Essential Questions to Ask Wedding Photographers Before You Hire
Planning your wedding is SO exciting, but let’s be real—choosing the perfect photographer can feel a little overwhelming. Your wedding photos are what you’ll look back on for years to come, so finding someone who truly gets your vision (and is fun to be around!) is super important. But with so many photographers out there, how do you know who’s the right fit? What should you ask to make sure they’re reliable, experienced, and can capture your day in a way that feels so you?
That’s where this list of essential questions comes in! Asking the right things upfront will help you find a photographer you click with—someone who not only takes gorgeous photos but also makes you feel comfortable and at ease. From their shooting style to turnaround times and backup plans, these questions will help you avoid any surprises and feel totally confident in your choice. So, let’s dive in and make sure you find the perfect person to document your big day!
What is Your Photography Style?
Every photographer has a unique way of capturing a wedding day—both in the way they shoot and how they edit their images. Some create dreamy, light-and-airy photos that feel soft and romantic, while others lean into a bold, dark-and-moody vibe with rich colors and deep contrast. And then there are those who aim for a true-to-life, natural look that keeps things feeling timeless. But style isn’t just about how the photos look—it’s also about how the photographer approaches the day itself. Are they more traditional, directing poses and making sure every detail is perfectly in place? Or do they take a more hands-off, documentary-style approach, capturing moments as they naturally unfold? Some photographers follow a strict shot list, while others prefer to go with the flow, trusting their instincts to capture what’s most meaningful in the moment.
That’s why it’s so important to make sure their style aligns with your vision! The best way to do this? Dive into their portfolio—both on their website and social media. Look for consistency in their work. Does every wedding they share have a similar editing style, or do their photos feel all over the place? If their style seems to change dramatically from one wedding to the next, it could be a sign they’re still figuring out their artistic voice—which means you might not really know what you’ll be getting. You should also ask yourself: Can I imagine my wedding looking like this? Do their photos make me feel something? If the answer is yes, you’re on the right track! If not, keep searching until you find a photographer whose work truly speaks to you.
My photography style is documentary storytelling with a creative flair. I focus on capturing real, emotive moments that tell the story of your day as it naturally unfolds. This approach ensures that your photos feel authentic and full of life, giving you a timeless collection of memories. My editing style is earthy, emotive, and slightly moody with natural skin tones.
How Do You Make Couples Feel Comfortable in Front of the Camera?
Let’s be real—not everyone is born to model, and that’s totally okay! If the thought of being in front of a camera makes you feel awkward, stiff, or unsure of what to do with your hands, you’re not alone. A great wedding photographer knows this and has tricks up their sleeve to help you feel at ease. Some photographers take a very hands-on approach, giving lots of direction and showing you how to pose. Others might take a more candid, fly-on-the-wall approach, encouraging you to focus on each other rather than the camera. Neither is right or wrong—it just depends on what feels best for you!
That’s why it’s worth asking potential photographers how they help couples relax and enjoy the process. Do they play music? Crack jokes? Offer fun movement-based prompts to keep things natural? Maybe they focus on creating a chill, low-pressure environment where you barely even notice the camera. Their answer should resonate with you because, trust me, how you feel during your wedding photos will reflect in your wedding photos. If you’re relaxed, having fun, and feeling good in the moment, it’ll show—big time. So, if a photographer’s vibe doesn’t feel like a fit, don’t be afraid to keep looking for someone who makes you feel totally comfortable in your own skin.
I create a relaxed and easy-going atmosphere, guiding you with gentle prompts when needed, rather than stiff poses. My goal is to make you feel comfortable and connected, allowing your true selves to shine through. This results in genuine, heartfelt images that truly reflect your relationship.
What’s Included in Your Packages?
Let’s talk details—because when it comes to wedding photography, you want to know exactly what you’re getting for your investment. Every photographer structures their packages differently, so it’s super important to get a clear breakdown of what’s included. How many hours of coverage do they provide? Will they be there from the moment you start getting ready until the dance floor is packed, or do they dip out after the first dance? And what happens if the party is still going strong, but their contracted time is up? Do they offer extra hours, and if so, how much does it cost? You don’t want to be caught off guard with unexpected fees or missing coverage on moments that matter to you.
Beyond the hours, look at what else is included. Does their package come with an engagement session (which, by the way, is a great way to get comfortable with them before the big day)? Do they offer albums, prints, or other tangible keepsakes? Or is it all digital-only? Also, don’t forget about the sneaky extras—travel fees, permit costs for certain locations, second shooters, or expedited editing. These little things can add up fast, so getting everything spelled out upfront helps you compare options and avoid any last-minute surprises. The goal? Finding a package that gives you exactly what you need (without paying for a bunch of stuff you don’t).
My packages are all-inclusive so you don’t have to worry about additional fees, my travel costs, or taxes. What’s included with each one is detailed in the booking guide I send as well as the service contract. I offer customizable options to suit your needs. This way, you can plan your budget with no surprises.
How Do You Handle Emergency Situations?
Let’s be honest—no matter how much planning goes into your wedding, stuff happens. Life is unpredictable, and sometimes, things go sideways in ways no one can control. Maybe your photographer wakes up sick, gets into a car accident on the way to your venue, or their camera decides to die mid-ceremony (yikes!). Or maybe it’s something even bigger—like a sudden storm rolling in, an unexpected venue closure, or a full-blown act of God situation that forces you to pivot your entire wedding plan. Whatever the case, you need to know that your photographer has a solid plan for handling emergencies, big and small.
A true professional expects the unexpected and has contingency plans in place. Ask them: What happens if you can’t make it? They should have a network of trusted photographers they can call on—someone with a similar style who can step in last-minute if needed. What about equipment failure? They better have backup cameras, lenses, memory cards, and batteries on hand at all times. And when it comes to things like weather, road closures, or other logistical nightmares, do they have experience adapting on the fly? A great photographer will reassure you that no matter what happens, they’ll either find a way to be there or make sure someone equally awesome covers for them. Because when it comes to your wedding day, you deserve peace of mind—not panic.
In my 11+ years of experience, I’ve encountered many unexpected and emergency situations. I’ve never had any trouble adapting or coming up with a solution in a calm, positive way. I have two trained associate photographers plus a reliable network of professional photographers who can step in if the unthinkable happens and I can’t be there. I always carry backup equipment to ensure nothing stands in the way of capturing your day. Your peace of mind is my priority, so you can focus on enjoying your wedding.
Can You Share a Full Gallery from a Recent Wedding?
Photographers’ portfolios are like movie trailers—they’re designed to showcase the very best moments, the jaw-dropping shots, the emotional embraces, and the perfectly composed portraits. And while those highlights are amazing, they don’t tell the whole story. To get a true sense of what your wedding photos will look like from start to finish, ask to see a full gallery from a recent wedding. This will show you how they document everything—from the little in-between moments to the lighting challenges and fast-paced parts of the day.
Pay attention to consistency. Do all the photos have the same quality, color tones, and editing style throughout the day? How do they handle tricky lighting situations—like dim indoor spaces, bright midday sun, or nighttime receptions? Are the getting-ready moments, ceremony, and reception captured with the same level of creativity and attention to detail as the portraits? A full gallery gives you realistic expectations for what you’ll receive, rather than just a handful of perfectly curated images. If a photographer is hesitant to share a full wedding gallery (or only wants to show styled shoots or elopements), consider that a red flag. You deserve to know exactly what kind of magic they can create from beginning to end!
I’m more than happy to share full galleries. This transparency allows you to see how I handle different situations and the consistency of my work throughout. It’s important for you to know exactly what to expect.
What is Your Return and Cancellation Policy?
Nobody wants to think about canceling or rescheduling their wedding, but let’s be real—life can throw some unexpected curveballs. Maybe a family emergency pops up, you need to change your date, or (knock on wood) something as big as a global pandemic happens again. Before signing a contract, it’s so important to understand your photographer’s cancellation and rescheduling policy—because the last thing you want is to lose your deposit (or your entire investment) if plans shift.
Ask them upfront: What happens if we need to reschedule? Are there fees involved? Is our retainer transferable to a new date? Some photographers are flexible and allow you to move your date without extra charges (within reason), while others may require a new booking fee. And what about cancellations? Will you get any of your money back if something happens and you have to call it off? Some photographers offer partial refunds depending on how far out you cancel, while others have strict no-refund policies since they’ve held your date and potentially turned down other couples.
Also, don’t forget to ask what happens if they have an emergency—due to illness, accident, or anything outside of their control. A professional photographer will have a backup plan in place (like a trusted associate who can step in) or will offer a refund if they can’t fulfill their contract. Knowing all of this upfront gives you peace of mind and prevents major stress if the unexpected happens. Because while no one plans for things to go wrong, it’s always better to be prepared—just in case!
My return and cancellation policies are designed to be fair and straightforward. I understand that plans can change, so I offer flexible options for rescheduling and cancellations. Knowing you have options helps reduce stress if the unexpected happens.
What is Your Turnaround Time and What Happens if You Are Late?
After your wedding, you’ll be dying to see your photos—reliving all the big moments, the little in-between ones, and the overall magic of the day. But wedding photography isn’t an instant process (as much as we all wish it was!). Editing takes time, especially when done with care, so it’s important to ask your photographer what their typical turnaround time is. Will you get sneak peeks within a few days? When can you expect the full gallery? Some photographers deliver within a few weeks, while others might take months, depending on their workload and editing style. Knowing what to expect beforehand can save you from constantly refreshing your inbox in anticipation.
And here’s something a lot of couples don’t think to ask—what happens if they’re late? Life happens, but if your photographer suddenly ghosts you for weeks past their promised deadline, it’s not okay. Ask if they include any guarantees in their contract, like a refund or discount if they fail to deliver on time. A reliable photographer will have a clear system in place to stay on schedule and will communicate if delays come up. Bonus points if they offer a few sneak peek images soon after your wedding—because let’s be honest, waiting too long to see those special moments is pure torture!
I guarantee delivery of your photos within six weeks, plus a sneak peek within 5 days. If there are any delays, I will communicate proactively to keep you in the loop. That’s NEVER happened, though. I usually deliver well ahead of schedule! My goal is to provide you with beautiful photos in a timely manner so you can relive your day as soon as possible!
Why These Questions Matter
Your wedding photos are more than just pictures—they’re memories, frozen in time, that you’ll look back on for the rest of your life. That’s why choosing the right photographer isn’t just about liking their work; it’s about making sure they’re a true professional who understands your vision, communicates clearly, and can handle anything that comes their way. Asking these questions helps you avoid disappointment, misaligned expectations, and—worst-case scenario—getting scammed by someone who isn’t as experienced or reliable as they claim to be. The last thing you want is to invest in a photographer only to realize too late that they weren’t the right fit.
Taking the time to have these conversations ensures that you’re hiring someone you trust—someone who will not only capture the big, swoon-worthy moments but also the quiet, heartfelt ones you didn’t even realize were happening. It also gives you confidence that, no matter what life throws at your wedding day (bad weather, unexpected hiccups, or last-minute chaos), your photographer is prepared and ready to roll with it. At the end of the day, this is an investment—not just in beautiful images, but in peace of mind, knowing that your once-in-a-lifetime moments are in the hands of someone who truly cares about telling your story.
Final Thoughts
Finding the perfect wedding photographer isn’t just about checking a box—it’s about finding someone who gets you, your vision, and the energy of your day. By asking the right questions upfront, you’ll feel confident knowing you’ve chosen someone who’s not only talented but also reliable, prepared, and a joy to be around. Your wedding photos will be with you for a lifetime, so take the time to make sure they’re in the hands of someone you trust. Now go forth, ask those questions, and find the photographer who will capture your love story in the perfect way for YOU!
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Hi! I’m Andrea!
Photographer, storyteller, nature lover
Lume Photography is a creative Michigan elopement photographer & planner based in the Upper Peninsula. Behind the camera, you’ll find me (Andrea) photographer, forager, paranormal enthusiast. My passion is helping free-spirited couples craft their dream wedding in nature, and documenting the moments, emotions, and story in amazing photos. READ MORE ABOUT ME