7 Questions to ask your Wedding Photographer before hiring

Are you planning your dream wedding? Navigating the maze of finding the perfect wedding photographer?

Trust me, I get it. As a photographer who has helped friends through this process, I understand the challenges it can pose, especially for those new to the industry.

Here my goal is to guide you in figuring out what truly matters to you and how to find that photographer who perfectly complements your style.

Before we jump into the questions you should be asking, take a moment to envision the images that resonate with you. Are you drawn to the rawness of candids, the intricacies of detail shots, the timeless elegance of classic portraits, or perhaps the artistic flair of creative images? Understanding these preferences will be your compass in finding the right photographer for your big day.

Now, let’s get to the nitty-gritty – the questions you need to ask your potential wedding photographer:

Personality Perfect 

Feeling 100% comfortable with your photographer is non-negotiable. Especially if camera nerves are a concern, your photographer should be your calming presence, ensuring you not only feel at ease but also look your absolute best.

Question to ask: 

How do you ensure couples feel 100% comfortable in front of your camera on their wedding day?

Trust Factor 

Your photographer is more than just a person behind the lens; they play a pivotal role in decision-making on your big day. Trust is key, from selecting locations to planning backup options in case of unexpected weather.

Question to ask: 

How would you be involved in decision-making on our wedding day, from choosing locations to planning for unexpected situations or weather?

(Image ref: Abby Hart Photos)

Lighting Expertise 

Every wedding is a unique blend of variables, especially lighting conditions. While we would love to shoot every wedding in soft golden hour light, that’s not always the reality. You want to make sure that your photographer is confident in all kinds of less than ideal lighting situations that may be present on your wedding day. Confidence in handling diverse lighting situations is a must.

Question to ask: 

Can you share your approach to handling diverse lighting conditions, especially in less-than-ideal natural light or during receptions?

(Image ref: Abby Hart Photos)

Understanding Styles 

In the world of photography, we often throw around confusing terms to describe our unique styles – Editorial, Dramatic, Award-winning, Moments, and more. The truth is, these terms mean different things to different artists. As a photographer, my primary focus is on capturing those special “moments.” However, it’s the way I see and capture each moment that will either resonate with you or not. Same goes for every other photographer.

A significant part of what you’ll appreciate is intuitive, and you might find it challenging to pinpoint exactly why you’re drawn to certain images. That’s perfectly fine. Photography is an art form, and we all have different preferences and tastes. Embrace the diversity, and find a style that uniquely connects with your vision and emotions.

Question to ask: 

How do you interpret terms like editorial, dramatic, or award-winning in your unique style of capturing moments?

Movement Matters 

Movement matters a lot to me as a photographer. Are you drawn to images featuring dramatic, perfectly posed moments, or do you prefer the fluidity and dynamism of pictures with more movement? It’s absolutely fine to appreciate both styles, but make sure to talk about your preferences with your photographer, so they can tailor their approach to match your vision for posing and portraits.

Lately, there’s a trend towards embracing “blurry” images. From my perspective, these images have the power to convey deep emotions and capture the essence of a moment and its surroundings beautifully – but only when executed skillfully. It’s essential to strike the right balance because blurry images that feel out of place just won’t resonate well.

Question to ask: 

Do you prefer capturing posed perfection or more fluid and dynamic shots, and how do you approach posing and portraits?

(Image ref: Abby Hart Photos)

Feelings Unveiled 

Pinpoint the emotions you want your wedding images to evoke. When perusing a photographer’s portfolio, ask yourself if you feel the intended emotions – it’s a powerful way to connect with their work.

Question to ask: 

How do you aim to evoke specific emotions through your photography on our wedding day, and how can we as couples connect with those emotions?

Full Galleries Speak Volumes

Always ask to see full galleries. An Instagram feed is meticulously curated, offering only a glimpse of what working with a photographer entails. To gain a comprehensive understanding, ask your potential photographer for a gallery from a wedding resembling your style, providing the clearest insight into what you can expect when working together.

Question to ask: 

Can we see a full gallery from a wedding similar to ours to understand the complete range of your capabilities?

(Image ref: Abby Hart Photos)

Choosing a wedding photographer is an art in itself. It’s about finding someone whose style aligns with your vision, and whose personality complements your journey. So, go ahead, ask these questions. Trust your instincts, and let your wedding photos tell the beautiful story of your D-Day.

Happy planning!