5 Essential questions you should ask a wedding photographer before booking
Having experienced my own wedding in 2024, I realized how easy it is to overlook important questions—thankfully, my wife handled much of the guesswork for us. Reflecting on that experience and others, I’ve come to appreciate how essential it is to be well-informed when hiring any professional. As a photographer, I’ve compiled my own arsenal of FAQs over the years. From that, I’ve learned that asking the right questions is crucial to ensuring you hire someone who truly aligns with your vision and needs.
1 - What is your photography style?
Photography style goes beyond editing—it’s about the approach we take during the shoot and the emotions we aim to capture. For instance, a documentary-style photographer focuses on raw, candid moments, weaving a unique love story through fleeting instances that might otherwise go unnoticed. On the other hand, a more stylistic approach emphasizes posed, dramatic scenes, almost reminiscent of a cinematic experience.
2 - Can we see a full wedding gallery?
At first glance, this question might not seem essential, but viewing a full, completed gallery is key to assessing a photographer's consistency throughout the day or session. You don’t want to hire someone only to find that some photos are too dark while others have overexposed highlights. That said, it’s also important to understand that lighting conditions vary throughout the day, which can naturally affect photo editing. For example, photos taken at noon often have harsher highlights, while those taken around 5 p.m. typically feature softer light with more evenly distributed highlights and defined shadows.
3 - How do you handle challenging lighting situations?
This can be a tricky question to answer, as handling challenging lighting depends on both the situation and the equipment. For example, I use tools like a neutral density (ND) filter to reduce harsh highlights during midday lighting. However, my primary recommendation is to schedule time for photos during golden hour, when the lighting is naturally soft and flattering—this is ideal for most photographers.
That said, there are additional techniques for managing harsh lighting. One approach is to underexpose the image and then introduce artificial light, such as an off-camera flash. While I always have my off-camera flash on hand for midday sessions or unavoidable lighting challenges, I generally avoid on-camera flash, as it almost comes off as “unnatural” in a way.
4 - What is included in your packages, and are there additional costs?
This question applies to hiring any professional service—you don’t want to be caught off guard by unexpected fees or find yourself receiving something different from what you anticipated. A good photographer should provide transparent pricing upfront, including a detailed overview of each package. This clarity eliminates confusion, helps you understand exactly what’s included, and allows you to confidently plan your budget.
5 - What happens if you’re unable to attend our wedding?
While this is a worst-case scenario question, it’s an essential one to ask. You want to be confident that your photographer is prepared for any unforeseen circumstances. Ideally, their answer should include having a trusted network of professionals they can rely on in case of an emergency.
As a professional, I take every measure to ensure I’m there for your special day—arriving on time, fully prepared, and ready to deliver. However, life can throw unexpected challenges our way, and it’s crucial to have contingency plans in place for those rare situations beyond our control.
Ultimately, equipping yourself with the right questions to ask—whether it’s your photographer or any other professional—sets the stage for a smoother experience. It helps you prepare, establish clear expectations for your wedding day, and eliminate any guesswork. Most importantly, it ensures you can trust your photographer to capture the moments that make your day truly unforgettable.
As always, do not hesitate to reach out to bill@rlmedia-ne.com or through my booking page with any questions you may have. There is no obligation to book with me if you have questions, or you’re unsure about another professional you have been in contact with.
www.redline.photography/wedding-and-elopement
