Choosing a wedding photographer is a big deal! Your wedding photos are what you’ll look back on for years to come, so it’s super important to find someone who gets your vibe and can capture your day just the way you want. To help you make the best choice, here are ten key questions to ask your wedding photographer before making that final decision. These will help you feel confident that you’ve found the perfect match for your big day.

1. What Is Your Photography Style?

Every photographer has their own style. Some prefer a more candid, photojournalistic approach, capturing those genuine, spontaneous moments. Others lean towards traditional, posed shots, creating elegant, timeless portraits. It’s important to figure out what kind of photos resonate with you and make sure your photographer’s style lines up with your vision. Do you love the idea of catching those real, in-between moments? Or are you more into carefully crafted shots with perfect lighting and composition? Asking about their style helps you get on the same page so your photos turn out exactly how you imagine them. I’ve written a post about how to choose your wedding photographer too!

2. Can We See a Full Wedding Gallery?

Photographers often share their best shots on social media and their website, but seeing a full wedding gallery can give you a better idea of how they’ll capture every part of your day. From the emotional moments of the ceremony to the fun at the reception, you’ll want to see how consistent their work is across an entire wedding. Ask to view a gallery that’s similar to your wedding—maybe it’s at a similar venue or has a similar vibe—so you can really picture how they’ll approach your big day. This is one of the most important questions to ask your wedding photographer to ensure you’re happy with the results. For example, my main portfolio is available here, and my featured wedding days are available here!

3. What Does Your Package Include?

Every wedding photography package is different, so make sure you know exactly what you’re getting. Ask about the number of hours they’ll be there, how many edited photos you’ll receive, and if extras like engagement sessions or prints are included. It’s also good to know if they offer things like albums or if those are an additional cost. Talking through the package details will help you figure out if it meets your needs and your budget. You don’t want any surprises later on! Different photographers will offer different packages. Understand what it is they offer and what the differences are too – as one photographer may charge £2000 but include a lot and another could charge £2000 for the bare minimum!

4. Have You Worked at Our Venue Before?

If your photographer has worked at your venue before, that’s a big bonus. They’ll already know the best spots for photos, how the lighting changes throughout the day, and any quirks of the location. But if they haven’t, don’t worry! Just ask if they’d be willing to visit the venue with you before the wedding to scout out the best photo opportunities. This can make a huge difference in how prepared they are on your big day. Whether they’re familiar with the venue or not, this is another crucial question to ask your wedding photographer to ensure they’re fully ready. Any competent photographer should be able to work at any venue and photograph it well, so don’t let it put you off if they haven’t been before. It’s just a bonus.

5. How Do You Handle Lighting and Difficult Situations?

Lighting can make or break a photo, so you’ll want to know how your photographer handles different conditions. Will they be able to work in low-light situations, like during an evening reception, or deal with harsh midday sun during an outdoor ceremony? Experienced photographers know how to adapt to different lighting scenarios and have the right gear to make sure your photos still look amazing. It’s also worth asking how they handle unexpected challenges, like bad weather or equipment issues. You want to feel confident that they can handle anything your wedding day throws at them. Maybe ask what camera gear they have! These are just a couple of the best questions to ask your wedding photographer.

6. Will You Have a Second Photographer or Assistant?

Having a second photographer can be a game-changer. While your main photographer is focusing on the big moments, like your first kiss or first dance, a second photographer can capture all the little details and candid moments happening around you. This means you’ll get a more complete view of your wedding day. Ask if this is an option and whether it fits within your budget. Even if a second shooter isn’t necessary, knowing this is an option can give you peace of mind that no special moment will be missed. This is linked to asking about the packages, as your photographer may not think it’s necessary – we all work differently! Personally, I don’t recommend a second shooter unless you have more than 100 guests all day or a large venue. Take a look at my blog post – Do you need a second shooter at your wedding?

7. What Is Your Backup Plan for Emergencies?

Life happens, and even the best-laid plans can sometimes go awry. That’s why it’s important to ask about your photographer’s backup plan. What happens if their camera malfunctions, or if they can’t make it on the day due to an emergency? Professional photographers should have a plan in place for these kinds of situations, like backup equipment and a network of other photographers they can call on if something goes wrong. Knowing they’re prepared for the unexpected can help ease any worries you might have.

8. How Long Will It Take to Receive Our Photos?

We all know how excited you’ll be to see your wedding photos after the big day, so it’s important to know when you can expect them. Ask your photographer how long their typical turnaround time is. Some photographers might get your photos to you within a few weeks, while others may take a couple of months. Also, ask if they provide sneak peeks soon after the wedding so you can share some early favorites with family and friends while you wait for the full gallery. Having a clear idea of the timeline will help you avoid any post-wedding anxiety.

9. Do You Have Liability Insurance? (One of the more important questions to ask your wedding photographer)

This might not be the most exciting question to ask your wedding photographer, but it’s definitely an important one. Liability insurance protects both you and the photographer in case something unexpected happens. Some venues even require that your photographer has insurance, so it’s good to confirm that they’re covered. You should also make sure you’re comfortable with the terms in your contract. A solid contract should outline what’s included, the expected delivery timeline, and what happens in case of an emergency. Having everything in writing helps ensure there are no surprises. This is one of the more important questions to ask your wedding photographer.

10. Can We Provide a Shot List?

A shot list can be super helpful for making sure all the key moments you want captured are covered. Whether it’s specific group photos with family or friends or capturing a detail that’s meaningful to you, like a special piece of jewelry or a handwritten note, a shot list can ensure nothing is missed. However, it’s also important to give your photographer the creative freedom to capture the day as it naturally unfolds. Finding a balance between these two things will allow your photographer to get the shots you really want, while also documenting all the beautiful, spontaneous moments.

Conclusion

Finding the right photographer is about more than just liking their portfolio; it’s about making sure they understand your vision and can handle whatever your wedding day brings. These ten questions to ask your wedding photographer will help you find someone who’s not only talented but also a good fit for you and your wedding.

By asking the right questions upfront, you’ll be able to choose a photographer who can capture all the magic of your special day. Remember, your wedding photos are one of the few things that will last long after the day is over, so it’s worth taking the time to find someone who will do it right. With the right photographer by your side, you’ll have beautiful memories to look back on for years to come.

If you’re currently planning your wedding day and are looking for a Hampshire Wedding Photographer, then let’s get in touch! To see how I do things, and my wedding portfolio, click here.