Today we’re sharing 10 real questions to ask your wedding photographer.

This post was inspired because recently we sat down with some wedding clients – yay!

They had some questions for us, and the bride asked “how do we see proofs”.

After we all had a bit of a chuckle (since everything is digital now, and proofs are a thing of the past) – I realized there was a need.

So we wrote this post to help educate our clients on what you should find out before hiring your photographer.

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10 Real Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer

1) What should you look for in a photographer?

Think about your best friend, and how you feel when you spend time together.

(hopefully really amazing!)

Now take that, and imagine that’s how your wedding photographer makes you feel!

Really – that is how it should be.

But ask yourself these questions to get a feel for your potential photographer:

  • Do I feel a positive connection with this photographer and their work?
  • Am I comfortable and confident with this person’s work?
  • Has this photographer listened well and addressed all my concerns?
  • Do I trust this person to capture the biggest day of my life?

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2) Are You Really Worth the Amount You Charge?

This is such a great question, and one that all engaged couples should ask!

We are a boutique studio – which means we take on a limited number of weddings every year.

This is different (in an awesome way) from a high-volume studio who take on as many people as possible.

Since we only take on a max of 17 weddings, are able to really spend time loving on our clients.

We want to build a relationship with YOU!

When you feel comfortable in front of the camera, you’ll be more relaxed and we will be able to create gorgeous images together!

We are worth the amount we charge because of our attention to detail, as well as all the numerous publications we’ve been featured in: The Knot, Love Inc Magazine, Premiere Bride Magazine, Bespoke Bride, Tidewater & Tulle, Pretty Pear Bride, Hill City Bride, and so many more!

While it’s awesome that we have these kudos, it provides us a bit more credibility and trust as your photographer.

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3) Are You Actually Going to be the One to Shoot My Wedding?

This one seems like a no-brainer.

However, if you’re working with a larger studio, there’s a chance you won’t have that person shooting your wedding.

Make sure you meet with the person who is shooting your wedding, so they can be included in the wedding planning conversation.

Also, will they be bringing an assistant?

Will the assistant merely be carrying bags, or actually taking pictures as well?

With Fresh Look Photography, you’ll always get both Eric and I to come be the dynamic duo on your wedding day! We both take pictures, sometime separately, sometimes together. But always as a team, backing the other person up.

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Virginia Beach wedding photography

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4) What makes you different?

After having photographed over 300 weddings for some pretty amazing clients, we like to think we’ve found the secret sauce.

We are different because we truly want our couples to have the most amazing wedding photography experience.

And we’re awesome – so we hope that you’ll have that amazing experience with Eric and I.

But if you don’t, we want you to find someone who will make your wedding day even more fabulous!

We want you to have an awesome experience, and we want to have an awesome experience…. that’s how the magic is made!

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5) What is your style of photography?

Ask the photographer how they would define their style: Fashion Editorial, Traditional or Documentary, etc?

Who would they compare their work to?

Will the photographer blend into the background and capture candid moment? Or do you need someone who will be front and center, taking charge?

Does your photographer shoot with digital cameras? Or film? Both?

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6) Do y’all shoot in Natural Light or Use Flash?

This is important to know because it will dictate the final image that your photographer can create for you. Ideally you would want a photographer who can shoot both.

Natural light is beautiful, and we aren’t opposed to using it if we have to.

But ideally, we would use an external flash every single time we take pictures because we can do so much more with the light!

I know flash can be intimidating for a lot of people because it can “look like you used a flash”.

But when you look at our images, it doesn’t scream “superharshflash”.

That’s the idea.

We want our images to we well lit, soft and gorgeous. And using an additional pop of light from the flash helps us achieve that look.

That way, whether you want to be light bright and airy, or dark, moody and dramatic… we got you boo!

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10 real questions to ask your wedding photographer

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7) How do you make subjects feel relaxed in front of the camera?

Inappropriate jokes are always a good start (I mean, if we’re being honest 😉

We strive to create a friendly environment for our subjects. We want it to feel like you are hanging out with friends, so relax, get comfortable, and get ready to have a blast!

We don’t just want to put you in pose after pose, we want to capture those in between moments too.

We will also be showing you the images through the session. That way you can be sure to know what an awesome rockstar you are!

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8) Editing the Photos – What Do You Do?

Are your photos all retouched?

Do they get color balanced?

Will I see edited or unedited images?

We make sure to put our hands on every single photo, and touch up all your gorgeous wedding images.

A lot of our work is done in camera, so that we don’t spend hours retouching (because you’re already gorgeous, duh!).

We main things we do are color correct, brighten, and make you the most awesome version of yourself on the wedding day.

If a client wants us to turn an image black and white, or crop differently, we are more than happy to do that for them. Since we don’t allow editing on our finished images, we always make sure to address any client needs after photo delivery.

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9) How Long After the Wedding Will You See Photos?

This is super important to know so that you can manage your (and your families) expectations. With most photographers taking 4-8 weeks to deliver the images, the wait can seem to last forever.

We want you to still be excited about your photos when you get them. It’s hard though, if you have to wait two months (or more!).

But have no fear.

Over here at Fresh Look, we’re rockstars and have a sneak peek posted within 48 hours.

And most of our clients have their full gallery about a week after the wedding (whoot whoot!).

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dapper groom wearing tails

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10) Why should we print through our photographer vs going to a local 1-hour lab?

Ever wondered if there is really a difference between printing through your photographer and doing it yourself?

Take a look at this print comparison.

It’s safe to say that there is definitely a difference in image quality!

Why spend thousands of dollars on beautiful wedding photos, only to have them botched at a local print lab?

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Love What You See? Want to Chat About YOUR Wedding?!

If you’ve finished looking at this list of 10 real questions to ask your wedding photographer and are thinking to yourself – I want you to come photograph my wedding! Awesome!!! We would LOVE to create a custom wedding package for you and the ones you love! Feel free to message me by hitting the { CONTACT ME } button or by giving me a call at 757-749-5350. I can’t wait to create some magic for you!