Wedding photos can help you preserve precious memories from one of the most important days in your life. Choosing your wedding photographer is a weighty decision that can significantly affect how you remember your special day for years to come. However, many couples don’t know what to ask potential wedding photographers to determine if they are a good fit for your unique vision of your wedding day. Follow the tips below to know what questions to ask and how to prepare to interview potential wedding photographers.
Research Photographers Ahead of Time
Before interviewing a potential wedding photographer, it is important to look them up online. Their website or social media pages may be able to answer some of your questions. For example, it may be unnecessary to ask about their portfolio or their photography style because samples of their work should be posted online. Additionally, you may want to familiarize yourself with different wedding photo styles so you can narrow down your search to photographers that specialize in that style. Some wedding photography styles to consider include:
- Traditional: This tried and true style is classic and elegant, with many posed photos.
- Editorial: The editorial style is stylish, dramatic, focused on storytelling.
- Photojournalistic: This style focuses on more candid, natural shots to capture the day’s emotions.
Take a look at the lighting of potential photographers’ photos as well. Some photographers may gravitate to a light, airy style, while others favor a darker, more dramatic look. Having what you want in mind ahead of time can help you pick the perfect photographer for your big day.
Essential Questions to Ask Potential Wedding Photographers
Now that you know what you’re looking for, you are ready to start asking potential photographers questions to see if they are the right fit to capture your special day. When interviewing potential photographers, don’t forget to ask the following questions:
How Many Weddings Have You Shot?
This question can give you a better idea of your photographer’s level of experience rather than asking the number of years they have been shooting weddings. Some photographers may only shoot a few weddings a year yet have over a decade of experience. However, a photographer with fewer years of experience may shoot dozens of weddings in a year.
Do You Shoot with a Second Photographer?
This is a critical question to ask to see how many photographers will be working during your ceremony and reception. A second photographer can be beneficial to capture different angles and shots of your guests while the main photographer focuses on detailed shots of the wedding party.
Can We See a Few Full Wedding Galleries?
Seeing a few full wedding galleries can help give you a picture of how the photographer will capture your day. Asking for a few galleries can also give you more insight into their style and let you see if they stick to one primary style or like to experiment with several.
How Many Final Photos Will We Receive?
Since every wedding is unique, your photographer may have difficulty giving you a specific answer to this question. However, if your photographer gives you a ballpark estimate of over 1,000 photos, they may prioritize quantity over quality.
What Happens If You Can’t Make It to Our Wedding?
When planning a once-in-a-lifetime event, having a backup plan is essential. An experienced photographer should have a contingency plan in place to make sure that your wedding still has an excellent photographer in case of any emergencies on their end. You may also want to ask if they bring backup equipment in case of technical difficulties.
Book a Picture Perfect Wedding Venue in Central New Jersey
If you are planning an outdoor wedding in central New Jersey, you want to make sure your venue is the perfect backdrop for your photos. At Windows on the Water, our gorgeous 86 acre venue features lakeside views and expertly landscaped scenery that will make your photos pop. Our top-notch wedding planners will help you plan every detail of your big day and ensure all of your unique needs are met. To learn more about our beautiful venue, contact us online or give us a call at (609) 208-9475.