As you plan your wedding, one of the first things you will do is look for a photographer. Maybe you have inquired with photographers about your wedding day, and now it’s time to hop on a consultation call with them. No idea what questions you should ask during a consultation? Here are some of my favorite questions that will help you see if the photographer you are talking with is the right one for you:
Why do you like photographing weddings?
Some photographers view photography simply as their career, while others have a deep passion and drive behind what they do. Listen for someone who holds photography close to their heart. They will give you the best experience and capture your wedding with love!
How long have you been a wedding photographer?
You’ll find out if the photographer is seasoned with a lot of experience or new to the wedding world. There is nothing wrong with hiring a newer photographer, but knowing how much experience someone has before trusting them to capture your wedding is good. Newer photographers can bring a lot of passion to their work, but ask some follow-up questions about how they stay consistent in their style and experience. This will help you decide if the photographer is reliable.
Who is your second photographer?
If you are looking to book a package with a second photographer, who will that photographer be? Do they have a team or someone who works with them regularly? Or maybe they will look for someone in the community who has availability closer to your wedding date. Knowing a photographer’s process when it comes to finding a reliable second shooter is essential.
How do you back up your images?
Backing up photos is absolutely crucial. You want to work with a photographer that has a process that keeps your photos safe. You will have peace of mind knowing that the precious images of your wedding day are backed up, maybe even in multiple places!
What’s your emergency plan if you get sick and can’t make it to my wedding?
We are all living in the effects of a global pandemic, so this question is more important now than ever before. Does the photographer have an emergency plan to send another photographer if they get sick? If so, how do they make sure it is someone who will still give you the best experience possible?
Do you have recommendations for vendors?
Photographers work with a lot of different wedding vendors and can recommend their favorites. It can be hard to choose the most trustworthy vendors for your big day, so you will have an inside opinion by taking recommendations from a photographer. It is especially helpful to get suggestions for videographers from your photographer. Sometimes there can be some frustration between your video and photo team on your wedding day. For example, your photographer might have an elaborate vision that doesn’t fit what your videographer wants to create, which can waste precious time on your wedding day. When you talk with your photographer about videographers they have worked with in the past and would recommend, it will help the coverage of your day to go smoothly.
What is your photography style?
There are different types of wedding photography styles. It’s good to ask this question if you have a specific vision for your photos, or if you are trying to choose a photography style. When you ask a few photographers that you like what their style is you will be able to know what style you prefer. Then you can book a photographer that best fits your preferred style.
What are your process and workflow like?
From booking to delivering final images, what can you expect when working with this photographer? When you know their process, you will never have to wonder what is next. You’ll also know when questionnaires will be coming your way and when you can expect sneak peeks and your completed gallery.
Some of my favorite questions I’ve been asked during consultations:
How do you prepare for a wedding day?
This question was one of my favorites I’ve been asked because it allowed me to share my pre-wedding process. I put a lot of work into preparing for a wedding day and this helped to put the couple at ease. It’s good to know the amount of work and care a photographer puts into getting ready for your wedding day. Knowing this will help you choose the best photographer for you!
What do you do when you’re not taking photos?
I love when couples ask questions that make connections on a consultation call. This gives us an opportunity to get to know each other on a more personal level. When you build a relationship with your photographer, it creates mutual trust and a comfort level that will alleviate some of your wedding day stress.
What makes you different than other photographers?
Maybe the photographer you are talking with has a signature experience, or they have an editing process that sets them apart. Perhaps they provide extra styling and posing help on your wedding day. Or maybe it’s their personality that makes them a calming person to be around on what can be a stressful day! Whatever the case may be, it’s good to know what makes a photographer unique.
Looking for a wedding photographer in the Bay Area? Get in touch with me here!
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