You Found a Photographer You Like—Now What?
You’ve narrowed down your search, found a few wedding photographers you love, and you’re ready to start chatting with them. But what questions should you actually ask? How do you know if they’re the right fit, or if you’re about to fall for a well-curated Instagram grid that doesn’t tell the full story?
As a wedding photographer myself, I’ve had this conversation many times. So let me give you the insider scoop on what to ask, what to listen for, and how to avoid hiring someone who just isn’t it.
Before the Interview: Do Your Homework First
Before you even set up a call, here are a few steps to help you determine if a wedding photographer is worth your time:
1. Start With Your Vision
Is your wedding romantic and intimate? Bold and adventurous? A full-blown party? Your vision should guide your search. Start by saving inspiration photos on Instagram and Pinterest. As you engage with content, the algorithm will start serving you more of what you love. Use this to your advantage.
2. Ask Your Venue
Most venues have a trusted list of recommended vendors, including photographers. These are pros who know the space and the team—and that familiarity can make your day flow even more smoothly.
3. Skim for Vibe and Credibility
Instagram is your vibe check. Google is your background check. Make sure they’re active on professional platforms like Google, The Knot*, WeddingWire*, or Zola—and that they have solid reviews.
*Some insider info (Updated 6/6/25) – The Knot and WeddingWire have been under a lot of scrutiny for allegedly creating false clients to send to wedding vendors. Every vendor on there pays to talk to you, so fake leads are obviously a big problem. Many vendors have opted to no longer pay to use these services. That being said, don’t solely rely on those sites to find your photography soulmate, because they may not be on there. Or, go a few pages deep onto those sites. People who pay more show up at the front, the unpaid profiles are going to be a few pages deep.
The Best Questions to Ask a Wedding Photographer
Once you’re on a consultation call or Zoom, these questions will give you a strong sense of who they are, how they work, and whether they’re the right fit for your day.
Can I see a full gallery from a recent wedding?
Don’t settle for just a curated highlight reel. A full gallery shows consistency, storytelling, and how they handle every part of the day. If they won’t show you one? Big red flag.
What packages do you offer, and what’s the starting investment?
You deserve transparency. Even if they can’t give an exact quote upfront, they should at least provide a starting price or average investment range. If they dodge the pricing conversation altogether, proceed with caution.
Will you be guiding us through the process?
A great photographer doesn’t just show up and snap pretty pictures—they guide the timeline, help with posing (without making it weird), and know what you need before you do. If they’re offering just a service—not an experience—that’s something to consider.
Ask These During the Consultation Call
Have you photographed at our venue or a similar one?
While it’s not a dealbreaker if they haven’t, it can be a bonus. Familiarity with the venue and vendor team can make a big difference.
How would you describe your photography style?
This one helps confirm their vibe aligns with your vision—and that they know how to articulate their own approach. It also reveals their level of professionalism.
Do you have liability insurance?
This one’s not sexy, but it’s a must. If they don’t have insurance (or access to day-of coverage), you’re taking a major risk.
What’s your backup plan for emergencies?
Equipment fails. Life happens. Make sure they have a plan for illness, emergencies, and tech issues—and that it’s written into your contract.
Will you be working other events on our wedding day?
Depending on your timeline and location, this might matter to you. Ask whether your date is fully reserved for you or if they’re juggling other events.
Do you have backup equipment?
Professional photographers always have backup gear—no exceptions. If they don’t? Hard pass.
Do you edit the photos yourself or use an editor?
Some photographers outsource editing, which is common and often helpful for turnaround time. But they should still ensure consistency and quality. Ask if the final product will match what you see in their portfolio.
When will we receive our final gallery?
You’d be shocked how often couples wait months—or even years—for their wedding photos. Set expectations up front and make sure it’s in writing.
Are you a full-time wedding photographer?
This matters. A full-time pro will likely be more responsive, more organized, and have faster turnaround times. Part-time doesn’t mean bad—but it may impact your experience.
Can we request specific photos?
You want someone who respects your vision without sacrificing their creative flow. There should be a balance between honoring your must-haves and trusting their expertise.
What is your cancellation and rescheduling policy?
Always ask this—and make sure you understand the terms. Read the contract closely.
Do you require a retainer, and is it refundable?
This goes hand-in-hand with the cancellation policy. Most photographers require a non-refundable retainer. Just make sure it’s clearly laid out.
What’s included in your pricing, and are there any hidden fees?
BONUS QUESTION: Are the actual digital photos included, or are they an additional cost? Not all photographers include high-res image delivery in their base price. Ask about image count, delivery format, and whether there’s a cap.
Final Question: Why Should We Choose You?
This one’s bold—but it tells you everything you need to know. Listen to their heart. Do they care about your day? Do they see this as just another gig, or are they genuinely excited to serve you? Their answer should reflect your values and your vision.
A Recap to Keep Handy
Essential Questions to Ask a Wedding Photographer:
- Can I see a full wedding gallery?
- What’s the starting investment?
- Have you shot at our venue before?
- Do you have insurance and a backup plan?
- Do you outsource editing?
- What’s your photo turnaround time?
- Are we your only wedding that day?
- Do you offer a full experience or just photos?
- Can we request specific shots?
- What’s your cancellation policy?
- Are digital images included in your price?
Ready to Interview Your Photographer?
If you’ve read through these questions and felt like I was speaking your love language the whole time, maybe I’m the wedding photographer you’ve been looking for. 😉
Let’s hop on a call and talk about your day.
Connect with me here
Want to know more about choosing a photographer? Check out my blog post: How To Choose The Right Photographer
