7 Essential Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer on a Consultation Call

If you’re planning a wedding, finding the right photographer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. After all, your wedding photos are the lasting memories that will be cherished for years to come! To help you choose the perfect photographer for your special day, here are some questions to ask during your consultation call:

1. What is your style of photography?

Every photographer has their own unique editing and shooting style, so it’s important to choose one whose style aligns with your vision for your photos.

Some photographers prefer a more candid and natural shooting style, while others focus on creating posed and stylized shots. I usually recommend finding a photographer with a good mix of both, so you have some variety in your gallery. Having a photographer that gives direction is also important if you aren’t familiar with being in front of the lens.

Editing style is also an essential part of picking your wedding photographer! If you aren’t familiar with the different editing styles out there, this blog post gives great examples of some of the options. You want to ensure that you will always love your wedding photos! Choosing a style that stands the test of time is important. Read more about timeless wedding editing styles here.

2. How much experience do you have shooting weddings?

Wedding photography requires a unique set of skills to deal with a unique set of challenges. It’s important to choose a photographer who has plenty of experience shooting weddings specifically. Ask how many weddings they’ve shot in the past, and take a look at their portfolio to see if their style and quality of work matches your expectations.

3. What equipment do you use?

While equipment isn’t everything, it’s important to choose a photographer who has professional-grade equipment. This also includes backup gear in case of any malfunctions. Ask what type of camera they use, what lenses they typically shoot with, and if they have dual card slots. Shooting with two cards ensure that in the unlikely situation that an SD card corrupts, they already have a backup of that card. You can also ask them if they have gear like a drone to create out-of-the-box portraits of you and your partner. This isn’t always on the top of a couple’s list of must-haves, but it is definitely a plus!

Along this same vein, it is important to ask a photographer about how they protect your photos after the wedding day. I have too many horror stories of photographers not backing up their photos and disaster strikes. Ensure your photographer is reliable and takes good care of your photos.

4. Can we see full wedding albums that you’ve shot?

Many photographers will only show their best shots on their website or social media. This is why it’s important to see a full wedding gallery to see the quality and consistency of their work. Asking to see a full wedding album will give you a better idea of what your own photos could look like.

5. What is your pricing and what’s included in your packages?

Photography is an investment, so it’s important to choose a photographer whose pricing fits within your budget. Ask about their pricing and what’s included in their packages. Some key things to ask include the number of hours of coverage and the number of edited photos you’ll receive.

6. How do you handle unexpected situations or changes in the schedule?

Weddings can be unpredictable. It’s important to choose a photographer who is flexible and able to adapt to any unexpected situations. Ask how they handle things like inclement weather, delays, or other unforeseen circumstances.

7. What is your turnaround time for delivering the final photos?

After the wedding, you’ll likely be eager to see your photos as soon as possible. Ask your potential photographer about their turnaround time for delivering the final photos and if they offer any expedited options.

By asking these questions during your consultation call, you’ll be better equipped to choose the perfect photographer to capture your special day. Don’t forget to trust your instincts and choose a photographer who makes you feel comfortable and confident in their abilities!

Pro-tip! Read your photographer’s publicly listed reviews before hiring. You’ll be able to see how other people felt about working with them!

Best of luck!