The 5 Questions You Should Be Asking Wedding Photographers (And My Answers)
Hello, soon-to-be newlyweds! As you embark on the exciting journey of wedding planning, selecting the ideal photographer is a pivotal decision to ensure your special day is captured beautifully. In this blog post, I'll be sharing five essential questions you should ask any wedding photographer - and of course, I'll be providing my expert insights and responses. My goal is to help you navigate this process with confidence and clarity, ensuring that your wedding photography experience exceeds your expectations. Let's dive into these key questions together and ensure your wedding memories are preserved with professionalism and warmth!
How long have you been photographing weddings?
Why this is important to ask: In my photography journey, I've learned firsthand the difference between portrait and event photography. Weddings, in particular, are filled with unexpected twists and turns despite meticulous planning. That's where flexibility comes in! Your wedding photographer needs to be ready to roll with the punches and capture every moment beautifully. With the right experience and know-how, those little hiccups can be easily handled, leaving you with nothing but fond memories of your big day. Lastly, a photographer's longevity in the industry speaks volumes about their reliability and professionalism. When you choose someone with a proven track record of delivering top-notch work over time, it gives you peace of mind knowing that your special day is in good hands.
My Answer: I'm entering my fourth wedding season, and it's been quite a journey! Interestingly, I began my photography career during the pandemic. As a recent film school graduate, I found myself exploring new avenues for work when the film industry shut down. Luckily, I landed a second photographer gig with a seasoned photographer on the eastern shore. That first wedding went so smoothly that I was asked to stay on for the rest of the summer. From there, I gradually transitioned to taking on my own smaller weddings and building my business. Now, four years in, I'm doing what I love and couldn't be happier!
2. Can we see a full, real wedding gallery?
Why this is important to ask: Requesting to view a full wedding gallery from a prospective photographer is essential. While you may find plenty of stunning golden hour portraits on their website or socials (mine included), how do they operate in a dimly lit reception space? How do they tackle a harshly lit ceremony in an open field? It's crucial to see how they handle different lighting conditions and settings. Reviewing an entire wedding album gives you insight into their storytelling abilities, consistency, and overall style. This ensures their approach aligns with your vision for your wedding day and empowers you to make an informed decision.
My Answer: Absolutely! You can view most of my work, including full weddings, through my gallery on my website. I also can send out links to full galleries upon request.
3. How do you back up your images?
Why this is important to ask: Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event, making the backup of your images absolutely crucial. It's essential to safeguard your precious memories against potential risks such as corrupted files, faulty storage devices, equipment malfunctions, or theft. While any photographer's worst nightmare is lost images, a true professional will take extensive measures to prevent such occurrences. Inquiring about their backup process not only offers insight into their professionalism and workflow but also ensures your peace of mind throughout the planning process.
My Answer: Buckle up buckaroo— this is a long one. Like any photographer, I dread the thought of lost images. My business is more than just a job—it's my fourth baby, right after my three precious pups. Photography is my livelihood, my passion, my everything, so I take extra precautions to protect every single shot.
#1 - I shoot with two cameras, each equipped with a dual card slot. This means every image is saved to two separate SD cards simultaneously. If one card fails, I've got a backup ready to go.
#2 - After your wedding, I back up your images to two external solid state drives. Unlike traditional hard drives, solid state drives use flash memory, making them more reliable and less prone to failure.
#3 - I never format my SD cards until your full gallery has been delivered. So even if both external drives fail or are lost, I've still got your images safe and sound.
#4 - As I edit your photos, I back them up to Adobe Creative Cloud. This not only protects your images but also preserves any edits I've made.
I know it may seem like overkill, but as a naturally paranoid and anxious person, these steps are essential for quadruple protecting your photos—and preserving my sanity and peace of mind.
4. In the event you can no longer photograph our wedding, what is your emergency plan?
Why this is important to ask: Asking your wedding photographer about their emergency plan is not only practical but also ensures a smooth and stress-free experience for you. By discussing this in a friendly manner, you create an atmosphere of transparency and trust, showing that you value their professionalism. Understanding their contingency measures allows you to plan ahead confidently, ensuring that your special day is captured beautifully, regardless of any unexpected hiccups. So go ahead and ask! It's all about ensuring your peace of mind and making your wedding day as perfect as can be.
My Answer: Although I've never had to put my emergency plan into action (fingers crossed), I firmly believe in preparing for the unexpected. In the rare event that I'm unable to photograph your wedding, I have a trusted team of second shooters ready to step in. They're familiar with my style, shooting approach, and have worked alongside me extensively to ensure a seamless experience for you on your special day. If, by chance, they're unavailable too, I'm part of a robust network of over 100 seasoned wedding photographers. We regularly collaborate and provide backup for one another when needed, ensuring that your wedding day coverage remains in capable hands.
5. What is it like to work with you on the day of the wedding?
Why this is important to ask: Just as weddings are as unique as you are, finding a photographer who aligns with your personality, preferences, and needs is essential. If you're feeling overwhelmed by being in the spotlight, opt for an extroverted photographer who can draw out your energy in a crowded room and isn't afraid to advocate for your desires. Prefer a more relaxed, hands-off approach? Choose a photographer with a laid-back demeanor who respects your schedule and preferences. Understanding their workflow, communication style, and client interaction provides valuable insight into what to expect on your wedding day. Whether it's directing group shots or capturing candid moments, knowing their approach ensures a seamless and comfortable experience in front of the camera.
My Answer: I'm easygoing, yet assertive when necessary. While I could snap photos endlessly and provide endless poses and prompts, I understand that your wedding day is about you, your partner, and your loved ones, not about me and my camera. During the "getting ready" portion of the day, I'll offer a bit more direction, but by the time the reception starts, I blend into the background, capturing candid moments of you and your loved ones. Rest assured, when it comes to wrangling and organizing family for photos, I'll be there ensuring everyone on your list gets photographed! Ultimately, my top priority is capturing the essence of your special day and ensuring it's one of the happiest days of your life.
In this detailed guide, I've laid out five key questions that are essential for couples to ask when selecting their wedding photographer. These questions cover important aspects like the photographer's experience, how they back up images, and their approach on the big day. By considering these factors and chatting openly with potential photographers, couples can find someone who not only captures their special moments beautifully but also makes them feel comfortable and at ease throughout the process. It's all about finding the perfect match to ensure your wedding memories are preserved with warmth and expertise!
