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5 Questions to ask when looking for a wedding photographer

Red Aspen Photography's Advice

By Ashleigh Cropper

January 30^th, 2016

5 Tips for Wedding photography

2016 wedding season has been off to a fast and exciting start. I make it a priority to take all my inquiring couples out to meet up for a yummy treat somewhere in town. It is a way for us to connect, meet in person, and discuss one of the most important aspects of a wedding: the photography. I met with a bride a few weeks ago and I always ask at the end of our meet-up if there are any questions. I find it essential to educate my brides as much as possible when we talk. I don’t expect them to know all the in’s and out’s of my industry. They are usually in the middle of many meetings for their wedding and trying to juggle so much. 6 years ago I was that bride being taken out for a coffee date with photographers. I remember being asked the same question I asked my couple a few weeks ago (which triggered this post), “ do you have any questions for me?!” What raced through my mind was, “what questions am I not asking that I should?!” I was not a wedding photographer when I got married and that’s when the real nerves kicked in. I could tell when I asked the couple this question a few weeks ago, that she had the same reaction I did when I was that bride, trying to figure this whole wedding world out. She responded, “well what questions should I be asking!” Well, wasn’t that the best question of the century?! And that is what led me to give you 5 tips to ask and discuss with a wedding photographer.

(Note: These are lessons learned from when I booked my own wedding photographer, from discussions with couples I meet with, and having conversations with other photographer friends.)

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5 Questions to ask when looking for a wedding photographer

1:What's their Photography style?

Ask yourself BEFORE you meet and reach out to a photographer, “is this the style I want for my wedding pictures?” Look over the photographer’s website and social media platforms. When you meet with a photographer, feel free to point out images that stood out to you, what you liked about that photographers work. That is excellent feedback.

A photographer spends years developing their own, unique style and I will say this: you can discuss details and things you like about images, but the overall style will be similar to what you see in their portfolio of work. If your styles do not match, then do not move forward. It’s dangerous to think that all photographers are the same and that any one will do. If you have a style you’re looking for and you hire a photographer that doesn’t have that style, you’ll likely be disappointed, and you do not want to be disappointed with the wedding images you receive. After all, you are putting a lot of work into this!

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2:How do they react to problems?

At your wedding, the photographer is on the job. It is the day when I typically work a full 8 hours and am in “go mode” the whole time. I like to compare it to my husband’s work environment that is more of a 9-5 work day. When he is presented an issue and some papers are thrown on his desk that must be handled ASAP, what is his response?! Well now apply that to the photographer. They are at your wedding and an issue comes up; let’s say the veil gets lost, a rain storm blows in, a niece won’t stop crying, or the groom stains his shirt. This has all happened. Trust me! So how will your photographer handle these situations? Will they be calm, roll with it and start to problem solve? Will they panic? Will they laugh and disappear into the background? Will they be vocal and direct the situation? I have seen it all, my friends. And I am not going to say one way is better than another; sometimes you might need a strong willed person behind the camera, or maybe you need someone more laid-back, BUT you must be comfortable with how your photographer handles their work, especially the worst-case scenario situations.

I highly recommend you ask your photographer a hypothetical situation and see how they would handle it. Of course, there is the unknown since people react differently and can say one thing and do another. But I like to think that I am always as honest as possible and want my couple to be comfortable.

When they respond, think about if that is how you would want your wedding day to be? If you two are a more laid-back couple, is that the best approach? Or a bit more strict and timely? Again, no wrong answer here. You just need to find a good fit.

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3:Are they a professional?

These may sound a bit…”business-y” but these are ESSENTIAL and so important to ask your photographer. I make sure to let every couple know this information so they don’t have to ask. Again, when I was looking for my wedding photographer many years ago, I didn’t know these questions. I am so thankful my photographer educated me and I knew I had found someone who was professional. So here is the list:

1) Do you carry liability insurance? Many venues (actually most) will not allow a photographer without liability insurance to work at their location. That is not the kind of thing you want to find out the day of the wedding.

2) Do you have backup equipment? If the camera drops or breaks, that shouldn’t be the end of the picture-taking for the day. I like to tell my couples how I can get a little crazy with angles and making images happen. I am a big “sacrificer.” So if you see me roll down the hill, drop my camera from high above, or get dropped in the creek…do not panic! I have my backup cameras ready, with batteries fully charged. I WILL NOT miss that moment. It does not matter if I am traveling states away to your wedding, I will have that equipment with me. Make sure that your photographer does as well.

3) Do you have a backup plan if you get sick, have a family emergency, weather causes an issue for you to reach our wedding venue? (Do not hesitate to ask these questions or feel it is “too personal.” It is not.) Every photographer needs a plan. This is your wedding and you want to make sure that all the details, hard work, and this commitment to each other is captured. I make sure my couples know that I check in with my preferred backup photographers in that area who could cover for me at a moment’s notice 1 month before the wedding date. If anything were to happen, my photographer colleague will be there, already know you two, know about your day and capture it in a similar style to mine. Talk about a sigh of relief for any couple!)

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4:who Is he/she there for?

I’ll be totally honest: photographers are always looking to add to their portfolio with exciting locations and venues. Do I dream of having a couple married under the golden fall aspen leaves in the Rocky Mountains, of course. BUT, that does not mean I will take over my couple’s day in order to get the images I want that would impress my photography friends. Will this photographer have you running around everywhere to get their perfect shot? If you say “that’s enough” will they push back?

I have seen this too many times and boy, I just need to speak up. Make sure the photographer is there for YOU TWO! If you have a location you want your first look at when you see the person you are committing to for the first time on your wedding day, SAY SO! Yes, they may suggest that there is better lighting in a different location, or it is prettier somewhere else…sometimes it is important to take that advice, but if you have your mind made up, the last thing you want on your special day is an argument with your photographer. Do not let the photographer dictate your day. Photographers are creative, can see places in unique ways, and capture images you would never imagine on your own…and that is wonderful. But, if you have a really special spot that you want some pictures taken, then say so. It is also part of our job to make that happen. Remember, it is your day!

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5:Would I enjoy a full day with this person?

Here is one big highlight I tell potential couples, “We have to get along because we will be spending ALL day together!” Yes, you heard me right, all day! I may be a fly on the wall for part of that time but I am by the side of my couples throughout their entire wedding day. You should have the feeling when you meet them, in person or over Skype, that they will be a delight to work with. I loved our wedding photographer because he had the perfect balance of capturing my husband and I, and getting images we really wanted, but also blending into the crowd and letting us enjoy our day. I try that same approach because it gives me the work you see here…the candid moments, along with special and quiet opportunities with just the couple.

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My hope is that you will walk into your next meeting with one of your possible wedding photographers armed and ready to ask the right questions. There is no better feeling than being educated and ready so you can make the best decision for yourself. I tell each couple that I am never offended if they choose someone else. You must book with the photographer that fits with you two the best. I do not see my industry as a competition of who can be the cheapest or who can give the most perks…no, no, no it is strictly about you. Do they feel I am the right fit? Do they feel that I will capture the images they will look back on 50 years from now and still love them and bring those emotions out again? Will I handle situations like they would hope? Do they know I am not only their wedding photographer, but biggest supporter and there for them? I sure hope so.

Happy wedding planning to you, and may you find a perfect photographer that matches all you hope for!

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Ashleigh is the photographer of Red Aspen Photography and specializes in wedding and portrait photography. To see more work visit Red Aspen Photography’s website and follow along on Facebook and Instagram.