The top 3 questions to ask when choosing a wedding photographer
While sites like The Knot may list out 20 important questions to ask a wedding photographer, I don't think it needs to be that overwhelming. So I pulled together the top 3 most important questions to ask when choosing your wedding photographer.
1. What style of wedding photography do you want?
When you're ready to start your photographer search, this should be the first question that you ask yourself. A "style" is the visual look & feel of the photographs. It includes how the photographer captured the image, what they left in & out, and also how they edited the photo before delivering it. Photography is art - and thus can be whatever you want it to be. Why, you could even opt for a live painter instead of a photographer if that really tickles your fancy.
If you feel like you don't have the words to describe what it is you like or dislike in wedding photos, here's a fun quiz from the Knot to guess at your wedding photo style. Another way to identify your style is to hone in on what you've already saved as wedding inspiration. Look at what's similar in the look and feel of the photos that you've already saved and that will lead you to what style of photography you love. Let me know if you want me to go deeper into identifying your wedding photo style.
Most photographers have a clear visual style that you can see on their Instagram page or website portfolios. Take a look there first to make sure that you love their artistic eye and the images they create. Hiring a wedding photographer is also about the experience you’ll have, it is your wedding day after all! You should be comfortable hanging out and being vulnerable with whoever you hire so that you can truly relax and enjoy your day.
Once you've nailed down your own style, it's time to ask your potential photographer: How do you describe your photography style?
If we were sitting down in a coffee shop I'd tell you that my style is all about capturing joyful and vibrant photos that feel true to the moment. I take a documentary approach to wedding days, capturing the full look and feel of your day without getting in the way, while also being there as a friend and guide, especially in the planning process. On your wedding day I want to celebrate alongside you, and make sure that you don't get stressed out or keep your guests waiting. My main goal with photography is to get to know what is special between you and your partner, and then capture those moments authentically through our time together for you to treasure for years to come.
Does this sound like the perfect complement to what you’re looking for on your wedding day? Then maybe I’m the photographer for you. If not, find someone who’s approach does! It’s okay if you have to interview a few photographers to find the right pick.
When you're meeting with the potential photographer you can go deeper by asking questions like these:
How do you approach photographing a first look? (or any other part of the day that is particularly important to you.)
Tell me about a time you were inspired on a wedding day?
How would you describe your working style? Are you a wall flower or do you lead the way?
What does your editing process look like?
2. What is the photographer's experience level?
From a photographer's perspective a wedding day is a fast paced and highly important experience for their couple. That is all part of the excitement of the job, but it can also be stressful. On any wedding day we need to be juggling our creativity, attention to detail, listening what's happening and your preferences, plus keeping on the timeline for the day. You want a photographer who knows what to expect and can handle any situation on a wedding day. Some ways to judge this is asking:
How long have you been photographing weddings?
Have you photographed a wedding day that feels like what I'm looking for?
Can I see a full gallery from a wedding you love?
Do you have insurance?
Experience and price go hand in hand. So if you truly want the best wedding photographer you can find, be prepared to pay for it. The Knot currently says that "the average wedding photographer cost is $2,400."
If you're looking to save money by hiring a new photographer, or your friend with a good camera, make sure you know what you are getting in to. Ask about delivery times, have a good idea of the quality of work that they create, and make sure to add extra time for photography throughout your day, cause a new photographer won't be nearly efficient as a seasoned pro. I was once a new photographer who's friend trusted her to capture her wedding day, and it was amazing. But I've also heard horror stories of couples never getting any photos back from their friend - and I'd hate for you to lose these special memories.
3. Do you vibe with their vibe?
Surprise! The person your likely to spend the most time with on your wedding day isn't your partner, it's your wedding photographer. We're there at your side as you get ready and get to enjoy every part of your day at your side capturing it all. So I hope that you like hanging out with whoever you choose to document that special day.
There's no requirement to be best friends, but I love to get to know all of my couples so that I can truly capture what makes their wedding day so wonderful and uniquely them. I hope everyone on the wedding day feels comfortable to be their authentic self, regardless of the camera or my presence. Cause the best part is when we can all have a great time celebrating the day together!
So get to know the person behind the camera! Ask about their likes, dislikes, life, animals, or ask about whatever interests YOU. Take some time to just hang out and get to know each other. You can also follow them on social media to get an insight to them and their business.
When it comes to your wedding day, you need a photographer who knows what they're talking about and who you can count on to capture & deliver your memories, while also enjoying the time you spend with them.
"Think to yourself that you can always purchase an album or additional prints later (even 5-10 years later), but you can’t change the quality of the photographs taken at the wedding after the wedding day."
International photography studio, Lin & Jirs