Top 10 questions to ask your (potential) wedding photographer
There are just about a million things you’re probably wondering about wedding photography. I wanted to lighten your load a bit, so I’ve put together a list of the top 10 questions I feel will help you find your perfect wedding photographer match, which you know, hopefully, is me! By the end of this article, you’ll feel confident you can make the right choice of who should document your big day.
What is your shooting style (how do you edit your photos)?
This is an easy starting point that you may not even ask any potential wedding photographer as their work should emphasize this for you.
I mean, pictures tell a story and the particular edits and work will, or should, be pretty apparent for you to see. Everyone has a specific style they choose as it speaks to them, and honestly, there’s not a right or wrong answer to this question (contrary to what some may tell you!
I describe my own work as warm and moody, giving you deep, warm colors to enhance the nature around you. If that doesn’t scream country gal I’m not sure what does.
2. How long does it take to get our photos back?
This seems like such a straightforward question to ask any photographer, and chances are you’ve already thought about it. But, it’s important to talk with any wedding photographer you meet with to make sure you’re all on the same page! After all, your wedding photos are one of the biggest investments you’ll make in your lifetime.
That’s a long time.
So, conversing with what to expect before you’ve even booked is the best course of action here. For me, I tell my couples that you can expect your images back within eight weeks of your wedding day. Most wedding photographers will also send you a sneak peek to reminisce on within a week. Because who wouldn’t want to look back on their wedding as soon as possible?
I know I did!
3. Can we see a full gallery of any recent wedding or one that’s similar to ours?
Hell yes you can see a full gallery!
This is extremely helpful (and a sweet cherry on top) if the photographer you’re talking to has already shot a wedding at your event space, as then you can really see and envision what your own wedding may look like. It sounds a bit cheeky, but looking at someone else’s wedding can help materialize your vision for your special day.
If it’s not from the same venue, a full wedding gallery can aid in seeing how that photographer captures someone’s wedding. This is all about seeing through their eyes, if you will, and setting some expectations for you. After all, Bendigo weddings, and the surrounding areas, offer fantastic places to get married, so it’s only fitting you’d be a bit curious about a full wedding day gallery.
Oddly, you may find some photographers push back on this one a bit, though I personally am not sure why that would be the case. I'm very open and honest about my work, and others should be too!
You can even plan your own wedding shots and gain inspiration from looking at another’s wedding gallery.
See, a bit cheesy isn’t it? But, it’s helpful cheese!
4. Have you ever shot at, or are familiar with, our wedding venue?
This may not apply to your atypical countryside wedding or elopement, but for any specific Victoria-area wedding venue it will.
Yes, this is a great question to ask a photographer to make sure they’re comfortable with the type of day and venue you’ve chosen, or looking to choose. The style of wedding venue you choose probably matches your vibe, and your wedding photographer should give off that same feeling.
The colors and light that an Australian country wedding provides are second to none in creating the stage for the most unforgettable wedding (and wedding photos), and chances are even if I haven’t shot at your venue, I’m pretty aware of the best wedding regions in Victoria.
5. What if I’m awkward in front of the camera?
Fuck guys, I’ve heard this so much.
Seriously.
If I had a dollar for every time I’ve been told this, I probably wouldn’t be a wedding photographer. I kid I kid, but really, it’s nothing to be worried about. I take pride and truly enjoy helping you feel comfortable and confident before, during, and even after our time together. Yes, it’s totally cool if we become lifelong friends after the fact.
That said, everyone is a bit nervous (even if you don’t say so, I know how it is) prior to getting their photos taken, but extremely so on wedding days. So, it’s important to know, before the event (can you sense a theme here?), how any potential wedding photographer can help you through those tough times.
Ok, they’re not that tough, but getting your pics taken can be a little nerve-racking.
Spoiler alert: I’m a hype girl, potentially your own hype girl, and love using this to help my clients feel natural and secure any time we’re together. I’m happy to talk you through anything and also love to hand out tissues where necessary. Plus, for all the males out there: I’ll make sure you don’t spend a bunch of time just standing there staring at nothing.
For a closer look at what it’s like to work with me, see what Behind the Scenes of a Romantic Engagement Session shows!
6. What do your packages include?
This is a fantastic question to ask your wedding photographer as no one should be withholding information from you!
Lucky for you, all my packages and their contents are laid out for everyone to see right on my site. Yeah, told you I was honest about things.
All of my wedding packages include a pre-wedding shoot, which is generally an engagement session. This is so important – really, we all get to know each other just a tad better, and you get some beautiful keepsakes. It’s a win-win.
From there, you can choose your coverage options. Oh, and I almost forgot: my most popular packages both include a neat gift box for you and your future spouse to enjoy.
Who knows, maybe you’ll find some lollies in there!
7. Do you travel to other locations, is there a fee for this?
Totally have your back here. I’m up and ready for any adventure in the Victoria area.
If your love takes you outside the state, let’s still talk about it. The best wedding photographers around will really try and make it work for you if the vibes are right, and if we’re vibing I can’t be the one responsible for killing it.
CLIENT LOVE:
“Amazing.
We cannot thank you enough for capturing our day so perfectly. You were so relaxed and for me, Kate who can get stressed easy, your calm nature really helped. We love how relaxed the wedding photos are. That’s why we picked our photographer as we wanted the photos to be in the moment and natural. It was so easy going from the start so thank you.”
Unique, loved up couple: Kate & Ben”
8. How many hours of coverage do I really need?
This is one loaded question, but a good one to always ask any potential wedding photographer of yours as being on the same page about this before you book them is a must.
Even if you haven’t figured out an exact timeline (more on that below), knowing the rough outline of your day prior to booking your wedding photographer will help when figuring out the right wedding package to choose.
9. Can you help with timeline preparation?
This depends, can you give me some of your details babe?
Ok ok, sorry, a bit on the nose, but yes, if you have the general overview of your day set I’m happy to aid in hammering down your photography timeline. Doing this with your wedding photographer ensures you’re all on the same page with, ya know, your wedding. Plus, it also lets your guests know when you’ll be off gallivanting around together, with me documenting all the kisses you can give each other.
10. So, how do I book you?
Awe, so glad you asked!
Just fill out this little form and I’ll get back to you with the next steps to make your wedding photography dreams a reality.
Remember, there’s no question too small to ask
Phew. That was a lot of stuff. But, it’s important stuff that you should think about when you’re looking at choosing your Bendigo wedding photographer.
There are plenty of other questions to ask a wedding photographer before you decide to book them and if you have anything specific you’d like to ask me you don’t have to be shy about it.
Congrats again, and most of all, remember to smile and have a fabulous day. I hope to hear from you soon xx Peta
