When it comes to choosing your wedding photographer, I’ve found that many couples choose photographers because they like their work, but as you’re spending so much time with this individual, I believe it’s important that you like them too.
Maybe you’re thinking to yourself right now, well, as long as I don’t hate them, it will all be fine. But I want you to imagine you unexpectedly ran into a friend you adore on the street. Now consider someone you barely know but see at work. How would your expressions and interactions differ?
That is truly the difference between choosing a photographer you vibe with and one that you simply don’t hate.
Also, I don’t know about you, but I’ll be honest and say that I haven’t gotten along with everyone I’ve ever met (and I generally like a lot of people!), so chances are you’re missing that insight if you are selecting from a vendor list or just briefly skimming portfolios/ websites/ social media accounts.
As a Washington, DC/Virginia wedding photographer, I wanted to share some helpful, non-traditional questions to help you choose a wedding photographer who truly feels like a perfect match for your celebration.
These questions are intended to help you get to know the wedding photographer you’re considering more deeply and go beyond generic, surface-level questions that everybody is asking. Keep reading for 6 non-traditional questions to ask (and my answers).
6 Non-Traditional Questions to Ask Your Photographer Before You Hire Them
What are your favorite small moments from the wedding day to photograph?
This question gives you more insight into what the in-between moments are that your photographer might capture throughout your celebration.
My answer: Definitely right after the couple is married, when they leave the ceremony and take in that brief moment where it is just the two of them.
What do you do if a guest is in the way of you taking a photo?
This question can give you a little insight into their personality and how they’ll interact with you and your guests.
My answer: It totally depends upon the moment and what is happening. For example, if this moment happens during family portraits, I’ll invite the guest to stand right next to me so they can get the photo as well (but I’ll still be encouraging everyone in the photo to look only at me). On the other hand, if it’s a documentary moment, I will just move around them – easy peasy!
What will you do if you miss an emotional moment that is unscripted but we wanted you to photograph it?
This question gives you more insight into their approach of either editoral/posed photography or if they lean towards being more documentary. For an editorial wedding photographer, they might suggest that they attempt to recreate the moment for the photo.
My answer: Well, I hope I don’t! Honestly, though, if I do, I make myself work even harder not to miss the next one. I’ll continue to keep focus on the aspects of the day that might bring about this high level of emotion and engagement.
How long do family portraits take on a wedding day?
This might seem like a typical question – but it’s the follow-up that’s important if the answer starts with “as quickly as possible.”
My answer: I do try to make family portraits go as quickly as possible, but I don’t leave it up to chance. I have a meticulous order of family portraits that carefully considers people moving in and out of the photo.
However, sometimes we need to be flexible and change things around. My goal is to get the best photos in the quickest amount of time. Usually, for every 12 family photos, I suggest blocking off 15 minutes.
What happens if the schedule gets way off and you have to cut something from the photos?
This question lets you in on the photographer’s ability to adapt and be flexible.
My answer: I come up with a plan that is based upon what I think you will want based upon all of our previous conversations (which is why I don’t just *show up” on the wedding day – I spend a lot of time thinking about the two of you and what is important for you prior to the wedding).
Then in that moment, I provide you with a quick update of how I think we should handle and ask if you agree. Most couples don’t want to have to “fix things” on their wedding day. Bonus points if you didn’t even realize the schedule got way off and we just made everything come together!
What is your dream guest that unexpectedly is part of a wedding you are photographing?
This is a fun, lighthearted question to get to know the person behind the camera better!
My answer: It’s hard to pick just one! It’s a three-way tie between Anderson Cooper, the Denver Nuggets (basketball team), and Kendrick Lamar. All would be fun to photograph for different reasons.
Ready to Hire Your Wedding Photographer?
I hope you found this info on what questions to ask your wedding photographer before hiring them helpful. This is a big decision and investment. You deserve a wedding photographer you love who makes you feel like you can be 100% yourself!
And… if you’re still looking for a Washington DC/Virginia wedding photographer, I’d love to connect! My approach to wedding photography starts with understanding what—and who—matters the most to the two of you.
When you hire me to photograph your wedding, we’ll sit down to figure out what photos are must-haves and how you want your day to feel. Your images will capture your day in its entirety: the spontaneous joy, the precious family photos, the experience you created for your guests.
You can learn more about my wedding photography services here or get in touch with me here.
Read these next:
