Why the best photographers will be asking you even more
Let’s be real. Choosing a wedding photographer is tough.
You’ve probably never hired one before. And you’ve (hopefully) never planned a wedding before either. So how do you know what to ask? What to look for? How to make sure you’re choosing the right person?
Because here’s the truth: your photographer can make or break your day.
Not because of the camera they use. But because they’re the one person who’s with you through everything—from the quiet, nervous morning to the party at the end of the night. You don’t want someone who just shows up, snaps some pictures, and leaves. You want someone you can count on. Someone who feels more like a friend with a camera than a vendor in the corner.
That’s what this guide is for. To help you have better conversations. To make sure you’re being seen and heard. These 10 questions are a great place to start—but honestly? The best photographers will flip this back on you. They’ll be the ones asking you questions. Because how else can they understand what matters most?
Let’s get into it.
1. How would you describe your style?
Every photographer sees the world differently. So ask them how they’d describe their work.
Is it light and natural? Bold and moody? More documentary or more styled?
But even more than the look—ask how they approach storytelling. Do they guide you gently or stay in the background? Do they focus on connection or creativity?
And then ask yourself: Does this feel like us?
Because at the end of the day, your photos should feel like you. Not like a Pinterest trend.
2. Can we see a full wedding gallery?
Instagram is a highlight reel. What you want to see is the full story.
Ask to see a full gallery from start to finish. That means getting ready, ceremony, portraits, reception, everything.
Look at the lighting, the in-between moments, the emotions. Can they handle different conditions? Can they capture real moments as well as portraits?
That’s how you’ll know if their work holds up across the whole day.
3. How do you approach a wedding day?
This tells you what they’re like on the day. Do they blend in? Help guide things along? Bring calm energy or keep the vibe light?
It’s not about one right answer. It’s about who you’ll feel most comfortable with.
Because this is someone who’ll be there for the emotional moments—you want to actually enjoy having them around.
4. What kinds of moments matter most to you?
This is my personal favorite question.
It shows you what their heart is drawn to. The laugh. The tear. The hand squeeze. The chaos. The quiet.
And it opens the door for you to share what matters most to you too. Because the best photos don’t just look good—they mean something. And that starts with understanding each other.
5. How do you help couples feel comfortable during portraits?
Nobody wants to feel stiff in photos. So ask how they make it easier.
Do they give prompts? Keep it fun and relaxed? Play music? Crack jokes?
You want someone who helps you feel like yourselves—because when you feel good, the photos reflect that.
6. What’s your backup plan if something goes wrong?
I know, it’s not a fun question—but it matters.
What happens if their gear fails? Do they have backups? Do they shoot to dual cards? What if they get sick?
A real pro will already have answers to this. And it’ll give you peace of mind knowing your memories are safe.
7. How do you handle tricky family dynamics?
Weddings can be emotional. Sometimes there’s tension. Or big personalities. Or complicated relationships.
Ask how they navigate that. Are they gentle and calm? Can they take charge when needed but stay respectful?
A good photographer knows how to read a room and make everyone feel comfortable.
8. Will you personally be photographing our wedding?
This one’s important, especially if you’re meeting with a studio or team.
You want to know who will actually be there on your day. Don’t be afraid to ask directly. And if they work with second shooters, ask who that is too and what they’ll be covering.
It’s your wedding—you deserve to know who’s showing up.
9. What’s your process from now until gallery delivery?
Once you book, what’s next?
Do they help with planning? Are there check-ins along the way? When can you expect sneak peeks? What’s the turnaround for your gallery?
Having a clear process makes everything smoother. It means you don’t have to guess or stress.
10. Will you help us figure out what really matters to document?
This might be the most important one.
Ask how they get to know your story. Will they ask about your values? Your family? The people and moments that matter most?
Because the best photographers don’t just show up and shoot—they listen. They notice. They care. And that’s how they document the things you’ll actually want to remember.
Last Thing: Be Ready to Talk
Here’s the thing most blogs won’t say: when you’re meeting with a wedding photographer, you should be doing most of the talking.
The right photographer won’t just talk about themselves. They’ll want to hear about you. Your story. Your people. Your vision.
Because that’s how they’ll know what to look for. That’s how they’ll know what to protect and preserve.
These questions? They’re just a guide. The real magic happens in a conversation. When someone really listens. When they get you.
If you’re looking for someone who’ll actually care about your story. Who’ll ask about what matters most to you, not just what time golden hour is. Then I’d love to meet you.
Reach out anytime. I’m here to listen. Not just to photograph.
Be the first to comment