Wedding planning. A huge undertaking. So many decisions and options. How do you know what is best for your wedding?
Let’s be real out of all the decisions you have to make – choosing the right photo and video team for your wedding day is a BIG deal.
This is the team responsible for capturing one of the most important days of your life, so you want to make sure you’re choosing the perfect match. We understand how big of a decision this is and as a wedding photography & videography brand ourselves, we put together 10 of the most essential questions you should ask potential photographers and videographers:
- “How many photos can we expect in our gallery/How much will our film capture?”
Anyone can put together a highlight reel of their best shots, but seeing a complete wedding gallery or video tells you the real, full story. Knowing how much you can expect to receive from your wedding day gives you insight on if they meet your expectations. Ask to see a full wedding gallery/film that’s similar to what you’re planning so you can see their style of capturing a full wedding from start to finish.
- “What’s your storytelling approach?”
This question reveals so much about how your day will be documented. Do they take a more traditional, posed approach, or do they prefer candid, documentary-style coverage? Understanding their creative approach helps make sure their style aligns with your vision.
- “How do you handle challenging situations?”
Weather doesn’t always cooperate, lighting can be tricky depending on the time of day, and family dynamics can get complicated sometimes. A professional should be able to tell you exactly how they handle rain plans, dark reception venues, timeline delays, and other common wedding day challenges you might encounter.
- “What’s included in your packages?”
Get specific here. Ask about hours of coverage, number of photographers/videographers, their delivery timeline, usage rights to images/video, music choices for the film, if prints are included, and anything else you could think of. This is YOUR wedding day – So feel free to ask any questions that you may have!
- “How could you help us feel comfortable in front of the camera?”
Unless you’re a professional model, being photographed all day can feel a bit awkward. Great photographers and videographers should have strategies to help you feel natural and relaxed. Maybe they have a set of poses for certain photos/videos? If you have any specific poses/picture ideas, this would be a great time to voice those.
- “What’s your backup plan?”
This is crucial. In an event of the unplanned, they should have backup equipment, an associate photographer/videographer if they get sick or can’t show, and multiple storage solutions for your photos/videos!
- “How do you work with other vendors?”
Your photo/video team will interact with your other vendors throughout the day. They should be able to explain how they coordinate with planners, DJs, officiants, and others to ensure smooth coverage of your day. All the working parts of your wedding should be able to run smoothly together!
- “What’s your communication style before and after the wedding?”
Understanding how and when you’ll communicate helps set expectations. Ask about scheduled meetings, timeline coordination, shot list creation, delivery process, and post-wedding support.
- “Can you describe your editing style?”
This helps ensure their aesthetic matches your vision. Ask to see multiple examples of their work. Analyze certain aspects like the way they edit the colors, their black and white images, any special effects, music selection for videos, etc.
- “What makes you different from other photographers/videographers?”
This is a great, open-ended question to finalize your little interview. This gives them the space to showcase what they’re most passionate about and can help you understand if they’re the right fit for your wedding!
Red Flags to Watch For:
- Vague answers about backup plans
- Unwillingness to show examples of galleries/films
- Poor communication
- Unclear pricing & packages
- No contract
When in doubt: Trust your gut.
While these questions are crucial, don’t forget to trust your instincts. Your photographers and videographers will be with you throughout one of the most intimate and important days of your life. You should feel comfortable with them not just as artists, but as people.
Remember, your wedding photos and film will be one of the few things that last beyond your wedding day. They’re not just documentation – they’re the way you’ll relive these moments for years to come.
And hey, if you’re vibing with our approach at Wandered Stories, let’s chat. We’re always excited to hear about your love story and vision for your big day.
The right photo and video team will make you feel confident, comfortable, and excited about how your wedding day will be captured. Take your time with this decision – it’s worth getting it right.
Click HERE to learn more about hiring us for photography + videography for your wedding, engagement, & more!
