Honestly—choosing a wedding photographer is a big freaking deal. You’re not just picking someone to take pretty pictures; you’re choosing the person who will capture the laughter, the happy tears, and that one moment when your grandma absolutely loses it on the dance floor.

And guess what? Not all wedding photographers are created equal. The internet is full of photographers with different styles, personalities, and pricing structures. So, how do you know who’s the right fit for you?

You ask the right questions. 👏

Here are five essential questions every couple should ask before booking their wedding photographer (and yes, I’m spilling all the industry secrets!).

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1️⃣ What’s Your Photography Style?

Do you want your wedding photos to feel like they belong in Vogue, or are you more of a “candid, messy, and beautifully real” kind of person? Every photographer has a unique approach, and it’s crucial to make sure their style matches the vision you have in your head.

Common Wedding Photography Styles:

• Light & Airy: Dreamy, soft, and romantic. Think sun-drenched fields and pastel tones.
• Dark & Moody: Rich, cinematic, and full of depth. Think deep colors and artistic shadows.
• True to Life: A natural, balanced edit that stays true to real colors.
• Documentary/Storytelling: More candid, less posed—perfect for capturing the raw, unfiltered emotions of the day.

📌 What to Do:
✔ Look at their full wedding galleries, not just Instagram highlights.
✔ Ask, “How do you approach wedding storytelling?”
✔ Make sure their editing style is consistent (because you don’t want surprises when you get your final gallery!).

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2️⃣ Have You Shot a Wedding at Our Venue (or a Similar Location)?

Wedding photography isn’t just about knowing how to work a camera—it’s about understanding lighting, location logistics, and how to make any space look magical. If your wedding is in a dark, candlelit barn, a photographer who only shoots bright beach weddings might struggle.

Why This Matters:

• Every venue has its quirks. Some have weird lighting, tricky layouts, or strict photography rules.
• Outdoor weddings = unpredictable lighting. You need a photographer who can handle midday sun, golden hour, and low-light receptions.
• Indoor weddings = artificial lighting challenges. Ask if they have experience shooting in dimly lit spaces, churches, or ballrooms.

📌 What to Do:
✔ Ask, “Have you worked at our venue before? If not, how do you prepare for new locations?”
✔ Look at full wedding galleries from similar venues to see how they handle lighting.

🔥 Pro Tip: Experienced photographers often scout locations ahead of time or arrive early to test lighting—huge green flag.

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3️⃣ What’s Included in Your Wedding Packages? (And Are There Any Hidden Costs?)

Pricing varies wildly between photographers, and it’s not just about how many hours they’re there—it’s about what’s included and what’s NOT.

Things to Consider:

✔ Hours of Coverage: Do you need 6, 8, 10+ hours? Will they capture getting ready through the dance party?
✔ Second Photographer: Some packages include one; some don’t. (More angles = more epic photos!)
✔ Engagement Session: Some photographers include this, while others charge extra.
✔ Sneak Peeks: How soon do you get a few images after the wedding?
✔ Final Gallery Delivery: How many photos will you receive, and how will they be delivered (online gallery, USB, prints)?
✔ Travel Fees: If you’re having a mountain wedding in Colorado, make sure travel costs are included!

📌 What to Do:
✔ Ask, “What’s included in your base package, and what costs extra?”
✔ Get everything in writing so there are no surprises later.

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4️⃣ What’s Your Backup Plan If Something Goes Wrong?

Nobody wants to think about worst-case scenarios, but let’s be real—life happens. You need a photographer who’s prepared for anything (because “Oops, I forgot my batteries” is NOT an acceptable excuse on your wedding day).

What You Should Expect:

✔ Backup Gear: Professional photographers always have extra cameras, lenses, memory cards, and batteries.
✔ Emergency Plan: What happens if they get sick or an emergency comes up? Do they have a backup photographer on call?
✔ Multiple Storage Locations: Are your photos backed up in multiple places (external hard drives, cloud storage, etc.) in case of a tech failure?

📌 What to Do:
✔ Ask, “How do you handle unexpected emergencies?”
✔ Ask, “What’s your process for backing up wedding photos?” (Because nobody wants to hear “I lost your wedding photos” 😱).

🔥 Pro Tip: If a photographer doesn’t have a solid backup plan, that’s a HUGE red flag.

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5️⃣ What’s Your Personality Like? (AKA, Will We Actually Like Hanging Out With You?)

Your wedding photographer is with you ALL. DAY. LONG. From getting ready jitters to your emotional vows to you and your besties tearing up the dance floor—they’re there for every moment. So, if their vibe is off? It’s going to feel weird.

Why This Matters:

• If you’re super laid-back, you probably don’t want a photographer who’s super stiff and formal.
• If you’re camera-shy, you’ll want someone who makes you feel comfortable and confident.
• If you’re having a hype, party-style wedding, you’ll want someone who can keep up!

📌 What to Do:
✔ Schedule a video call or in-person meetup before booking.
✔ Ask yourself, “Would I grab coffee (or a cocktail) with this person?”

🔥 Pro Tip: A good photographer will hype you up, keep you calm, and blend into the background when needed.You want someone who feels like a friend, but also a pro who gets the job done.

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Final Thoughts: Finding Your Perfect Wedding Photographer

Choosing a photographer isn’t just about who takes the prettiest pictures—it’s about who gets you. You want someone who can tell your love story the way you feel it.

🔥 Quick Recap – 5 Questions to Ask:

1️⃣ What’s your photography style? (Make sure it matches your vision.)
2️⃣ Have you shot at our venue before? (Or how do you prepare for new locations?)
3️⃣ What’s included in your package? (Avoid surprise costs!)
4️⃣ What’s your backup plan? (Because things happen!)
5️⃣ What’s your personality like? (You’re spending ALL DAY with them—make sure you vibe!)

Ready to find the perfect photographer?

If you want someone who captures weddings in a way that feels moody, cinematic, and full of emotion, I’d love to chat! Let’s create something incredible together. 💛

📍 Contact me here for availability & pricing!