Before you hire a wedding photographer it is so important to figure out if you and that person are a good fit! Your investment matters and you should be completely happy with your wedding photography experience, both how the pictures come to you and how the photographer treats you. I always want my clients to be happy with both so I came up with some essential questions to ask a wedding photographer before you hire them! Plus, I’ll add in some of my responses to the questions so you can know if I’m a good fit for you.)

Are you open to a phone conversation or do you prefer to meet clients in person before the wedding? 

I prefer meeting face-to-face but if circumstances require a phone or zoom meeting I’m happy to accommodate that.

How many photos will I be getting back? 

For my clients, I promise 50 an hour.

What is your shooting style? 

I am very laid back. I look for real emotion at weddings above all else. If posed photos are important to you I need to know in advance what your expectations are. Sometimes I'm quiet, this is really because I am watching for moments to unfold naturally. If we do your engagement photos ahead of the wedding this is a great time for me to get to know you as a couple. It helps me better understand how much direction you might need. If I see moment after moment unfolding because of your natural way of being its often in my nature not to interrupt that.

Do you have a mock-up timeline for the day of my wedding? 

I always put together an itinerary for the day! This same schedule will be amended more than once if need be. It’s really important for all vendors to cooperate and be on the same page. Sometimes the DJ needs things at a certain time and sometimes the videographer or event planner. It’s really good idea for us to all work together.

I do make a photography schedule based on your ceremony time and other non-negotiable wedding events. Once I make a schedule I’ll work with you to create a list of must-have photos. If you would like formal photos I will request a list of names of who should be in each photo. This will make sure the formal photos don’t take up precious celebration time!

I will stick to our schedule and photo list as closely as possible on the big day. Of course, unpredictable things will always come up on your wedding day that you can’t preplan for, but as your photographer, I promise to deliver the photos you expect to be in your gallery. I like for us to have this part laid out well ahead of time! I prefer to work with couples who are more laid back and allow me as the photographer to handle the artistic part. I love getting to use my creativity to capture your wedding day perfectly. 

How do you handle guests who request certain photos?

I ask that all photo requests come through the bride and groom. I am happy to take any and all photos you request, but I am contracted to work for the couple getting married. You will be my point of contact for photo requests because your happiness is my top priority on your wedding day. I’ll even ask you before I leave for the evening if there are any last minute photos you would like!

How do you handle guests who unhappily pose for photos?

My top priority is how to make the bride and groom happy. If somebody is posing for a photo in a way I know the newlyweds won’t want to remember, I take charge and ask that person to change. I like to stay on task during the wedding day. The day is about you, not me.

Do you have a contract?

YES, and it is very important to read it thoroughly. My contracts protect all parties involved on your wedding day and it includes every detail you may need to know about gallery delivery, timelines, number of photos, what I will and will not do, how I handle unruly guests or broken equipment, and what happens if there is a cancellation.