Here’s where most wedding magazines will try to guide you with a list of questions for your wedding photographer. Typical ones include: ‘What’s your photography style?’ or ‘What kind of equipment do you use?’ But let’s be honest, these queries can feel like a chore. You’re probably more interested in the photos and moments that tell the story of your special day than the nitty-gritty details of how they were captured.

To get to the good stuff, I reached out to brides and photography enthusiasts alike and compiled a list of what you really want to know – or at least, what we think you do. Mike Allebach’s photos and tips are here to put a spring in your step and make you excited for the wedding planning process ahead.

12 questions to ask a photographer

How do I pick a good photographer when there are hundreds listed in my area?

Start by finding a forum or blog that aligns with your unique style and wedding vision. As an offbeat bride, I’ve found that the Offbeat Bride Vendor Guide is a valuable resource for discovering photographers who share my values. The listed photographers not only cater to non-traditional weddings but also possess a welcoming attitude towards LGBTQ+ couples. Next, pare down your options to a select few and schedule meetings with each photographer.

It’s essential to connect with the actual photographer who will be capturing your special day, rather than a sales representative or studio owner. You’ll need to establish trust and rapport with this person, as you’ll be spending considerable time together on your wedding day. To ensure a harmonious experience, look for photographers whose work resonates with you, both in terms of aesthetic and personality.

How many photos do I get?

Wedding photographers often return with a treasure trove of memories, capturing 50-100 snapshots per hour of coverage. At first glance, four hundred photos may seem overwhelming, yet this abundance of images serves as a testament to your photographer’s dedication in freezing every fleeting moment and intricate detail that might have otherwise gone unnoticed.

I love those photos with the blurry backgrounds. How do you get that look?

When it comes to capturing a shallow depth of field, photographers often rely on specialized equipment – specifically, high-quality lenses designed for precision focusing. These professional-grade lenses enable the creation of an intimate atmosphere by sharply defining the main subject and deliberately blurring the surrounding environment.

I found one photographer whose images look soft and pastel, one whose images look clean, and one whose images look like they were shot on old film. What’s the deal?

In the digital darkroom of photography, every artist has their own unique approach to editing. Post-processing is the process of refining an image using computer software, and while some photographers stick to making basic adjustments to lighting and color, others use these tools to create a distinctive visual identity.

Currently, three popular post-processing styles have emerged: the ‘Clean’ look, which maintains a natural appearance through subtle processing; the ‘Matte’ style, characterized by low contrast and muted pastel colors reminiscent of vintage film; and the ‘High Contrast’ approach, which yields vibrant images with rich colors that truly pop. Ultimately, the key is to find an editing style that resonates with your creative vision.

Why is wedding photography so freakin’ expensive?

Wedding planning can be a daunting task, especially for those who aren’t experienced in the event industry. As a result, brides often wonder how wedding photographers manage to make a living from what seems like a lucrative but brief profession. In reality, many full-time wedding photographers invest heavily in equipment and put in long hours to deliver high-quality services.

To illustrate this point, consider that editing a single wedding can take multiple days, requiring several 12-hour workdays. Furthermore, the costs of insurance, taxes, software, advertising, album production, repair, shipping, and studio expenses can add up quickly, leaving many photographers struggling to make ends meet – often earning less than minimum wage in their early years.

How can I make sure I look good in my photos?

To avoid regretting your wedding photos, take control by following these 11 essential steps right away.
It’s true that sometimes people end up disliking their wedding photographs. Although there’s nothing you can do to change it once the job is done, there are several things you can do to minimize the risk of being unhappy with your photos.
The key is to be relaxed and trust your photographer. When you’re feeling calm, this will shine through in your pictures.

Make sure to leave some breathing room in your schedule so that you don’t feel rushed during family, wedding party, or couple portraits. I recommend a minimum of 30 minutes for these types of photos.
Additionally, prioritize getting plenty of sleep and drinking lots of water the night before to ensure you’re well-rested on your big day.
Finally, keep things relaxed at the rehearsal dinner – no one wants to deal with wedding-day hangovers.

Should we do a “first look”? And, um, what the hell is a “first look”?

Do I really need a second photographer?

While it’s not necessary to have a second photographer, having one can significantly enhance your overall experience and provide additional perspectives. In fact, many top-tier photographers rely on assistants who focus on gear management and lighting setup, freeing up the main photographer to capture stunning images. Ultimately, the key is to understand how your primary wedding photographer prefers to work and adapt accordingly.

With this approach, you’re likely to achieve excellent results regardless of whether you have a single or multiple photographers on hand.

How far in advance should I book a wedding photographer?

When planning a wedding, it’s common for popular photographers to get booked up well in advance – sometimes a year or more before the big day. As your special date approaches, you may find that your top choice is no longer available. But don’t stress! Instead of scrambling to find someone new, ask your original pick if they know of any talented shooters who might be a good fit.

With their insider knowledge, they can point you in the direction of a photographer with a style similar to theirs and an availability that aligns with your needs.

You can Photoshop that, right?

While the goal of capturing perfection is idealistic, a photographer’s approach often depends on the situation. As a seasoned photographer, I strive to get everything just right during the shoot. Careful planning and execution, including posing, location scouting, and camera settings, can typically address most issues before the shutter is clicked.

However, the occasional photobomb by an enthusiastic relative (like my uncle) might require a retake – it’s often more practical to recapture the moment than spend hours correcting it in post-processing software like Photoshop. Not surprisingly, many photographers factor in the time-consuming nature of extensive editing when determining their pricing.

Should I tip my photographer?

One common query I receive is that of tipping etiquette. A thought-provoking article on Offbeat Bride shed light on this topic, and I’d like to share some key takeaways. For photographers, it’s essential to remember that ‘tips are never expected but are always appreciated.’ With this in mind, let’s tackle any lingering questions about wedding photography, with the aim of making it easier for couples to find the perfect photographer for their special day.

Now, I’d love to hear from fellow photographers – what crucial details did we overlook? The time is now to share your insights!