7 Essential Questions to Ask Wedding Photographers Before You Hire
Planning your wedding is super exciting, but picking the perfect photographer can feel a bit overwhelming, right? Here are seven essential questions to ask wedding photographers before you hire them, making sure you find someone trustworthy who vibes perfectly with your vision.
1. What is Your Photography Style?
Every photographer has a unique style, with looks from light and airy to dark and moody, and everything in between. Plus the way they approach the day – are they more traditional, providing lots of direction and ideas? Do they work off of a shot list? Are they ok with specific requests for photos? Are they more documentary/photojournalistic style (less hands-on). Make sure their style aligns with your vision for your wedding day. Check out their online portfolio to get a feel for their work by visiting their website and all social media accounts. Is the style and editing of their photos consistent? If not, you may be looking at a newer photographer who hasn’t really figured out their style yet, and working with them can be risky because you don’t really know what you’re going to get.
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.
2. How Do You Make Couples Feel Comfortable in Front of the Camera?
Not everyone is a natural in front of the lens (and that’s totally okay!). Ask your potential photographer how they help couples relax and enjoy the experience. Their approach should match your comfort level, making the whole process fun and stress-free.
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.
3. What’s Included in Your Package?
Get details on what you’re getting for your investment. How many hours of coverage? What happens if they stay longer? Are there engagement sessions, albums, or prints included? Also, what costs extra? Are there travel fees? Who pays for permits? Understanding what’s in their packages ensures there are no surprises later. Plus, it helps you compare options easily.
My packages are all-inclusive so you don’t have to worry about additional fees, my travel costs, or taxes. I offer customizable options to suit your needs. This way, you can plan your budget with no surprises.
4. How Do You Handle Emergency Situations?
Life happens, even on your wedding day. What if your photographer gets sick or injured? How do they deal with unexpected emergencies on the day of? It’s crucial to know they have a solid backup plan and a network of professional photographers they trust to step in if needed.
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.
5. Can You Share a Full Gallery from a Recent Wedding?
Portfolios are great, but they usually showcase only the top highlights. To get a real sense of their work, ask to see a full gallery from a recent wedding. This will show you how they document the entire day, capturing all those candid, heartfelt moments in between the big shots.
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.
6. What is Your Return and Cancellation Policy?
No one wants to think about the worst-case scenario, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Ask about their return and cancellation policy. What happens if you need to reschedule or cancel? Understanding their policies upfront can save you from potential stress and financial loss down the road.
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.
7. What is Your Turnaround Time and What Happens if You Are Late?
After the wedding, you’ll be eager to relive the memories through your photos. Ask about their typical turnaround time for delivering images. Also, what happens if they are late? It’s important to have clear expectations and a contingency plan in place.
I guarantee delivery of your photos within six weeks, plus a sneak peek of 25-50 photos 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
Learning as much as you can about a potential photographer helps you avoid disappointment or, even worse, getting scammed. You’re investing in someone to document one of the most important days of your life, so it’s worth taking the time to ensure they’re the perfect fit.
Happy planning, and may your wedding be as magical as your love story!
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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