a photographer. As an example, a recent bride wanted a posed, fashion-forward aesthetic to their photos, and their venue was a very well-landscaped area with a beautiful reception area and lots of vignettes to choose from, so I directed them throughout most of the evening on what to do, how to move, what expressions to hold, etc. for their photos.
On the other side of the spectrum, I recently shot a small intimate wedding with a wonderful, free-spirited couple who held the ceremony along the beach and the reception in a deep jungle setting. With this couple, I was much less hands-on, and during most of the day I stepped back and captured candid moments from a distance so they could truly be themselves. During portrait time I gave them general prompts and ideas to choose from, and they chose what they felt comfortable with and what spoke to them, and their photos were equally breathtaking.
4. How do you handle low-light situations, especially for indoor venues or evening receptions?
Weddings often have varying lighting conditions. A photographer's ability to handle low-light situations can make a big difference in the quality of your photos, particularly during indoor ceremonies or evening receptions. Look for experience and technical skill in this area.
As much as I love utilizing natural light in my photography, there are definitely situations where the ambient light is not suitable for photography. In these instances, I rely on multiple flashes to light a room or venue so it looks natural and not strobe-heavy. I previously worked in commercial photography in California for 6 years in the early 2010s and have a strong understanding of lighting and how to manipulate flash to achieve the desired look.
5. What's your backup plan if you're sick or have an emergency on our wedding day?
It's essential to know that your photographer has a contingency plan in place. Whether it's a backup photographer or an assistant stepping in, understanding their plan can provide peace of mind that your wedding will be covered, no matter what.
Although this has never happened to me in my 8+ years of shooting, I have a designated backup photographer for every event just in case so I know that no matter what, the event will be photographed.
6. How do you protect and back up our images? What's your process for preventing data loss?
Ask about their process for securing your photos, including backup methods both during and after the event. This question is key to ensure that your precious memories are safe and it weeds out amateurs who, luckily, haven’t dealt with this situation yet.
After the event, all content is backed up in three locations: my computer, and two separate hard drives. After delivery of photos, the original photos stay on the two hard drives forever.
7. Do you have experience shooting at our specific venue? If not, will you scout it beforehand?
Familiarity with your venue can be a significant advantage. If the photographer hasn't worked there before, their willingness to visit in advance shows dedication and a proactive approach to ensuring they capture the best shots.
I have been fortunate to work at a majority of wedding venues on Kauai. If I have not previously worked there, and the venue allows, I will scout the location beforehand so we can maximize our time on your wedding day. If your wedding venue is not on Kauai, I will work with the venue to understand the property as best as I can before wedding day.
8. What's your policy on meal breaks during the reception? Do you require a vendor meal?
Understanding this aspect helps you plan your reception schedule and ensures that your photographer is taken care of. A well-fed photographer will have the energy and focus needed to capture the entire event.
I usually take a break during the reception once the bride and groom are eating as there are usually no major events like speeches or dances during that time. This is totally flexible, however, and I'd be happy to continue shooting during that time as needed. I do require a vendor meal if the booking is 8 hours or longer.
9. How long after the wedding will we receive our photos? Do you provide any sneak peeks?
Timely delivery of your photos is essential. Knowing the photographer's turnaround time and whether they offer sneak peeks can help manage your expectations and give you something to look forward to post-wedding.
I offer the fastest wedding photo delivery time on Kauai, guaranteeing you will have your photos within 15 business days of the event. Sneak peeks are also available upon request.
10. What's your process for selecting and editing images? Approximately how many final photos will we receive?
This question helps you understand the photographer's workflow and what you can expect in terms of the number of images and their quality. It's also an opportunity to discuss any specific editing preferences you might have.
I deliver all the good photos from the event, and by good I mean things like everyone's eyes are open in the photo, hair and dress look great, facial expressions are natural, etc. The photo amounts listed with my packages show the guaranteed minimum amount, and often I deliver much more than that.
11. Do you have liability insurance?
Liability insurance is a sign of a professional photographer who is prepared for unexpected situations. It also protects you and the venue in case of any accidents or damage.
Yes, I have liability insurance.
12. What happens if we need to postpone or cancel our wedding?
Understanding the photographer's policy on rescheduling or cancellation can save you from potential stress if plans change. Look for flexibility and clear terms regarding deposits and fees.
I have a 120 day full refund policy in the event you need to postpone or cancel your wedding.
13. How do you collaborate with other vendors, especially videographers?
Good communication between vendors (especially photographers and videographers) ensures that everyone can do their job effectively, resulting in a seamless experience and better overall coverage of your day. Some professionals (me included!) offer both photography and videography services, which can streamline the process and provide a more cohesive final product. If you're considering this option, ask about their experience in both fields and how they manage capturing both still and moving images simultaneously. If they don't offer both services, inquire about how they collaborate with videographers to ensure smooth coordination on your wedding day.
Kauai is a small island, and I have worked with a majority of the wedding industry here over the years, so in general I know how most vendors work and move within the event, and can plan and adjust accordingly. After I receive the vendor list from you or your wedding planner, I will go through and see if I have not worked with anyone and, if so, reach out to them, introduce myself, and see how they usually approach a wedding day so I can plan ahead.
14. Can you accommodate any cultural or religious traditions specific to our ceremony?
It's important to know that your photographer is respectful and knowledgeable about any cultural or religious customs you want to incorporate into your wedding. This question ensures they can handle these elements with sensitivity and respect. It’s less about them proving they have knowledge of any specific tradition, but their willingness to learn about it and capture it.
Absolutely. I usually ask this question during our initial zoom/phone call as it is important for me to know so I can make sure I'm in the right spot to capture the moment.
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Contact me today to book your unforgettable experience.
15. What will you and your team wear on our wedding day?
Professional attire that blends with your event's style is important. This question ensures your photographer (and/or team) will dress appropriately, contributing to the overall atmosphere of your day.
Unless otherwise requested, I often wear "Aloha Formal" which in the islands means Aloha shirt, pants, and shoes.
16. How do you handle difficult family dynamics or potential conflicts during group photos?
Weddings can bring together a mix of personalities and sometimes complicated relationships. A photographer's ability to manage these situations tactfully ensures smooth group photo sessions and minimizes stress.
There is a saying here about lifeguards that goes "the best lifeguard is a dry lifeguard." The dry lifeguard prepared for his day, foresaw potential dangers, and redirected beachgoers away from harm. A wet lifeguard missed one of those steps, and as a last resort had to swim out to save someone. During my preparation for weddings I take a similar approach. During our initial conversation, I ask if there are any family dynamics that I need to know about (things like "don't put uncle Mark by Aunt Nancy), and during group photos, if I sense any unease or discomfort, I adjust the photo accordingly. If the conflict is vocal, I have found the best way to diffuse the situation is to bring it back to the couple to remind them it's their day. Things like "now the bride would like us to..." or "the groom wanted to do this next..." — this helps most people remember that they are here for the couple, and to put any conflicts aside for them.
17. Do you offer engagement sessions? If so, how does that process work?
Engagement sessions are a great way to get comfortable with your photographer before the big day. They also provide an opportunity for you to have professional photos in a more casual setting, which can be used for announcements or wedding decor.
I do offer engagement sessions and they can be booked based off my availability.
18. What's your policy on guests taking photos during the ceremony and reception?
Some photographers prefer that guests refrain from taking photos during key moments to avoid distractions and ensure they capture the best shots. Knowing your photographer's policy helps set expectations for your guests and can lead to better photos.
My stance on this issue of whether or not to have devices during the ceremony is whatever the bride and groom prefer. If they would like to have instant photos of their event so they can have them the next day, that's up to them. I just remind the couple that if phones are allowed during ceremony and reception, then they may appear in the photos as well.
19. How do you ensure you capture all the key moments without being intrusive?
A good wedding photographer will have an unobtrusive presence. They should be skilled at capturing candid moments without disrupting the flow of the event, ensuring you and your guests feel comfortable throughout the day.
Working closely with the couple and the wedding planner helps me understand the flow of events so that I can be in position for all key moments of the day. If the photo aesthetic the couple wants lends itself to more distant perspectives, then I can shoot from farther away so I'm not taking away from the moment.
20. Can you provide references from recent couples you've worked with?
Speaking with past clients can give you valuable insights into the photographer's professionalism, reliability, and the quality of their work. Look for positive feedback and any specific praises that align with your priorities.
I have lots of great reviews on Google, Wedding Wire, and the Knot, and if you would like to talk to a reference I may be able to accomodate.
Asking these questions will help you find a wedding photographer who not only meets your aesthetic and logistical needs but also makes you feel comfortable and confident on your big day. Remember, your photographer will be by your side for most of your wedding, so choosing someone you trust and connect with is crucial for capturing beautiful, lasting memories.