Congratulations! You're engaged, you've picked a venue, and now it's time to book the wedding photographer—one of the most important components in your big day. After all, they're the person who's going to capture your big day on camera and turn it into beautiful photos that you'll treasure forever. So if you want to make sure that your photographer is the right choice for you before booking, here are some questions to ask them
DO YOU HAVE A PORTFOLIO I CAN REVIEW?
A photographers portfolio is the most important thing for you to look at when deciding who should capture your big day. The best portfolios have a variety of photos that show off their skills, but also demonstrate their personality and style.
Justin Ketchem Photography
DO YOU INCLUDE ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS IN YOUR PACKAGES?
Engagement sessions are a great way to get to know your photographer and get comfortable in front of the camera. They also give you a chance to see how they work, so that you can have a clearer sense of what it will be like on your wedding day.
HOW MANY HOURS ARE INCLUDED IN EACH PACKAGE?
The next big question you should ask your photographer is how many hours are included in each package, and what the rate is for any additional hours. It's important to know how long the photographer will be present on your wedding day so you can plan accordingly. If there are certain must have shots you want, make sure to plan those to be taken during the photographers time frame.
RH Imagery
WILL YOU HAVE AN ASSISTANT OR SECOND-SHOOTER PRESENT?
If you're planning to have a large number of people in your wedding party, it's important that your photographer has an assistant or second shooter present. This person can help take care of the photos and ensure that you get the best shots possible. An assistant will also be able to assist with group photos and poses, as well as lighting and angles.
CAN WE REQUEST SPECFIC SHOTS?
If you have a particular shot in mind, there's no harm in asking your photographer if he or she can accommodate it. Perhaps there's an image from Pinterest that has always inspired you—and now might be the perfect time to recreate it! If so, let your photographer know!
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE FOR MY PICTURES TO COME BACK?
We recommend asking your photographer about their turnaround time, as this can vary greatly from one photographer to another. Some photographers will offer sneak peeks of the photos on their website after only a few weeks of editing, while others may take months before they're ready to release them.
Karen Menyhart Photography
The best way to ensure that your wedding day goes smoothly is to plan ahead. Asking your wedding photographer the right questions up front will help you get a better sense of whether they are the right fit for you and your partner. Remember, the more research you do, the more likely it is that you’ll find someone who understands your vision and can deliver on it. With all of this info in mind, we wish you luck on your search!