Weddings are amazing, but also a lot of work to plan. Photography is one of the most important aspects of your day and choosing a wedding photographer is not always easy. To start, ask the right questions when interviewing. It is easy to ask a question that really doesn’t give you the insight you need into who the photographer is…so here are a few tips.

Instead of: Do you discount? Try: Our budget is $$$, how can we work together to find the best plan for this price?

Every photographer is different in the way they will handle their pricing and packages. It is important to be direct and honest with your photographer about your needs and your budget. Many will be able to work something out, and some will not. Sometimes it is better to be honest about your budget upfront and accept that you may get some of what you want for that price and then be able to use gifted monies after the wedding for additional items like files or albums. Just know it is always ok, if not encouraged, to ask.

Instead of: What gear do you use? Try: Do you have a backup plan if equipment fails?

There is a HUGE array of equipment out there for photography and video. Everyone has their favorite brand or lens. At the end of the day I am a firm believer that it is not the equipment that makes the images, but the artist. Check out their portfolio, maybe even ask for additional examples of their work. Fall in love with the imagery, picture yourself as the bride or groom. How they get to that point is really meaningless if you love their work and the photographer themselves. More importantly is to find out what they do if something goes wrong to save your images. Do they have insurance? Backup lens?

Instead of: Have you worked at my venue before? Try: Do you have experience and example photos of similar venues to mine?

I have shot over 100s of weddings. I have NOT shot in every location possible, even in our small mountain town of Crested Butte CO. Some of my favorite images came from venues that were new to me…there is an excitement and creativity that can be released when in a new environment. It is less important if your photographer has shot in the exact location you are getting married in and more important that they are equipped with the skills to adjust to any location. Asking to see images from locations or times of day that are similar to yours will be more informative then simply if they have shot at your location.

I hope you have found this to be a helpful starting place for the conversation with your potential wedding photographer. Most professional photographers will have a list of FAQ on their website which can help direct you while choosing the right photographer for you.