The Top 20 Things You Should Ask Your Wedding Photographer

Choosing the right wedding photographer is a crucial decision that will impact how you remember your special day for years to come. With so many styles, packages, and experience levels to consider, it’s important to ask the right questions before making a selection. To help you find the perfect fit, I have put together a list of 20 Things You Should Ask Your Wedding Photographer before you commit. From understanding their experience to clarifying contract details, these questions will help ensure you make the right choice. Once you have read this list, you can sit back and enjoy your wedding day with confidence knowing that your photographer is capturing every meaningful moment.

Top 20 Things You Should Ask Your Wedding Photographer: The Basics

These are the first questions to ask any photographer that will help you narrow down your options if you are considering multiple candidates.

Are You Available on My Wedding Date?

Before diving into details, confirm that the photographer is available on your chosen date. Many photographers book months or even years in advance, so this should be your first question. If they are unavailable, ask if they can recommend someone with a similar style. It’s always good to have a few backup options in mind.

How Would You Describe Your Photography Style?

Photographers have different styles—photojournalistic, traditional, fine art, editorial, or a mix of these. Look at their portfolio and ask how they approach weddings to see if their style matches what you envision. Do you prefer candid, documentary-style shots or a more posed and polished look? Understanding their approach will help you determine if they’re the right fit for your aesthetic.

How Many Weddings Have You Photographed?

Experience matters. A photographer who has shot dozens (or hundreds) of weddings will likely be more prepared for unexpected challenges than someone just starting out. An experienced photographer knows how to handle tight timelines, unpredictable weather, and difficult lighting conditions.

Have You Worked at My Venue Before?

Experience at your venue can be beneficial. A photographer who has shot there before will likely know the best spots for portraits, how the lighting changes throughout the day, and any logistical challenges. It’s not a dealbreaker if your photographer has not worked at the venue before, but it’s important that they are willing to visit the venue ahead of time and do the proper preparation.

Top 20 Things You Should Ask Your Wedding Photographer: Vetting Questions

Now it’s time to get into the details of a photographer’s experience level.

Can You Show Me a Full Wedding Gallery?

Portfolios typically showcase the best images, but a full gallery gives you a better sense of how the photographer captures an entire wedding from start to finish. Look for consistency in quality, color, and composition throughout the full gallery. Remember, any photographer can pull together 20 good photos, but a true professional consistently provides excellent images for every client. You should be able to easily view multiple galleries to confirm this.

What Is Included in Your Packages?

Wedding photography packages can vary widely. Ask about coverage time, the number of photographers included, whether engagement sessions are part of the package, and how many final images you can expect. Also, clarify if albums, prints, or digital files are included. Some photographers offer à la carte options, so make sure you understand what’s included and what may come with additional costs.

Are You Insured?

A professional photographer carries liability insurance—this is non-negotiable. Insurance not only protects the photographer’s equipment but also covers potential accidents, giving you peace of mind. Furthermore, most venues require it. If your venue requires proof of insurance, your photographer should be able to provide documentation upon request.

Will You Be the One Photographing My Wedding?

Some photography studios have multiple photographers. If you are meeting with the studio owner, confirm who will actually be shooting your wedding and ask to see their specific portfolio. It’s important to know exactly who will be behind the camera so you’re not surprised on your wedding day.

Also, ask how many photographers and assistants will be on site. More than one photographer means more than one flash going off during the wedding, which can quickly make you feel like you’re being followed by the paparazzi. If you have a guest list of fewer than 150 and want to keep things simple, one photographer is often enough. (For more on why you only need one photographer, check out this article: ‘Do you need a second photographer?’.)

Top 20 Things You Should Ask Your Wedding Photographer: Technical Questions

It’s important to know if your photographer is prepared to handle any difficult situations that may arise.

Do You Edit All of the Photos?

Some photographers provide only lightly edited images, while others offer retouching. Ask what level of editing is included and whether additional edits are available if needed. Some photographers offer skin retouching, color correction, or extra editing for an additional fee.

Editing is the “special sauce” that turns a dull snapshot into a work of art. Because of this, no professional photographer should provide RAW files. Instead, you should expect fully culled images (no duplicates, no eyes closed, etc.) and proper color correction. Beyond this, make sure their editing style aligns with what you like—check their portfolio to ensure the images retain a natural vibrancy and aren’t overly processed.

Do You Have Backup Equipment and do you backup your files?

A professional photographer should always have extra cameras, lenses, memory cards, and batteries in case something goes wrong. Equipment failures can happen, so a photographer should always be prepared with backups. This is a non-negotiable mark of professionalism. If a photographer only carries one camera, that’s a red flag.

Even more important, ask how they back up your files. Unfortunately, many clients have lost their wedding photos due to photographers failing to back up memory cards. Don’t let this happen to you—ensure your photographer has a secure system in place for file storage.

How Do You Handle Low-Light or Challenging Lighting Situations?

Weddings take place in a variety of lighting conditions, from bright outdoor ceremonies to dimly lit receptions. Ask about their experience with low-light settings and what equipment they use to ensure high-quality images. Some photographers use additional lighting, while others specialize in natural light.

Be sure to check their portfolio for nighttime shots. Almost any photographer can take a well-lit, outdoor photo, but it takes skill to use flash effectively. If you prefer soft, bounced light over direct, harsh lighting, confirm that their flash technique aligns with your vision.

How Do You Handle Rain or Bad Weather?

If your wedding is outdoors, discuss backup plans. Ask how they adapt to rain, extreme heat, or other weather challenges. Some photographers bring clear umbrellas for couples, while others are skilled at finding covered areas with good lighting. A professional always has a rainy-day plan in place.

Will You Coordinate with My Videographer?

If you’re hiring a videographer, it’s important that they work well together. Ask if the photographer has experience collaborating with videographers to ensure they don’t get in each other’s way. A good photographer and videographer team will communicate to make sure they’re capturing all the important moments.

Top 20 Things You Should Ask Your Wedding Photographer: Contract Questions

Make sure you fully understand your contract before signing.

What’s Your Payment Schedule and Cancellation Policy?

Understanding the financial aspect is crucial. Ask about deposits, payment schedules, and what happens if you need to reschedule or cancel. Having everything clearly outlined in a contract protects both you and the photographer. Be sure to ask about refund policies and any fees for last-minute changes.

What Rights Do We Have to the Photos?

Photographers retain full copyright of their images, but you will either purchase prints through them or receive full printing rights. Make sure you understand what’s included in your contract to avoid surprises when ordering prints.

How Long Will It Take to Receive My Photos?

Turnaround times vary. Ask when you can expect your final gallery and whether they offer sneak peeks shortly after the wedding. If you’re having a destination wedding, confirm if delivery times will be affected.

What Happens If You’re Unable to Shoot My Wedding?

While rare, emergencies can happen. Ask about their backup plan—do they have an associate photographer or a network of professionals they trust to step in if needed? Make sure there’s a contingency plan in place so you’re not left without a photographer on your wedding day.

Shot List & Additional Session Questions

Do You Offer Engagement Sessions?

An engagement session is a great way to get comfortable in front of the camera and build rapport with your photographer before the big day. Ask if it’s included in your package or available as an add-on. Engagement sessions also help you see how the photographer directs and poses couples, giving you a preview of what to expect on your wedding day.

Can We Provide a Shot List or Must-Have Photos?

Some couples have specific photos they want, like family portraits or certain details. Ask if your photographer is open to a shot list and how they balance capturing requested shots with candid moments. A good photographer will work with you to ensure your most important moments are captured while keeping the day flowing naturally. Case in point: I always have my clients fill out a ‘homework’ sheet so that I have their top priorities in mind for my shot list.

How Do You Handle Family and Group Photos?

Family portraits can be one of the most chaotic parts of a wedding day. Ask how the photographer organizes and directs group shots to ensure they’re efficient and stress-free. Some photographers recommend designating a family member to help gather people quickly.

Final Thoughts

Hiring a wedding photographer is about more than just beautiful images—it’s about finding someone you trust to document one of the most significant days of your life. Asking these 20 key questions will help you make an informed decision and ensure you’re comfortable with your choice.

Enjoy the images and I will have more photo adventures for you next week!

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If you find this article on ‘The Top 20 Things You Should Ask Your Wedding Photographer’ useful, then check out these articles:

Looking to say ‘I do’ in San Antonio? Drop me a line and let’s chat about how I can help you. I have hourly rates, and all photo shoots include editing and high-resolution files.

To view more images from my wedding photography portfolio, please visit my website – KellyWilliamsPhotographer.com