So you’re chatting with your potential wedding photographer (heck yes if it’s me!) and you want to come prepared with questions that aren’t just “what camera do you use?” because let’s be for real — unless you’re a photographer, you do not care haha.
Here are some questions to ask your photographer on your call (lowkey wish I was asked these more!):
What’s your approach, and how do you actually put that into practice?
Most photographers will explain their approach and how they like to photograph a wedding day. The important part of this question though is the HOW.
Any photographer can say they want you to feel calm, relaxed, and present so you can really live your day. But how do they actually make that happen? Their answer will tell you a lot about how they operate. Are they super type-A, more reserved, somewhere in between — and how does that translate into your experience and your final gallery?
For me, the ultimate goal is that your day doesn’t feel like a production. I don’t want you rushed from one photo-op to the next, and I don’t want you worrying about a million tiny things. I want you to actually live the day you planned.
I also want your gallery to feel balanced. Some posed and intentional photos, yes — but also a ton of moments you didn’t even realize were being photographed.
How I do that is by coming into your day prepared. That looks like helping with timeline planning, sending in-depth questionnaires so I’m aware of family dynamics, and giving you space to vent about how you’re feeling leading up to the wedding. Before the wedding, I’m also staying in communication with you and building an actual relationship so when I show up, we already feel comfortable together.
On the wedding day, I’m reading the room. If something feels stressful or emotional, I adjust how hands-on I am. Sometimes that means giving more direction, sometimes it means backing way off. I’ll guide you when needed (including telling you what to do with your hands because no one knows what to do with their hands), and I’ll also use specific gear/lenses so I can physically step back and quietly capture moments without interrupting them.
Click here to get more insight to your experience working with me.
If we read your reviews, what themes would show up again and again?
Credibility matters. A lot.
First — if a photographer doesn’t have Google reviews, that can be a red flag. Not always, but in my experience it can mean people haven’t had a great experience and the vendor doesn’t want that to be easy to find.
This question isn’t just about what other couples thought. It’s also about whether your photographer is actually paying attention to feedback and understands what they’re known for.
Across my 70+ reviews, some common themes are that couples felt comfortable and at ease, that I guided them when needed but still captured a ton of candid moments, and that I was helpful throughout the planning process and communicated clearly. A big one I love seeing is that friends, family, and guests also rave about the experience and the photos.
I love when your people are just as excited about me being there as you are.
What does working with you look like when things don’t go exactly as planned?
This question tells you two important things:
- What they’re like under pressure
- What their backup plans actually are
Wedding days are amazing, but they can also come with stress, weather issues, timeline changes, unruly guests, or vendors not doing their best work. I’ve even had a wedding almost relocate because of a wildfire.
Ask how they handle that stuff. Are they calm? Do they problem-solve? Do they rely fully on the planner or do they jump in? What’s their vibe when things get weird?
For me, I’m a problem solver. I’ll step in when needed, but I’m also not afraid to lean on the rest of your vendor team or my second photographer when that’s the smartest move.
Contingency plans matter too. If something happens to your photographer — illness, an accident, traffic, anything — you want to hear a confident, well-thought-out answer. Not something that sounds like it’s being made up on the spot.
I have plans for everything from worst-case scenarios (yes, even death lol) to a car accident on the way to your wedding. That includes backup photographers, relying on my second shooter, being deeply connected to my local photography community, and having people in my life who know exactly what to do if I can’t speak for myself.
Bottom line: you’re going to be taken care of.
SO if you’re chatting with me or another photographer soon and they don’t cover this kind of stuff on your call, ask them. These questions help you understand not just how they photograph, but how they show up when it actually matters.
Bonus tip: do a little internet snooping. I put everything out there — reviews, FAQs, behind-the-scenes info, how I work. And yes, people absolutely take to the internet to talk about both good and bad vendor experiences. That info can be really helpful when you’re making a decision.
And if you’re liking what you’re reading and think we’d be a good match, let’s talk. Reach out and I’ll send over a time to book a consult plus my full price and info guide within 24 hours.
