Congratulations on your engagement! Now that the dust of your proposal has settled and you start planning your big day, you have to find the perfect wedding photographer to capture each precious moment of your wedding day. With so many different photographers to choose from, it can be hard to decide on the perfect match for you.
Your photographer is the ONLY wedding vendor that will be with you the entire wedding day. For this reason, the photographer you choose must have the personality and VIBE that you want for your wedding day.
Here is my list of the questions you need to ask your wedding photographer to help you make an informed decision.
#1. How long have you been a PROFESSIONAL wedding photographer?
When choosing the perfect wedding photographer, it is crucial to know whether your wedding photographer has the EXPERIENCE to handle the stressors of a wedding day. Wedding photography has several aspects combined into one day; portraits, decor, documentary, events, etc. It takes years to build up the CONFIDENCE to master these different aspects of wedding photography.
#2. Can we see an ENTIRE gallery of a real wedding?
Don't make the mistake of only viewing the beautifully curated portfolio of your wedding photographer, but also ask to view a FULL wedding gallery. Many photographers do beautiful styled wedding shoots, but these are not a true reflection of a real wedding. When photographing a wedding, you have different lighting and location issues that you have to deal with throughout the day. You also have the pressure of staying within your timeline constrictions. When photographing a styled wedding session, you have more control over these aspects than you have on a wedding day.
#3. Have you photographed weddings during Covid-19?
It is a good idea to ask your photographer how they handled SOCIAL DISTANCING while still photographing intimate moments. Another question will be how they sanitize their photography gear. These answers will give you peace of mind on your wedding day.
#4. Can I see REVIEWS?
When choosing the perfect wedding photographer, reviews are essential because they give you FEEDBACK from previous clients. If you don't know the photographer personally, you will find reviews very informative in your decision-making process. Testimonials can reveal a lot about the photographer, like whether they are TRUSTWORTHY, go the extra mile for a couple, and deliver what they promise. Overall POSITIVE feedback will give you the confidence to book the wedding photographer.
#5. When do we receive our FINAL wedding gallery?
Many photographers only photograph a set amount of weddings per year to deliver a better client experience. These photographers finalize your wedding gallery within a FEW WEEKS rather than months. If it is important to you to receive your images asap, you need to ask this question to your photographer.
#6. Do you upload sneak peeks to social media?
These days everything is documented on SOCIAL MEDIA. After the wedding, everyone will look to social media for sneak peeks. So make sure your photographer offers this service.
#7. Will I receive high-resolution images?
Make sure to ask your photographer whether high-resolution images are INCLUDED in the wedding package because some photographers charge EXTRA for high-resolution files. You need high-resolution files to PRINT enlargements. Lastly, make sure that the photographer does not add a WATERMARK to the final high-resolution images.
#8. Do you have a backup plan for RAIN?
Photographers that have many years of EXPERIENCE will be able to answer this question without difficulty. On the day of your wedding, you don't want to worry about photos, that is why you need to trust your photographer fully.
It is a difficult task to choose the perfect wedding photographer. There are so many aspects to take into account. I hope that these questions make it easier for you to decide on your ideal wedding photographer.
