5 Questions to ask your wedding photographer

You are not a professional wedding photographer. In fact, you will go through the process of wedding planning just a handful of times. If you have daughters, maybe you’ll do it a lot. If not, maybe you’ll just do it the one time.

So, you aren’t an expert. How do you ask questions like an expert when you’ve had no experience? This is where I come in. Maybe I am your wedding photographer, maybe not. Either way, I want your wedding photos to perfectly capture your day. I’d love to help, even if it is just pushing you in the right direction.

Here are a few questions that I highly recommend you talk to your wedding photographer about.

1. HOW DO YOU PLAN TO CAPTURE US GETTING READY?

You chose your bridal party carefully. You picked them for a reason. You will want images that perfectly capture the getting ready process. Talk to your photographer about planning a bridal-party "First Look!”

Talk to your photographer about the images that will capture how your mom helps you get your dress on. Make sure they know what you’d like to see when you have your final gallery.

Talk to your photographer about the getting ready shots that you know you can’t live without. Maybe it’s a quick image of you in your undies and heels - something to give to your new spouse for the first valentine’s day as a married couple. Maybe it’s a shot of your best friend helping you put on your lipstick. Maybe it’s something you haven’t thought of!

2. DO YOU HAVE IDEAS FOR FIRST LOOKS?

I have seen a lot of first looks and I always talk to my brides about them. I want to know if they plan to do one with their bridal party, with their dad, and with their groom.

I have plenty of recommendations for the groom first looks. I’ve captured some sweet ones. A lot of brides hadn’t thought about a first look with their father until I mentioned it. I always recommend it - your daddy is walking you down the aisle. He should get to see you in that gown before hand so he doesn’t cry the whole way down the aisle!

3. HOW DO YOU PLAN TO CAPTURE THE DETAILS OF THE DAY + SHOULD BE BRING ANYTHING FOR THEM?

I like to capture the shots of the rings, shoes, garter, dress, etc. I like to get these shots first thing when I arrive on the big day! While my brides are getting their hair curled, I steal their dress and ring for a few minutes to capture the details. You might have a look in mind, you might not. It’s good to have the conversation ahead of time though, in case your photographer needs you to bring a copy of your vows or invitations!

4. IS THERE ANYTHING YOU'VE DONE AT OTHER WEDDINGS THAT YOU THINK WE SHOULD DO AT OURS?

Let's face it, your wedding photographer has been to quite a few weddings. Maybe they have a great idea for a shot of the bridesmaids doing shots or the groomsmen showing off their socks. Maybe they have an idea for a shot that you wouldn't have thought of yourself. Have the conversation! Your favorite images might be the ones they recommended you take.

5. WHAT IS THE PLAN FOR FAMILY PHOTOS + HOW WILL YOU ENSURE THAT THEY’RE GOOD?

I have a family tree form that I talk brides through. Your wedding photographer might have a different system. It doesn't matter so long as there is a system in place! It's important to nail down the shot list ahead of time. It would be awful to get your wedding photos back and realize that you didn't get one with your favorite aunt. Likewise, your grandma doesn't want to stand forever while you sort out the combinations. Quick and efficient is always my goal for family images! At the same time, I always play a quick and silly game to ensure that everyone, even your mother-in-law who hates being in photos, is smiling.

FINAL TIPS: YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER IS A PRO AND I AM SURE THEY WILL GET AMAZING IMAGES OF YOUR DAY. REGARDLESS OF THE PRO-STATUS, COMMUNICATION IS KEY, SO WHILE YOU WON’T NEED TO MICROMANAGE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER OR HOLD THEIR HAND, BEING CLEAR ABOUT YOUR IMAGE EXPECTATIONS IS KEY. AND YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER SHOULD BE WILLING TO LISTEN TO YOUR ADVICE - AFTER ALL, THEY AREN’T GOING TO HANG THE IMAGES ON THEIR WALLS, YOU ARE!