5 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer
One of the biggest decisions you’ll make while planning your wedding is choosing the right wedding photographer for your day. With so many photographers out there in your area, it can feel overwhelming to know where to start. Let’s be real, you’re probably here because you want to know what to actually ask them before you book.
After more than a decade behind the camera, I’ve noticed that couples often overlook the little things. The questions that don’t seem like a big deal at first, but end up making the biggest difference in how smoothly the day runs and how much you love your photos afterwards.
That’s why I’ve put together the five questions to ask your wedding photographer if I were in your shoes. These go beyond “how much do you charge?” and give you a true picture of how they work, how they’ll handle your day, and what you can expect once the wedding is over.
1. What Is Your Style & Approach?
This one’s huge, because your wedding photographer’s style is what shapes how your memories will look for years to come. It’s not just about whether you like their photos on Instagram or on their website — it’s also about whether the way they work fits your personality and vibe. Your wedding only happens once, so you want to be sure their style lines up with what you’re picturing. Ask your wedding photographer these questions:
What is your style called?
Why is your style the way it is?
What is your approach to get these photos?
You’ll learn whether their editing is natural and true to life or heavily retouched. Some photographers love those high fashion, editorial looks, while others focus on candid storytelling. For example, I personally like to keep things natural with real colors and real moments, with just a touch of editing to polish things up, never heavy airbrushing. If you’re dreaming of Vogue style magazine portraits, you’ll want a photographer who specializes in that. If you’re after something more documentary and relaxed, make sure their approach reflects that.
2. Are You Insured?
This might not sound glamorous, but it’s one of the clearest signs of a true professional. These days, anyone can buy a nice camera and call themselves a wedding photographer, but that doesn’t mean they’re running a business you can depend on. Insurance shows that your photographer takes their work seriously, and it protects both of you if something unexpected happens. So when you’re chatting with a wedding photographer, ask them:
Do you carry business insurance?
What specifically are you insured for?
Even if you love their photos, think twice if they aren’t insured. A professional will be able to explain their coverage confidently, and it’s peace of mind you’ll be glad to have.
3. Do You Work with an Assistant or Second Photographer?
This can make a big difference in how your day flows. Some photographers bring a second shooter, while others often work solo with a carefully planned timeline — a second photographer means more angles and more coverage of the day, flexibility in capturing both partners getting ready at the same time, and extra images of guests and candid moments. But it also affects logistics. You’ll need to know how many extra vendors are present and even plan meals accordingly. Here are a couple of good questions to ask your wedding photographer:
Do you usually work alone or with a second shooter?
If I book a second photographer, how does that change coverage and timing?
Neither approach is wrong, it just depends on your priorities. If you’re okay with a solo photographer who works with a tight timeline, that’s great. If you want every angle covered, a second shooter might be worth the upgrade.
4. What Is Your Backup Process?
Most couples don’t think about this, but honestly it’s one of the most important things to ask. Taking photos is only part of the job, keeping them safe in case something unexpected happens is the other half. The last thing you want is to hear from your wedding photographer that your images were lost. That’s why you’ll want to know their backup process. Things to look out for:
Do they use cameras with dual card slots so every photo saves to two cards instantly?
Do they back up images as soon as they get home?
Do they use external hard drives or cloud storage for extra safety?
Personally, I have a multi step backup system that starts the moment I press the shutter button. It might sound nerdy, but trust me, you want someone who takes backups seriously. If a photographer has no backup system, that doesn’t automatically make them bad, but it’s definitely something to think about before you book.
5. Can I See a Full Wedding Gallery?
Instagram and websites are basically highlight reels. Wedding photographers show off the absolute best shots, but they don’t always tell the full story of a wedding day. That’s why asking to see a complete gallery is such an important step.
By seeing an entire wedding, you’ll understand how consistent the photographer is throughout the whole day, what their candid photos, family formals, and reception shots look like, and whether their style matches the kind of day you’re planning.
When you ask, request a gallery that’s similar to your wedding. For example, if you’re getting married in a brick interior venue, look at a gallery with similar lighting and vibe. This will give you a true sense of what your final collection will look like, not just a handful of hero shots.
Choosing the Right Photographer for you
At the end of the day, choosing your wedding photographer isn’t just about finding someone who takes great pictures — it’s about finding someone you trust to be by your side on one of the biggest days of your life.
By asking these five questions to your wedding photographer, you’ll go beyond the surface and really get to know how your photographer works, how professional they are, and whether their style feels right for you.
Your wedding day only happens once, and the photos will be what you look back on forever. Take the time to ask, listen, and trust your gut. The right photographer won’t just deliver beautiful images, they’ll give you peace of mind and memories you’ll treasure for a lifetime.
And if you’re still searching for the right fit — I’d love to chat with you about your wedding day. You can also check out my YouTube channel where I share full wedding day videos so you can see exactly how I work and what the experience feels like from start to finish.
