One of my favorite parts of photographing weddings is actually the first call that I have with my couples.

While the purpose of the call is to talk through all of the specifics of the packages and make sure that all questions are answered, it’s the best way to get to know each other and for me to genuinely help.

I love hearing about your wedding day vision and then being able to ask questions and offer some suggestions from the countless weddings I’ve been a part of.

Prior to those first calls or meetings, I have my couples fill out a short questionnaire that let’s me get to know the basics about how they met, the proposal story, who they are as a couple, and what they’re envisioning so far for their big day.

Then on the call I’m able to dig a little deeper and get an even clearer picture of their day because it’s hard to know how much detail to include! I’m super detailed oriented so I love to hear it all!!! 

Typically the conversation starts off with talking all about your wedding day, then I walk through my process from engagements to gallery delivery, and answer any questions.

Sometimes it’s hard to think of the questions you should be asking, which is why I go through my process first to either answer questions you didn’t know you had OR help you think of new ones.

I’ve gotten some really good questions in the past from brides that I think everyone should be asking as they are hiring their wedding photographer, so hopefully this makes that conversation easier and more productive!!

What does your experience look like from start to finish?

I love this question mostly because I think it’s important to allow the photographer to walk you through their process. There is a lot that goes into capturing a wedding day and it starts long before we show up on the day of.

Here you can make sure that you love their experience as a whole and that it includes everything you were looking for (or maybe didn’t even think about!).

Do you have an example timeline of the day?

Asking this question gives you an idea of how this photographer likes to work and organize the day. Most of the time wedding days follow very similarly but I know I have certain situations where I will switch things up and I love to talk through those reasons.

As a photographer, it’s important to give couples all of the information upfront so they can make educated decisions –– things like how your timeline will be affected by having the ceremony and reception in different locations, having a first look vs. not, wanting a ton of family photos, and the list goes on.

It’s good to know their opinion and game plan for handling your requests!

How do you handle candids throughout the day?

I had a potential bride ask me this question one time and I was so glad she did! I obviously talk a lot about timelines and try to educate upfront so expectations are set and things will run smoothly.

But I also understand that your day isn’t completely about photos…it’s about your experience and memories too.

You’ll want to make sure you and your photographer have the same philosophy and understanding when it comes to handling the timeline and the candid moments –– whether you prefer something more structured and planned or an organic, free flowing to your day.

This keeps both of you from being frustrated and not seeing eye to eye!

What advice do you have for me about __________?

Your wedding photographer is involved in almost every aspect of your day!!! As all of your vendors, they should be hearing your desires and requests and offering suggestions about the best way to make that happen.

This is a great way to get to know them from a professional, consultative standpoint and learn more about their opinions for wedding days.

You may feel instantly connected with how they approach different aspects of the day or feel like it’s not exactly what you had envisioned –– not that you have to absolutely love all of their advice, but more so agreeing with their way of thinking.

What is your favorite part of the wedding day?

This is more about getting to know your photographer from a personal standpoint. It’s important to love their work but it’s even more important to like them as a person!!!

You will be spending more time with your photographer on your wedding day than literally anyone else.

I love this question because I have so many parts of the wedding day that I get excited about and I love having the chance to share my heart behind loving what I do. 

There are a ton of questions you can ask your photographer, ranging from very technical to personal and you should feel free to ask them all!!!

I know I want my couples to feel 110% sure that I am the one they want to have with them on their big day so I welcome all kinds of questions, big and small. I would encourage you to dig deeper with them and take the time to find someone you truly connect with!