Top questions to ask a wedding photographer before booking
Choosing the right photographer is one of the most crucial decisions you’ll make when planning your wedding. After all, the images from your day last for generations, so it’s important to arm yourself with the right questions to ensure you and your photographer make the best match possible (you’ll be glad you did!). So you don’t have to, I’ve done the legwork and prepared a list of the best questions to ask a wedding photographer before booking. These are based on my experience as a wedding photographer and the conversations I’ve had with couples, covering everything you need to make sure your day runs as smoothly as buttercream on a wedding cake.
Ready to dive in? Here’s what to ask your wedding photographer.
15 of the best questions to ask a wedding photographer
1. What is your photography style?
Understanding your photographer’s style will help you determine if they’re the right fit for your style and vision for your wedding day. Some photographers may specialise in candid, photojournalistic shots, while others focus on posed, traditional images (you’ll likely want a mix of both). Look through their portfolio to ensure their aesthetic aligns with yours.
Why this matters: Your wedding day is as unique as you and your fiance, and your photos should reflect that. Ask yourself if you prefer candid moments or classic portraits. Are you looking for a photographer who captures the little details, or do you want more sweeping shots of the venue? Questions to ask when choosing a wedding photographer should always include their specific style preferences.
2. Can I see a full wedding gallery?
Most photographers showcase the highlights of their work on their website or social media, but it’s also a good idea to see a full wedding gallery to get an idea of their consistency. A single great shot in their portfolio is one thing, but you want a cohesive gallery of beautiful photos from start to finish.
Why this matters: Seeing an entire wedding gallery will give you a better sense of what to expect from your own wedding day photos, from getting ready in the morning to the last dance at night.
3. Have you shot weddings at my venue before?
While it’s not a dealbreaker if your photographer hasn’t worked at your venue before, having that experience can give them a leg up in terms of knowing the best spots for photos and being familiar with the lighting. If they haven’t shot at your venue before, ask if they’re willing to visit beforehand to get a feel for the layout and lighting conditions.
Why this matters: Every venue is different, and a photographer’s familiarity with the space will help them create on-point shots on the day. If they’ve worked at the location before, they’ll likely know some of its best-kept secrets for stunning photos. On the other hand, if it’s a new venue for them, that fresh experience often sparks creativity, meaning you’ll benefit from their enthusiasm and new perspective.
4. How do you handle low-light situations?
Weddings don’t always happen under perfect lighting conditions. Some venues, like a church, may be dimly lit, and evening receptions – especially those held outdoors under festoon lights – come with their own set of challenges. Make sure you ask how your photographer handles these situations, whether they use flash, bring additional lighting, or if they’re working with specialised low-light cameras.
Why this matters: Low-light conditions may make or break your wedding album. You want to ensure your photographer is prepared to capture your day beautifully, regardless of the lighting challenges they may face.
5. How many hours of coverage are included in your packages?
One crucial question to ask when choosing a wedding photographer is how many hours are included in the package. Some photographers offer full-day coverage, while others charge by the hour. Be clear on when they’ll start and finish, and make sure it covers all your non-negotiable key moments, such as getting ready, the ceremony, the reception, and any special highlights in between.
Why this matters: You don’t want any part of your day to be missed. Clear communication on hours of coverage prevents surprises and ensures every aspect that is most important to you is captured (like that memorable sparkler exit!).
6. Do you offer engagement sessions?
Many photographers include engagement sessions in their packages, which can be a great way to get comfortable in front of the camera before your big day. This also helps build rapport with your photographer and ensures you’re on the same page for the wedding.
Why this matters: Engagement sessions give you a taste of what it’s like working with your photographer and result in beautiful, professional images you can use for your wedding invitations or save-the-dates.
7. Will you be the one photographing my wedding, or will there be a second shooter or assistant?
It’s important to also ask if your photographer will be the one capturing your wedding or if they’ll have a second shooter or assistant. Some photographers work solo, while others include an additional photographer to cover more angles and moments. This information helps you understand how your wedding will be documented and whether you’ll have multiple perspectives.
Why this matters: Knowing who will photograph your wedding sets clear expectations and ensures you’re comfortable with the person capturing your day. A second shooter can enhance coverage and provide a more comprehensive visual story.
8. Do you charge travel fees?
A good question to ask a wedding photographer is whether any travel fees are included in your wedding day coverage. Depending on your wedding location and where the photographer is based, travel costs might already be covered in their package, or there could be additional charges for longer distances or overnight stays.
Why this matters: Understanding travel fees prevents any unexpected costs and allows you to make informed decisions when planning your budget. It also ensures there are no surprises on your wedding day, allowing you to focus on enjoying every moment.
9. Can we meet with you before booking?
Meeting your photographer before booking helps you decide if they’re the right fit. Most photographers offer an obligation-free consultation, where you can ask questions (like these!), review sample galleries, and discuss your wedding plans. This meeting provides insight into their style and how they might align with your vision.
Why this matters: Meeting your photographer before booking gives you a chance to assess their style and personality, ensuring they’re a good fit for your wedding vision before making a commitment.
10. How do we communicate with each other in the lead-up to our wedding?
Clear communication with your wedding photographer is vital for aligning your vision and expectations. Discuss your wedding style, preferences, and must-have shots to help them tailor their approach. Collaborating on a detailed timeline ensures everything runs smoothly and no important moments are missed. Building rapport fosters trust and a comfortable working relationship, leading to more relaxed and natural photos.
Why it matters: Effective communication establishes a solid foundation, helping to ensure your vision is realised and the moments that matter most are captured. A good wedding photographer can help draft a timeline that ensures every must-have shot (like sunset) is captured while keeping the day on track.
11. Can we meet with you before our wedding day?
Meeting your photographer before the big day ensures you’re on the same page. Even if you haven’t finalised all the details, discussing your ceremony, reception and location ideas helps build trust and ensure your photographer understands how to capture your day as it unfolds.
Why this matters: Meeting your photographer before the wedding day helps establish clear communication, builds trust, and ensures they’re prepared to capture your day the way you envision it.
12. When will we receive our photos?
Wedding photos are highly anticipated, and you’ll likely be eager to see them as soon as possible. Ask your photographer for a clear timeline on when you can expect to receive your photos after the wedding. Also, make sure you understand how many images will be delivered and in what format (e.g. high- or low-res, via a digital gallery, black and white or full colour).
Why this matters: Knowing when you’ll receive your images helps set expectations. You want to avoid any disappointment due to miscommunication on timelines.
13. How will we receive our photos?
Most photographers offer digital downloads, but some also provide prints, albums, or USB drives. It’s important to know how your photos will be delivered and whether those formats are included in your package or available as add-ons.
Why this matters: Understanding how your photos will be delivered helps you plan for how to share and preserve your images after the big day.
14. What happens if you’re unable to attend on the day?
Life happens, and while no one likes to think about the “what ifs,” it’s important to ask how your photographer handles emergencies. An important question to ask your wedding photographer is whether they have a backup photographer or a contingency plan if something unexpected arises. Look for a photographer who is well connected and has a network around them they can call upon at the 11th hour.
Why this matters: Knowing your photographer has a backup plan gives you peace of mind, so if something unexpected happens on their end, you won’t be left scrambling at the last minute.
15. Do you have insurance?
It may seem like a dry question, but it’s an important one to ask your wedding photographer. Professional photographers should have liability insurance to cover any unforeseen issues that may arise, such as damage to equipment or accidents on the day.
Why this matters: Insurance protects both you and your photographer from any potential mishaps, giving you added peace of mind.
What not to ask your photographer
While the list of questions to ask your photographer is long, there aren’t many questions that are off the table. However, there is one common question I’ve sometimes come across, and that is asking for unedited RAW images. While it may seem like you’re getting more for your money, RAW images are the unfinished product. They are large, unprocessed files that lack the polished look you see in a photographer’s portfolio. Asking for these is like asking your cake maker for the raw ingredients instead of the beautifully decorated wedding cake.
Why it matters: Editing is where some of the magic happens to create the final masterpiece that will be your wedding portfolio. During post-production, a photographer enhances colours, lighting and composition to turn your images into something beyond special. Trust your photographer’s expertise and let them deliver a final product that reflects their artistry.
Key questions to ask a wedding photographer before booking
Choosing a wedding photographer is a big decision, and asking the right questions will help you find someone you’re comfortable with, connect well with, and trust to bring your vision to life. Having these conversations while selecting your photographer will guide you in making the best choice, giving you peace of mind that your wedding memories are in safe hands.
Get the conversation started with a wedding photographer in Toowoomba who has the expertise, experience, creativity and attention to detail to capture your day beautifully. Contact Matt Edwards Photography today.
Happy planning!
