Be honest, you’ve seen those awful wedding photos before. You know what I’m talking about, right? The bride and groom are posed awkwardly and somehow their family has managed to look even more awkward. The props are downright tacky or weird and no one looks happy to be there – except for that one cousin in the back with a mischievous smile.

You’ve probably seen other photos where the lighting is bad, the couple is out of focus or partially out of frame, and the editing is poorly done.

Chances are, the couples who hired those photographers didn’t do their research. They probably have a few regrets.

You shouldn’t simply pick the first photographer you find when you’re booking wedding vendors and services. And you shouldn’t blindly take advice from your mom’s friend Stacy about the wedding photographer she just loved from her boyfriend’s neighbor’s wedding.

You’re paying a lot for a wedding photographer, and you deserve photographs you absolutely love – photographs that perfectly capture the beauty of the day.

To make sure a wedding photographer can meet your needs, take the time to sit down with them and review their work. The last thing you want is to hire a photographer who doesn’t show up on time, doesn’t deliver your images, or provides images you hate.

Ask the following questions when you’re interviewing professionals for your big day and you’ll ensure you’re getting exactly what you need from a wedding photographer.

For your convenience, I’ve broken the questions into several categories including price, photography style, experience, and deliverables.

Wedding Photography Price

Price is usually the number one factor couples consider when deciding on a wedding photographer. Make sure you understand exactly what you’ll be paying for and what you’ll be receiving from the person you hire. You don’t want any hidden fees to pop up – you’re already probably cashing out some serious dough for your vendor, food, outfits, and decorations.

Find out everything the wedding package does and doesn’t include. If there’s something you want added on to a package – maybe a second photographer if one isn’t already included – ask how much it’ll cost and get it in writing.

This is also your opportunity to find out if your photographer will travel for your wedding and, if so, how far. Photographers typically won’t charge to drive a town or two over to your event space, but if they have to drive hours or states away, there may be an additional fee.

Questions to Ask About Price:

How many hours are included in your package?
Do you have any a la carte options, like an engagement session or a second shooter?
Do you charge for overtime?
How much of a deposit do you require and when is the final payment due?
Will I get my deposit back if I cancel my wedding?
Will you charge extra to travel for my wedding?

Wedding Photography Style

If you’ve been dreaming about your wedding since you were young, chances are you have a clear image in your head. Maybe it’s of you and your spouse standing at the altar. Maybe it’s you and your parents embracing during the first look.

Whatever that image in your head is, you want to ensure your photographer can capture it. You need to look for a photographer who’s style meshes with yours. If you’re looking for dreamy, bright, and airy images but your photographer’s style is punchy, dark, and moody, they probably aren’t the right match for you.

Ask the questions listed below plus look at examples of their work. Look at how the couples are posed. Do the couples look awkward or natural together? You should work with a photographer who makes you and your partner look and feel comfortable. It’ll come through in the photos. You’ll get an idea if your personalities match when you're first meeting with them.

It’s also important to understand if the person you’re talking to will be the one taking the photos or if it’ll be another professional they partner with. Determine who’s editing the photos as well. Sometimes photographers will hire a third party.

Questions to Ask About Photography Style:

Can you provide examples of your previous wedding photography work?
How would you describe your photography style?
How will you capture the formal and candid photos?
Are you willing to shoot in different types of lighting conditions?
Will you be the person shooting on my wedding day?
Who will edit my photos?

Wedding Photography Experience

Experience is important when you’re looking for a photographer. You want to feel confident they’ll do a good job on your big day and produce photos you love. You also want to ensure they can confidently and successfully wrangle your wedding party and family.

The photographer you choose doesn’t have to have decades and decades of experience, but you do want to make sure you feel comfortable with their experience level.

Questions to Ask About Experience:

How many weddings have you photographed?
How do you handle unexpected events or obstacles on the wedding day?
Can you provide a list of references or reviews from previous clients?
Are you comfortable working with the wedding planner, or with different cultures, religions, and wedding customs?

Wedding Photography Deliverables

What could be worse than not receiving your wedding day photographs? It’s every couple’s nightmare come to life.

When you’re first meeting with a photographer, make sure you understand how many images you’ll receive and when. Find out if you can ask for additional edits or retouching after you’ve received the images.

You should also ask about their backup plan. What happens if their camera breaks or other equipment fails?

Questions to Ask About Deliverables:

How many images will we receive and in what format?
What is your policy for retouching and editing the images?
When will the final images be delivered?
Do you have backup equipment and a plan in case of equipment failure?

Ask the Right Wedding Photographer Questions, Find the Right Photographer

Choosing the right wedding photographer is crucial to ensure your special day is beautifully captured and you can cherish the photos for years to come. By asking the right questions, you can ensure that the photographer’s pricing, style, experience, and deliverables align with your preferences and expectations.

Remember to review their previous work, discuss their photography style, understand their experience level, and clarify the details of what their wedding packages include.

Taking the time to thoroughly interview potential photographers will help you find the perfect match and guarantee that you receive photographs you absolutely love.

Trust your instincts on this one. If you don’t get along with the photographer, it might not be a good fit. You want to be excited to work with this person, not rolling your eyes at everything they say.

As a wedding photographer in Central Minnesota, I take the time to meet with potential clients before they book my photography services and I meet with them several times before the wedding. You can learn more about me here and view my gallery to see if my photography style matches your vision.

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20 Questions to Ask Before Booking a Wedding Photographer