10 Essential Questions to Ask a Wedding Photographer

Yes, you can ask them to look at your Pinterest board.

Not sure which photographer is right for you? We asked local professionals to share the questions they like to hear from brides to ensure the perfect match for the big day.

Do you have sample albums that I can view? 
Of course, you’ll want to see samples of the photographer’s best work, but be sure to ask for an entire collection of photos so you can see how they cover the day from start to finish.

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Do you take a fly-on-the-wall approach or do you like to give lots of direction?
Photographers’ methods vary as widely as your preferences. Be sure to understand what kind of presence the photographer will have at your celebration.

Do you have insurance? Can I see a contract?
These questions may seem obvious, but having an insured photographer with a contract outlining the details could save you a headache in the event of a wedding emergency. 

Do you have backup equipment?
Technology fails. Cameras break. A reliable photographer will have a solid “Plan B” for last-minute mishaps.

What happens if you get sick on the day of the wedding?
Inquire about your potential photographer’s colleagues. If he has assistants, be sure they have wedding experience and would be willing to step in, just in case.

How do you prevent “grainy” photos taken while getting ready in a darker room or later at night?
Make sure the photographer understands your venue and general wedding-day setup—especially if it’s a different or unconventional location. The more they know about where they’ll be shooting, the more thoroughly they can prepare with equipment and photo strategies to produce frame-worthy pictures.

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Approximately how many images will be in our final gallery? 
You and your photographer should be on the same page regarding the number of shots taken throughout the day. It won’t end well if you’re expecting thousands of pictures and only receive a few hundred.

Can I show you some photo ideas from my Pinterest board?
Though Pinterest and its myriad ideas and expectations can be overwhelming for both brides and photographers, it doesn’t hurt to show a few key images from your wedding board. Pinterest ideas can present a strong depiction of what you like or clarify a particular shot you have in mind. 

Can you take photos of [insert the special event]?
Give your photographer the full rundown of how the day will go—from getting ready to the bouquet toss and everything in between. The photographer needs to know where and when the key moments will take place in order to capture them well. This is especially important if you are including a special family tradition or ceremony unique to your wedding.

After you’ve booked: When would you like to eat?
Photographers and other vendors are typically fed after the guests—just when the post-meal wedding action resumes. Consider seating your photographer at a corner table so they can eat with the guests and be ready to photograph as soon as the plates are cleared.

Kam Photography of Lewes, Del.; Ferrara Photography of Newark, Del.; Erin Farrell Photography of Smyrna, Del.; and Main Line Wedding Photography in Media, Pa., helped with these questions.

Left: A bridal couple at the Radnor Valley Country Club. Photo by Main Line Wedding Photography  Right: Matt and Marissa DeFroda in Old New Castle, Del. Photo by Ferrara Photography

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