5 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer

Are you looking for the perfect photographer? The search for the wedding photographer that’s the right fit for you can sometimes be difficult. As with other wedding venues, you want to make sure you choose someone who is able to deliver quality service.

On the other hand, photographers are a lot different from other vendors with the exception of wedding planners and day of coordinators. Here’s why… we are with you the entire day, from start to finish. It’s important that the photography company you choose provides with exceptional customer service, photographs, AND “gets” you.

Having a hard time choosing through the many thousands of photographers? One of the best ways to help you narrow down your search and find the photographer of your dreams, is to ask your potential wedding photographer questions.

5 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer

In fact, I feel this is the perfect resource to help you confirm you’re making the best decision on your wedding day.

1. “How would you describe your style?”

After a quick internet search, you’ll soon realize that there’s tons of photography lingo and ‘styles’ so to speak. It’s important to find a photographer whose work resonates with you. You’re likely to encounter a plethora of different photographers and styles alike. For instance: light and airy, classic (with colors and tones as you see them), dark and moody, and photojournalistic (storytelling) are just a few. Some photographers may provide a variety of styles while others may only provide clients with one option.

I’d describe our wedding style as vibrant and timeless with hints of contrast and mood. Your wedding photos will be a mix of natural and traditional posing, and photojournalistic/candid images. However, as a visual artist, I’d say I primarily focus on storytelling.

2. “Will you edit my images, and if so what does it include?”

Some photographers will photograph your wedding day and then provide you with the SD card to worry about culling and editing the images yourselves. However, other photographers like me, will edit, cull, and do basic processing of your images before providing them to you.  If you’re wanting to remove large objects or a visible tattoo in more than 100 photographs, you will most likely incur an additional fee to cover the photographer’s time,  expertise, and possible outsourcing.

Your images will receive basic processing and enhancements which includes: Culling (Sorting and organizing your images to provide you with the very best photos. This includes removing the blinks, outtakes and images you’re guaranteed to not want to see.), color-corrections, cropping, black and white conversions, and white balance.

4. “Do you have a list of certain images you take? Can we create our own list?”

First off, many professional wedding photographers will never walk into your wedding day unprepared. You’ll most likely need to complete a Pre-Wedding Questionnaire that includes a shot or image list for you to complete usually a few weeks or even months before your wedding.

It’s common for some couples to leave all of the trust with their photographer. I try my best to capture every image I’ll need to tell your love story from beginning to end. Equally important though, is your input on shots that you would like to place the most priority on. You should also make sure to include the names and relationship details of close guests. For example, divorced and remarried parents who don’t speak, or your 90 year old grandmother who flew in from out-of-state.

Our recommended shot or image list would include these items:

• Pre-ceremony (getting ready, details),
• ceremony (walking down the aisle),
• formals (family, group, partners),
• reception (first dance, cake-cutting, guests).

Although not all weddings might have a reception or mother-son dance, this is our general shot list. Furthermore, you are always more than welcome to create and provide us with your own list.

5. “How long after the wedding will my images be ready to view, and how will they be delivered?

Soon after your wedding day, you’ll be extremely anxious to view all your images from the big day. I mean seriously, who wouldn’t? Even in such a digital age of social media where many guests will share their cell phone shots on Facebook or Instagram, there’s nothing like gorgeous photos from an experienced professional.

With that being said, turnaround time expectations on wedding images has to be one the most common issue I’ve seen brides have. 

Currently, my turnaround time for having your images ready is between 6-8 weeks. However, most galleries are delivered in about 2-3 weeks. To help curb the anxiety and go weeks without viewing any of your images, I’ll post a few sneak peeks for you. Although it may be rare, if additional time is needed to edit and deliver your wedding images, I will let you know.

What’s more, all of your images will be edited (cropped, color corrected, with some black and white conversions) and delivered via an online gallery. From your gallery, you will also be able to download your images and print release to print them at any lab of your choosing. In addition, should you, your family or friends decide to purchase an heirloom quality album or wall art, you may do so directly through the gallery.

5 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer in Closing

Okay Lovebirds, that completes our post on the “5 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer”. In brief, you should ask your photographer

1. to describe their style,
2. if your images will be edited,
3. collection or package information and what’s included
4. about their shot list to check their preparation and/or experience
5. for their turnaround time on image delivery.

Furthermore, CONGRATS on your engagement! Naturally, as a traveling Houston-based and destination wedding photographer, I pride myself on providing you with valuable information. I’d love to help you out and capture your wedding or elopement. You can get in touch with me by completing the contact form here. 

Did you like this advice on 5 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer? Would you add any additional questions? I hope these questions help in your search for finding and confirming the perfect wedding photographer for you. 

Finally, if you have any questions, shoot me an email. Most importantly, please remember that I’m here to help!