Sometimes couples can feel at a loss even knowing what to ask a wedding photographer, so I’ve made a list of the 5 questions to ask your wedding photographer before you book. Before you sign a contract, you want to know the answers to these questions so you can know whether you will be in good hands! Seasoned photographers will have strong systems for their business and these questions will help you know whether those systems are in place.

Question 1

What is your system for storing and backing up our wedding photos?

An experienced wedding photographer knows that it is imperative to have a system that ensures your wedding photos will never be lost. They should shoot on cameras that have two card slots, in case one card gets corrupted. When they get home from the wedding, they should back up the images to their external hard drive or SSD. Before they deliver the final gallery to you, they should have the images backed up in two places. Once the edited images are delivered to you, they should be clear in their contract about how long they hold onto the edited images. Best practice, they store them on the cloud for eternity just in case you ever lose your files. If it’s clear the photographer you’re speaking with doesn’t have a clear system, I’d consider that a red flag.

Question 2

What is your approach to wedding photography? Will you direct us or are you purely a documentary photographer? What energy do you bring to the day?

Okay, I know that was three questions, but they all go together. There is no “right” answer to these questions. It all depends on what you are looking for. Do you feel awkward in front of the camera and want someone who will direct you and reassure you that you look great? Do you want someone high energy or someone more lowkey? The answers to these questions will help you learn the vibe of the photographer you’re considering. Another great idea is to read their reviews to see what their real clients say about them.

Question 3

What is your turnaround time? Do you send sneak peeks?

Again, these are questions that can have a variety of answers but the answers could affect how you feel about the photographer! Are sneak peeks something you for sure want? How long are you willing to wait to see your photos? Professional photographers have turnaround times from 2 weeks to 12 weeks usually. Make sure it is clear in your contract when you will receive your photos.

Question 4

Can we see full wedding galleries before we book?

The answer to this one should be YES. And not just one wedding gallery, but two or three. You want to see how the photographer can work in different lighting/weather/venues/crowds. If you love the photos, that’s a very good sign you’ve found the photographer for you.

Question 5

How do you handle last minute changes or snafus? Do you have any stories of how you’ve handled unexpected situations at other weddings?

Weddings rarely go by without a hiccup or a change in plans. There are so many elements to the day that often they are behind schedule, or a dress rips, or the fire alarm goes off after the wedding mass (see my Instagram for a reel about that very thing). You want someone who is calm under pressure and rolls with the punches.

If you are looking for your Colorado wedding photographer, I’d love to hop on a call with you and answer the 5 questions to ask your wedding photographer before you book and also any others you might have. Inquire to start the conversation!