By Terry Meadows
Are you unsure of what to ask a wedding photographer before booking?
Worried about finding a wedding photographer who captures your day perfectly, even in challenging lighting situations?
At Zion Springs, we've hosted weddings since 2010, we guide couples through the process with ease and we're passionate about guiding couples through each step of the process.
In this article, we’ll cover key questions about photography style, packages, lighting, timelines, and more to ensure you find the right fit for your big day.
You can easily download this list of questions for your convenience, making it simple to have them on hand when you meet with potential photographers.
Key Experience and Style Questions for the Photographer
Your photographer’s experience and style will have a lasting impact on your wedding photos. Asking the right questions here will help you determine if they’re a good fit.
1. How Many Weddings Have You Photographed, and How Long Have You Been a Wedding Photographer?
Experience is fundamental when choosing a wedding photographer. Those who have captured numerous weddings bring a level of preparedness and understanding that only time can provide.
2. How Would You Describe Your Photography Style?
Photographers specialize in different styles, such as traditional, photojournalistic, or editorial. Make sure their approach matches your vision for your day. If you’re looking for candid, emotional moments rather than highly posed shots, this is a great opportunity to ask if their portfolio reflects that.
3. Can We See a Full Gallery of a Recent Wedding?
A full gallery gives insight into a photographer’s consistency throughout the entire day. You’ll be able to see how they capture each moment, from getting ready to the last dance, and determine if they can tell the story of your wedding beautifully.
“Doug and his team kept everything lighthearted and the nerves away with their enthusiasm and professionalism. His team knows how to capture the whole wedding beautifully, from portraits to details, to the party.”Lillian and Erich
4. Do You Have Experience Shooting at Our Venue?
It’s always an advantage if your photographer has experience with your venue. They will already know the best locations and lighting options.
5. How Do You Approach Candid vs. Posed Shots?
Finding the right balance between candid and posed shots is crucial to creating an authentic gallery. Ask your photographer how they strike that balance, and look for specific examples in their portfolio. You want someone who can capture natural moments as well as posed portraits.
Photography and Videography Prices
by u/otter-99 in wedding planning.
Wedding Package and Pricing Photography Options
Choosing the right wedding photography package means understanding what’s included and any extra costs. These key questions help you decide.
6. What Are Your Different Package Options, and What Do They Include?
Most photographers offer a range of packages to fit different needs. Ask what’s included—such as hours of coverage, second shooters, and photo albums. Customization may also be an option, so clarifying your needs early on is important.
7. Do Your Packages Include an Engagement Session or Rehearsal Dinner Coverage?
Engagement sessions or rehearsal dinner coverage can sometimes be added to packages. Even if they aren’t included, it’s worth asking if they’re available as an option.
8. Is There a Travel Fee for Our Venue Location?
Some photographers charge extra for traveling to venues outside their local area. Clarify any travel fees ahead of time to avoid surprises later.
9. What Is Your Policy on Overtime or Additional Hours?
Weddings can sometimes run longer than planned. Knowing the overtime policy and the cost of additional coverage is helpful.
10. Are There Any Extra Costs We Should Be Aware Of?
Clarify any potential extra costs, such as for prints, albums, or additional editing.
"From our engagement shoot to our wedding day, Doug made our photo sessions so fun and he was able to beautifully capture the best day of our life."Laura and Colin
Day-of Logistics Questions for the Photographer
Logistics are important to ensure your wedding day goes smoothly. Asking these questions will help you understand how the photographer operates.
11. Will You Be the Photographer Shooting Our Wedding, or Will It Be an Associate?
Some studios send associate photographers to weddings, so knowing who will capture your day is important. If it’s not the lead photographer, ask to meet the associate and see their work.
12. Do You Work With a Second Shooter or Assistant?
A second shooter can provide additional angles and capture more moments throughout the day. Ask if a second shooter is included in the package and if they’ve worked with the lead photographer before.
13. How Do You Handle Low-Light Situations Like Indoor Receptions or Evening Ceremonies?
Lighting conditions can change throughout the day, especially at indoor receptions or evening ceremonies. Check their portfolio for examples of how they handle low-light situations and ask what equipment they use for these moments.
14. What Is Your Backup Plan in Case of Emergency?
A solid backup plan is necessary if your photographer cannot attend the wedding due to an emergency. Ask whether they have an associate photographer or other professionals they can call on to cover the event.
15. How Do You Collaborate With the Videographer?
Your photographer and videographer must work closely to ensure both capture all key moments without getting in each other’s way. Ask how they typically collaborate with other vendors.
Wedding Photography Image Delivery and Rights
After the wedding, you’ll want to know when and how you’ll receive your photos. These questions will help clarify the delivery process and your rights to the images.
16. How Long After the Wedding Can We Expect to Receive Our Photos?
Every couple looks forward to the excitement of reliving their wedding through photos. Ask about the timeline for receiving your images and whether they offer sneak peeks.
17. Will We Have Access to High-Resolution Images, and Are They Watermarked?
High-resolution, non-watermarked images are ideal for printing and sharing. Be sure to ask if the photos you receive will meet these standards.
18. How Many Edited Images Can We Expect to Receive?
It's helpful to know how many edited images you’ll receive based on your package. Depending on the length of coverage and scope of the event, photographers can deliver anywhere from 300 to 1,000 edited images.
19. Do You Provide a Print Release, or Do We Need to Order Prints Through You?
Some photographers allow you to print your images anywhere, while others require you to order prints directly through them. If you want flexibility, be sure to ask for a print release.
20. Do You Back Up Your Images, and How Long Are They Stored?
Backup plans are just as important after the event as they are on the wedding day. Ensure your photographer has a system in place for backing up and storing your images for a reasonable period.
Customization and Communication Questions for the Photographer
Clear communication and flexibility are key to ensuring your photography needs are met. These questions will help you assess how well your photographer will work with you.
21. How Do You Help Couples Plan Their Photography Timeline?
Most photographers assist couples in planning a photography timeline for the day to ensure everything runs smoothly. Ask how they help with planning and how flexible they are if things change.
22. Can We Provide You With a Shot List, and How Flexible Are You in Accommodating Our Requests?
It's common to have a shot list for family photos or specific moments you want captured. Ask how your photographer handles requests and whether they’re open to suggestions on the day.
23. How Do You Handle Family or Group Photos?
Family and group photos can often take time, so it's key that your photographer is organized and efficient in managing these moments. Reviewing their portfolio can give you insight into how they handle group shots.
"The entire photography/videography staff were phenomenal. A few people in our wedding party weren’t super comfortable in front of a camera, and they just made everyone feel like they were a superstar."Taylor and Austin
24. How Do You Handle Unexpected Changes Like Weather or Last-Minute Schedule Adjustments?
Weddings often require last-minute adjustments due to weather or other factors.
25. What’s the Best Way to Communicate With You During the Planning Process?
Good communication is critical. Ask how they prefer to be contacted—whether by phone, email, or text—and how long it typically takes them to respond.
Reflecting on Your Search for the Right Wedding Photographer
You came here looking for the right questions to ask a wedding photographer. We’ve covered essential topics like experience, style, packages, logistics, and image delivery to help you decide and find the perfect photographer for your day.
With over a decade of experience hosting weddings, Zion Springs is well-placed to provide valuable insights to couples throughout their wedding planning process. Our commitment to educating couples is part of our passion for helping you create the perfect day.
For more helpful resources and expert advice, explore our website's Answers and Advice section, where you’ll find articles to support every stage of your wedding planning.
All-Inclusive Wedding Packages: Are They Worth It?
25 Top Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer: A Comprehensive Guide
Hidden Costs of Cheap Wedding Venues: The Real Price of “Affordable”
