20 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer

Hey, Sweetie! Victoria here, your Hudson Valley wedding photographer who loves to capture the heartfelt candid moments of your special day with your loved ones. So, you’ve found a photographer whose work makes your heart skip a beat—gorgeous lighting, dreamy angles, and the kind of storytelling that makes you feel all the emotions. But before you sign that contract and say, “Let’s do this!” there are a 20 important questions to ask your wedding photographer

Think of it like a first date. You wouldn’t propose on the first meeting (hopefully!), and you shouldn’t book a photographer without making sure they’re the one for your big day. Here are 20 questions to help you find your picture-perfect match.

1. Are you available on our wedding date?

• Let’s start with the obvious. If they’re booked, it’s a no-go. Move on before you fall too hard!

2. How would you describe your photography style?

• Are they all about classic, posed shots? Or do they lean into candid, documentary-style storytelling? Make sure their vibe matches your vision.

3. Have you shot at our venue before?

• It’s always a bonus if they’re familiar with your location, but if not, ask if they’ll do a walkthrough beforehand to scope out the best spots.

4. Can we see a full wedding gallery?

• Instagram is the highlight reel—what you want is the whole game. A full gallery gives you a better idea of their consistency throughout an entire wedding day.

5. Do you work with a second shooter?

• More photographers mean more angles, more moments captured, and extra peace of mind.

6. What’s included in your packages?

• Is it just digital images? Do you get prints, albums, engagement sessions? Know exactly what you’re paying for.

7. How many hours of coverage do we need?

• Some weddings need a full-day shoot, others just a few hours. Get their professional opinion so you don’t miss any key moments.

8. How do you handle low-light situations?

• Evening receptions, dimly lit churches—these can be tricky! Make sure they have the gear (and experience) to handle any lighting scenario.

9. What happens if you can’t make it?

• Life happens. Ask about their backup plan in case of illness, emergencies, or other unexpected situations.

10. How do you handle family and group shots?

• These can be chaotic, but a good photographer knows how to direct people efficiently while keeping things fun.

11. Do you edit all the photos? What’s your editing style?

• Some photographers do light touch-ups, others go full-on magazine editorial. Make sure you like their post-production style!

12. When will we receive our photos?

• Patience is a virtue, but it’s nice to know what to expect—some photographers take a few weeks, others take months.

13. Do you offer sneak peeks?

• Because let’s be honest—waiting months for photos is torture! Some photographers send a handful of sneak peek images within a few days.

14. What’s your experience with weddings of our size?

• A small, intimate wedding is different from a 300-person bash. Make sure they have experience with your style of celebration.

15. What’s your approach to capturing candid moments?

• Some photographers are fly-on-the-wall storytellers, others give gentle direction. Figure out what suits you best.

16. Do you help with timeline planning?

• An experienced photographer will know the best times for portraits, sunset shots, and keeping the day running smoothly.

17. Can guests take photos during the ceremony?

• Some photographers prefer an “unplugged ceremony” to avoid phones blocking their shots—see where they stand on this.

18. Do you have liability insurance?

• A must-have in case something unexpected happens!

19. How do payments and contracts work?

• Deposits, payment schedules, cancellation policies—get all the financial details squared away upfront.

20. What do you love most about photographing weddings?

• This one isn’t a deal-breaker, but it gives you insight into their passion and personality. And hey, who doesn’t love a little warm and fuzzy moment?

Final Thoughts

Finding the right photographer isn’t just about pretty pictures—it’s about finding someone you trust to capture one of the biggest days of your life. Asking these 20 important questions to your wedding photographer will help you feel confident in your decision and ensure you walk away with photos you’ll cherish forever.

So go ahead, schedule that call, grab a cup of coffee (or wine—we don’t judge!), and get to know your potential wedding photographer. Your future self will thank you!

Need help?

If you’re planning to start looking for your a wedding photographer who will do your wedding, I’m here to help. Let’s connect and start planning to capture your most awaited date and I’m ready to answer all the 20 questions to ask your wedding photographer.