How to choose a Wedding Photographer
Selecting the right photographer for your wedding is a pivotal decision in ensuring that your special day is beautifully and flawlessly documented. To make an informed and confident choice, it's essential to ask the right questions before booking.
We are a husband and wife Dallas Wedding Photographer + Videographer. Let us guide you through the seven crucial questions to ask a potential wedding photographer that will help you find the perfect match to capture your big day.
What is Your Style? This question has two parts, really.
What’s your shooting style? AND What’s your editing style?
Understanding a photographer's style is crucial. Whether it's candid, documentary, photojournalistic, traditional, or a blend of several styles, make sure their approach aligns with your vision! As far as editing style, make sure that you feel confident in the style you choose. After all, you need to like it now, AND in 20 years. What is trending now may or may not hold up in style over time. Look through their portfolio to see if their work resonates with the aesthetic you desire.Can I See Full Wedding Galleries? While a portfolio showcases a photographer's best work, it's SO important to see complete wedding galleries. This provides a more comprehensive view of their consistency, storytelling abilities, and how they capture various moments throughout an entire event.
Fun fact: we always have a full gallery available on our website for potential clients to see. This is a real, full gallery that one of our couples received.
What is Your Experience with Weddings? Inquire about the photographer's experience specifically with weddings. Experienced wedding photographers are adept at navigating the unique challenges of capturing fleeting moments and managing the dynamics of a live event. If they have a team or a spouse that just so happens to offer videography, ask how long they have been shooting! What is their background? Is this your fulltime job? How many weddings do you shoot a year?
Have You Worked at My Venue Before? Familiarity with your wedding venue can be an advantage, but totally is not necessary! If your photographer has previously worked at the chosen location, they may already know the best angles, lighting conditions, and unique features to highlight. If they haven’t, don’t immediately count them out! Ask if they’re familiar with it, if they’re comfortable shooting in a venue of this style, and if they’ve shot in any place similar before.
How Do You Handle Low-Light or Challenging Conditions? Wedding ceremonies and receptions often involve various lighting conditions. Ensure your photographer is equipped to handle low-light situations, indoor and outdoor settings, and any potential challenges that may arise during your celebration.
“Natural light” photography is a trendy term newer photographers like to use. While it is a real and true term used to describe skill and style, it should not be synonymous with “I don’t know how to use a flash”. Don’t be afraid to ask the hard questions.What Packages and Services Do You Offer? Clarify the photographer's packages, services, and what is included in each. Confirm the number of hours of coverage, whether engagement sessions are included, and if there are additional costs for travel or extra services. Understanding the complete offering helps you make an informed decision. Assume that all photographers are charging sales tax (in Texas, at least!).
Don’t forget to ask how they collect payment. The BIGGEST red flag you will ever hear is that a vendor collects money through Cash, Venmo, or Cashapp. This is NOT a legitimate way to charge a client. NEVER pay a vendor without first reading and signing a contract.What is Your Backup Plan? Unforeseen circumstances can occur, so it's essential to know the photographer's backup plan. Inquire about their contingency measures for equipment failure, unforeseen emergencies, or any unexpected circumstances that might arise on your wedding day.
All of that to say, choosing the right wedding photographer is about more than just beautiful images; it's about finding a professional who understands your vision, works seamlessly with your wedding day timeline, and truly captures the essence of your unique love story by listening to your wants and feeling confident in their own style. By asking these seven essential questions, you'll be well-equipped to make an informed decision and ensure that your wedding day memories are beautifully preserved for a lifetime. Happy planning!
With love,
The Montgomerys
Dallas Wedding Photographer + Videographer