Tons of blogs out there will tell you what questions you should ask your wedding photographer. Honestly? Most of them are full of BS. We just checked out a load before writing this, and one of the questions we saw was “Can I see your portfolio?”.

We’re here to save you from a world of pain. Keep scrolling to find out what you should ask and which questions you should skip (and why).

The questions you need to ask before booking

• What’s included in your packages?
  Every photographer structures their pricing differently. Some include engagement shoots, albums, or second shooters, while others charge extra for these. Get clarity on what’s included and what’s an add-on.
  
  
• How long will it take to receive our photos?
  The turnaround time varies between photographers. Some deliver previews within days and the full gallery in weeks, while others take months. Make sure their timeline aligns with your expectations.
  
  
• Do you help with timeline planning?
  An experienced wedding photographer will offer guidance on how long things take and help you structure your timeline to get the best light, avoid unnecessary stress and to ensure the day isn’t all about the photos.
  
  
• How do you back up our photos?
  SD card slots aren’t the only backup photographers should have. Ask about their full backup process—do they save copies immediately, store them on cloud storage, or have redundant hard drives?
  
  
• Does your camera have two sd card slots?
  This pairs well with asking, “Do you carry backup equipment?”. Cameras store photos on SD cards, and those with two slots can create instant backups. If a camera only has one slot and the card corrupts, your photos could be lost forever.
  
  
• How do you handle difficult lighting situations?
  Difficult lighting is inevitable. Blazing sun, dimly lit rooms, or a DJ going rogue with the strobes. A great photographer knows how to handle it all and should be able to demonstrate this.
  
  
• How do you deal with wedding day stress?
  Weddings can be beautifully chaotic. From unexpected timeline delays to last-minute nerves, stress is bound to pop up. A great photographer doesn’t just capture moments – they help keep the day running smoothly. Look for someone who stays calm under pressure, helps you relax and even acts as a low-key wedding coordinator when things get hectic. Bonus points if they can crack a joke or two to lighten the mood!
  
  
• Do you use AI in anyway during your workflow?
  AI is a hot topic in photography. Some photographers use AI tools for culling (choosing the best shots) or basic editing. The creative decisions (like choosing lighting, angles, and artistic edits) should always come from the photographer. Asking this question shows you care about their artistic process and whether they rely on tech or their own expertise for the final touches.
  
  
• What’s your favourite part of the day to photograph?
  This is a great question to understand your photographer’s style and vibe. Some love the raw emotions of the ceremony, while others thrive on capturing the party vibes. Their answer can also give you insight into how they approach your wedding day and which moments they’ll emphasize. A photographer’s enthusiasm for certain parts of the day is often reflected in the quality of those photos!
  
  
• What’s your approach to organising family group shots quickly?
  Group photos can easily eat into your wedding timeline if not handled efficiently. A great photographer will have a clear plan. Like creating a pre-approved shot list with you and using confident but friendly direction to gather everyone. This ensures you get the shots you want without losing time or patience!
  
  
• Is a print license included?
  Some photographers provide high-resolution images with full printing rights, while others require you to purchase prints through them. Make sure you understand what’s included.

The questions you don’t need to ask

• Have you worked at our venue before?
  This one pops up a lot, but it’s not as important as you might think. A professional photographer doesn’t need prior experience at your venue to deliver stunning results. They’ll adapt on the day to work with the lighting, layout, and vibe. What matters more is their overall expertise, not whether they’ve been there before. In fact, many photographers find shooting somewhere new exciting.
  
  
• What camera do you shoot with?
  The brand of camera doesn’t matter. It’s the photographer’s skill that makes the magic. Asking about gear specifics won’t tell you much unless you’re a camera nerd yourself. Instead, focus on their portfolio to see if their style resonates with you.
  
  
• How would you describe your style?
  Photographers often describe their style in ways that don’t align with their actual work. They might say “light and airy” when their photos are dark and moody, or “natural” when their portfolio is full of stiff poses. This is going to leave you feeling really confused. Instead of relying on their words, trust their portfolio. If their images resonate with you, their ability to label their style doesn’t matter.
  
  
• Can we have the RAW files?
  Most photographers don’t provide RAW files because they’re unfinished images that require professional editing. Trust their editing style instead.
  
  
• Can you take photos in a completely different style?
  If a photographer specialises in bright and airy photography, don’t ask them to shoot in a dark and moody style (or vice versa). Choose a photographer whose work naturally aligns with your vision.
  
  

When (and How) to Ask These Questions

You don’t need to rapid-fire these questions at your photographer like a job interview. Instead, think of them as conversation-starters to help you figure out if they’re the right fit.

Before reaching out. Check their website and social media—most of these answers will already be there. No need to ask about style or camera gear if their portfolio already tells you everything.

During your consultation. This is your chance to get a feel for their personality. Focus on questions about how they work on the day, how they handle tricky situations, and what’s included in their packages.

Before signing the contract. Make sure you’re clear on logistics: turnaround times, backup plans, and what happens if they’re ill or if you need to reschedule.

A great photographer will guide the conversation naturally and answer most of these questions before you even need to ask. If you feel like you’re pulling teeth to get basic info, that might be a red flag.

Final Thoughts: Ditch the Checklist, Find the Right Photographer

The best wedding photographer for you isn’t just about ticking off a list of questions—it’s about feeling comfortable with them, loving their work, and trusting they’ll capture your day as it actually happens.

A great photographer will naturally answer most of these questions just by chatting with you. If you’re spending your whole consultation grilling them, you’re probably missing the biggest question of all: Do I actually like these people?

If you want photographers who’ll blend in like guests, make you feel at ease, and capture your wedding without any awkward posing, we’re probably your kind of people.

Curious? Let’s have a chat. Drop us a message here!