8 questions you should ask your wedding photographer
Can we meet before I book with you?
Why it matters: You don’t have to have coffee with every photographer you are interested in, but once you have narrowed it down to one or two - meet with them. Your photographer is going to be around you as much as your spouse on your wedding day. Make sure their personality clicks with you, that you want this person around all day on your wedding day, that they are kind. To me, it is crucial to meet with someone before you send over a deposit.
My answer: YES PLEASE! My work space had free coffee from Eight and Roast on tap (or if you are Knoxville bride I come on town one weekend month.) I would love to dream with you!
2. Can I see a full gallery?
Why it matters: Anyone can post 5 amazing images from a wedding but what do the rest of the pictures look like?
My answer: Of course!
3. How do you deal with low light/tricky lighting scenario’s?
Why it matters: Of course we want to get those dreamy sunset wedding photos but what about photographing first dances and exits that are dark? If your wedding is going to be indoors at all or go into the evening you will want someone who either (A) if comfortable shooting with flash or (B) has some sort of lighting set up for shooting in low light situations. Look at their portfolio to see if they have posted any indoor or lowlight images that still look amazing! Ask them how they deal with low light situations.
My answer: The first five years of my business I wasn’t confident about working with flashes. After investing in education and spending years learning through trial and error I feel confident in consistently providing beautiful images no matter the lighting scenario.
4. What is your posing philosophy?
Why it matters: If you are your boo are comfortable in front of the camera, you may not need too much posing. Most couples are not though so its important to hire someone who will pose you and make it a fun and enjoyable experience.
My answer: My posing philosophy is prompt based posing: so I give you natural cues like “come up from behind and tickle her” or “walk towards me and tell your funniest jokes”. I want you to feel relaxed, happy and love the result. I think that wedding pictures are meant to be joyful and full of kisses and laughter.
5. Are you comfortable posing large groups?
Why it matters: If you have a large family or bridal party you will want someone who is able to direct large groups and isn’t afraid to speak up.
My answer: I come from an extremely large family and through ten years of photographing weddings I am 100% comfortable taking charge when needed and getting large portraits done in a timely manner.
6. How fast can I expect to get back my images?
Why it matters: Some photographers take 8 days and some take 8 months. If getting your images back to you in a timely manner is important then be sure to ask this!
My answer: I guarantee sneak peeks within 48 hours and the full gallery within 3 weeks.
7. How many weddings have you photographed by yourself/as a lead shooter?
Why it matters: Photographing weddings is an acquired skill like many creative professions. It takes a while to learn how to build a photography timeline for your shooting style, photograph in low light scenario, know how to produce good results when it’s a rainy wedding or when the timeline runs behind. You want a photographer who is comfortable with any scenario on wedding day.
My answer: photographed my first wedding when I was 15, so ten years ago! I have been running my business full time for the past three years and have photographed over 100 weddings as the lead shooter.
8. What if you get sick?
Why it matters: If your photographer gets COVID the day before or appendicitis you want to make sure someone is going to be able to come who is going to give you the same experience and quality.
My answer: Being in the wedding industry for 10 years I have had the chance to work with so many amazing ladies! I have several girls who I really, really trust. These ladies having similar posing styles and knowledge/equipment to give you the same experience (or better!).
