Choosing the right wedding photographer is one of the most crucial decisions you’ll make while planning your wedding. After all, the memories they capture will last a lifetime. At Blush, we believe in helping our couples find the best photographer for their wedding day, style, and vision. To make the process easier, here are the top 10 questions to ask your photographer before booking!
1. How many hours of coverage do you recommend and why?
It’s important to understand how your professional photographer is going to fit into your wedding timeline. Most couples will want coverage to include pre-ceremony moments, like getting ready or the first look, and extend to the reception and your exit. If you don’t know how to build a wedding timeline that works, Blush can help!
2. Do you include an engagement session in your wedding package?
Engagement shoots help build a relationship and establish a level of comfort with your photographer and their style before the big day. It’s an add-on we highly recommend, allowing you to feel more comfortable in front of the camera and giving the photographer a chance to understand your preferences. Plus, engagement photos are a great addition to your save-the-dates or wedding website!
3. Are you insured?
This is a no-brainer! Hiring insured vendors is essential for peace of mind. Many wedding venues even require it, and having insured photographers protects you from unexpected issues.
4. When should I expect to receive my photos after the wedding?
We get it, receiving your wedding photographs is almost as exciting as the big day itself! However, wedding photos take time to edit and finalize. Understanding the photographer’s turnaround time will help you set realistic expectations so you’re not left anxiously waiting without an idea of when to expect your gallery. While many photographers have a general timeline, it can also depend on their current workload, so make sure to ask!
5. Will there be a second shooter?
Second shooters provide a broader perspective, capturing different angles and more of your special moments. While the main photographer focuses on key and classic shots, a second shooter can capture candid images or details (which often become favorites)! Having two photographers ensures more comprehensive coverage of your day, so it’s something we highly recommend looking for in a potential photographer.
6. Can I see a full wedding gallery of your past work?
While social media shows highlights, full galleries offer a deeper understanding of a prospective photographer’s style and storytelling ability. Asking for a sample gallery from a venue similar to yours can also help you visualize your wedding through their lens and photography style!
7. Do you charge a travel fee, and if so, what does it cover?
This one only applies if your photographer isn’t local. They may charge travel fees or additional costs so understanding what those fees cover (flights, hotels, mileage) helps avoid surprises when planning your budget.
8. Will our images be available in an online gallery? If so, how long do you host it?
An online gallery is a convenient way to view and share your photos and the most common way photographers share images. Be sure to ask how long the gallery will be live, so you can make sure to download and store your images in time.
9. Do you back up your digital images after the wedding?
Photographers deal with thousands of files, so it’s good to know their backup equipment and backup process. This ensures your wedding photos are safe, even in the event of technical issues, making this an essential question!
10. Have you worked with our planner before?
When your planner and photographer have worked together, it leads to seamless collaboration. Blush partners with photographers we trust and have an established rapport with, making the day go smoothly from start to finish.
Why Do These Questions to ask Your Photographer Matter So Much?
Asking the right questions helps you feel confident in your potential wedding photographer’s ability to capture your vision. It also ensures you’re hiring someone who meets your needs, understands your style, and fits within your wedding budget. At Blush, we simplify the process by recommending photographers we trust. Having worked closely with many of them, we can guide you toward professionals who match your style, personality, and overall wedding day plans.
Looking for more wedding planning advice? Check out this blog on choosing who makes a wedding speech!
How a Blush Coordinator Can Help You Navigate the Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer
A Blush coordinator does more than just coordinate your big day. We take the time to get to know you, understanding your vision, style, and needs. We’ll help shortlist photographers (and other vendors) who align with your wedding’s style, personality, and budget, keeping you from wasting time on endless searches.
We also assist in fielding the list of questions to ask your wedding photographer above, helping you navigate the contract, packages, and expectations. With our expertise and trusted connections, you can focus on enjoying the process!
Recommended Photographers
- Kristen Weaver Photography
- Angelika Krug
- Leslie Page
- Captured by Elle
- KV Photography
- Jessica Jones Photography
- Rachael Osborn Photography
- Rhodes Studios
- Mike Briggs Photography
- Riley James Photography
Choosing the right photographer for your wedding is essential to keeping those memories for a lifetime! with these 10 questions to ask your wedding photographer, and with Blush by your side, we’ll make sure you have a photographer who fits your vision and delivers beautiful images beyond your expectations.
