So you’re engaged (!!!) and diving into the wild world of wedding planning, and one of the biggest decisions you’ll make? Choosing your wedding photographer! Not just someone with a fancy camera, but someone who gets you, knows how to handle the chaos of a wedding day, and will deliver photos you’ll actually want to frame (and not just save to your camera roll forever). With all the options out there, it can feel overwhelming to know where to even start. That’s why I put together this guide, 10 questions to help you confidently choose a wedding photographer who’s the right fit for your day, your vibe, and your vision. Plus, keep reading for a few red flags to watch for before you book!!
What’s Your Photography Style and Approach to the Day?
Every photographer brings a different energy to your wedding day, and the experience behind the camera is just as important as the photos themselves! Some photographers take a more fly-on-the-wall approach, documenting your day as it naturally unfolds. Others are a bit more hands-on, guiding you through poses and making sure every detail is picture-perfect. Ask your wedding photographer how they’d describe their style. Are they light and airy? Bold and colorful? Documentary and candid? Editorial and modern? You want to be on the same page visually and emotionally because the way someone shows up on a wedding day impacts how you feel and how the photos turn out.
Can We See Full Galleries of Real Weddings?
You’re probably already scrolling their Instagram or website, but those are usually just the highlights. To really get a feel for how your day might be documented, ask to see full galleries from recent weddings. This will show you how they handle tricky lighting, fast-paced moments, family photos, ceremony candids, and reception dance floors. A full gallery paints the whole picture, not just the golden hour couple portraits! You’ll also get to see how they edit images consistently and if their storytelling aligns with what you’re dreaming of for your own day!
How Do You Handle Low-Light Situations?
Not everything happens during golden hour, especially if your ceremony is indoors or your reception runs into the evening. You want to make sure your wedding photographer knows how to navigate darker spaces, artificial lighting, and nighttime photos. Ask about their experience with flash, ambient light, and low-light settings. An experienced photographer will have gear (and the know-how!) to make sure your images look amazing no matter what! Bonus points if they can show you examples of past work in low-light scenarios so you can see their range.
What’s Included in Your Packages?
Not all wedding photography packages are created equal. Some include engagement sessions, second shooters, travel, or albums, while others are strictly photo coverage for the wedding day. Ask your photographer to break it all down: how many hours are included? Is there an option to add extra time if the timeline shifts? Do you get high-res downloads? Prints? A gallery with unlimited downloads for guests? Understanding what’s included (and what’s not) will save you stress and surprises later!
Do You Work with a Second Shooter?
Second shooters are seriously underrated. They can capture different angles, be in two places at once (like with both partners getting ready), and make sure no moment is missed! If a second shooter is included, ask who they usually work with and how often they shoot together. A great second shooter isn’t just another person with a camera, they’re someone who complements your main photographer’s style and seamlessly blends into the flow of the day. If it’s an add-on, it might be totally worth it depending on your timeline or guest count. If you are thinking about hiring a second shooter but you’re not completely sure check this out!
What Happens If Something Unexpected Comes Up?
No one likes thinking about worst-case scenarios, but it’s important to know there’s a plan in place just in case. Ask your wedding photographer what happens if they get sick, have an emergency, or can’t make it for any reason. A true professional will have a backup plan ready to go, whether that means sending an associate or tapping into their trusted network of photographers. They should also walk you through this part of the contract so you know you’re covered no matter what. Your memories are too important to leave to chance! If you want to read more about how I handle this click here!
What’s Your Turnaround Time? And How Long is the Gallery Available?
We all know the post-wedding anticipation is REAL. Once the confetti settles and the champagne’s gone, you’re gonna want to relive it all through your photos. So ask upfront when you can expect your gallery. Some photographers offer sneak peeks within a few days (yes please!!), while full galleries can take anywhere from 4–12 weeks depending on the season. Also, ask how long your gallery stays live, is it 6 months? A year? Can you download it all at once? Knowing this ahead of time will help you plan when to order prints, create albums, or share with family!
Do You Have Insurance?
It might not be the most exciting question, but it’s one of the most important. Many venues now require vendors to carry liability insurance, and your wedding photographer should have it, no question. This shows they’re running a legit business and also protects both of you if something unexpected happens! If your venue needs proof, your photographer should be able to provide a certificate of insurance quickly.
Do You Offer Engagement Sessions?
Engagement sessions are way more than just cute photos for your save-the-dates. They’re a chance to get comfortable in front of the camera, connect with your photographer, and figure out what kind of posing feels most natural to you. Ask if engagement sessions are included or can be added on! They’re especially great if you’re camera-shy, or just want more photos of you two in your normal element (no wedding-day chaos). Plus, they’re fun like a creative, low-pressure date with gorgeous photos at the end!
What’s Your Cancellation and Refund Policy?
Life happens. Whether it’s a change in plans, an unexpected emergency, or a rescheduled date it’s important to know how cancellations, refunds, and reschedules are handled. Ask what happens to your deposit if you cancel, what the rescheduling policy looks like, and how that’s all covered in the contract. A good photographer will have everything clearly outlined to protect both parties and keep things stress-free!
Red Flags to Watch Out For!!!
Okay, let’s talk red flags! If something feels off during the inquiry process, trust that gut feeling. Here are a few warning signs to look for when choosing a wedding photographer:
- They won’t show you full galleries only their highlights
- They don’t use contracts or don’t explain their terms clearly
- Communication is super slow, vague, or inconsistent
- They don’t mention a backup plan or emergency coverage
- Their pricing seems too low for what they’re offering (which can sometimes mean inexperience)
Remember: this person will be with you all day, from getting ready to cake cutting. You deserve someone who’s reliable, communicative, experienced, and aligned with your vision!
Ready For Me To Capture Your Dream Day? Let’s Chat!
Ruzin Cunningham Photo | Georgia Wedding Photographer
Hiring a wedding photographer is more than checking a box on your planning list. It’s about finding someone who gets your vibe, understands what matters to you, and can tell your story through images that make you feel all the feelings years later. Ask the questions, do your research, and don’t be afraid to wait until you find the one! Head to my contact page in case you have any other questions! If you want to learn more about me and what I do, click here! Can’t wait to hear from you!
