9 Questions To Ask Your Wedding Photographer

ChatGPT: It's important to make sure the photographer's style matches your vision for your wedding day. Ask to see samples of their work to make sure you love their style.

My Answer: I think most people these days do their research online before reaching out to a photographer, so I always feel asking about a photographers style is a bit of an odd question, but it is super important to see more work especially a full gallery. I always like to send out multiple slideshows to potential clients so they can get a feel for my style and how I capture a couple's story. And I make sure to include a full gallery too, which can really allow couples to  dive in and get a better sense of what I'm all about.  Viewing a full gallery you can thoroughly check out the quality and consistency from details, family photos, portraits and of course all the wonderful natural photos.

To me, wedding photography is all about capturing the essence of your special day - the love, the laughter, the tears, and everything in between. I want my clients to be able to look back on their photos and remember exactly what it felt like to be surrounded by their loved ones, celebrating their marriage. And beyond that, I want future generations to be able to experience those same feelings when they look back on these photos years down the line - that's my style.

I know firsthand how meaningful it can be to look back on your parents' wedding photos and see family members you may have never even met. Even seeing our daughters view our wedding album, they absolutely love it, seeing everyone and what we were like a few years ago.

It's like a little window into your family's history, and that's what I strive to create for my clients - images that will be cherished for generations to come. So when it comes to choosing a wedding photographer, take your time and really think about what kind of legacy you want to leave behind for your family.

ChatGPT:  Wedding photography can be complex, so it's important to hire someone with experience. Ask about the photographer's experience and how many weddings they have photographed.

My Answer: I understand that choosing a wedding photographer can be overwhelming, and it's important to ask the right questions. While my social media may showcase a beautiful portfolio, it doesn't give the complete picture of my experience and versatility in capturing different types of weddings.

For over a decade, I have had the pleasure of photographing weddings of various cultures and faiths, including mainly Indian weddings but I’ve also had the honour of photographing Jewish, Armenian, Christian, Sikh, and Muslim weddings. I am always open to new experiences and eager to learn about and capture the beauty of different cultures. Feel free to ask myself or whomever you are enquiring with about their experiences and approach to ensure that they're the right fit for your special day. 

From the first call, I knew I could trust Rahul with the photos for our wedding day.  He answered all our questions and shared his advice on things that we realised we hadn't even thought about. 

Rahul was always available when we had random thoughts and questions and his experience really came through when it came to planning when photo opportunities were available in our schedule... I fully trusted to let Rahul guide us.

Rahul also filled me with confidence... as a very awkward bride in front of the camera, on the day of and at our pre shoot, Rahul had a vibe that we just connected with and I felt so comfortable to just let go and trust that the photos would be perfect... I had every confidence to just trust his ways and let him guide us to create the photos we now love looking at again and again. - Jaina 

ChatGPT: Make sure the photographer is available on your wedding day and can commit to staying for the entire event. Ask about their availability and how long they plan to stay.

My Answer: Asking about my availability is a given, but it's equally important to discuss the length of coverage needed for your special day. I offer various photography packages that provide different levels of coverage based on the duration of your wedding day. Typically, most couples opt for my full coverage, which spans 16 hours and captures everything from bridal prep till the end of the night, ensuring that every moment is captured for the future. However, due to the pandemic, many couples are opting for smaller weddings with shorter hours, so I have added an 8-hour package to accommodate such micro-weddings.

It's crucial to discuss coverage options with your photographer to ensure that they align with your needs and preferences. That way, you can rest assured that every precious moment of your special day is captured and preserved for a lifetime of cherished memories.

ChatGPT: While a photographer may have great individual shots, it's important to see a full wedding gallery to get a sense of their consistency throughout an event.

My Answer: Whilst you may be drawn to a photographer's work through their Instagram, TikTok or website portfolio, I feel its super important to at least view one full wedding gallery. This will help you with a better understanding of how they work, the photos you should kind of expect in your full gallery too from family formals through to details, and all the natural documentary moments along with portraits too. It’s easy to make work look good on social media by just seeing someone’s highlights, but viewing a full gallery will give you a comprehensive sense of the photographers consistency and quality.

ChatGPT: A second shooter can capture more angles and moments during the day, so it's worth asking if the photographer works with one or has an assistant.

My Answer: Typically, I work solo for most weddings, and I'm confident in my ability to capture your entire day on my own. However, if you feel more comfortable having a second photographer present, I can certainly provide one for an additional cost.

It's important to note that I will always be the primary photographer on your main wedding day. For smaller pre-wedding functions, I may send an associate to assist, but we would discuss this beforehand so you know exactly what to expect.

I know that some photographers prefer to work with a second photographer all the time, but I've written about why I don't always use one on my website. If you're on the fence about whether or not to hire a second photographer, this might be helpful for you to read. And if you do decide to go with a second photographer, please know that I only work with people I trust completely to capture your day in the same relaxed and natural style that I do.

Rahul is also incredibly quick at turning images around. After the wedding ceremony / portraits, he prepared images to be presented on our DJ screens within only 2 hours. These pictures were amazing and genuinely all our guests were stunned at the speed and importantly the quality. He then also sent us a slideshow within 12 hours of the event finishing the next day. The quality of this video is unreal. It gave us an easy way to share the day with family who couldn’t be there and a nice little review of our day. Finally, what we were most impressed with, was the fact he did all of this SOLO! Yes, it was just him on the day. He glided around between each key event, each key person, on his own. He didn’t miss a beat! Captured every moment with precision and quality. My wife and I couldn’t have been happier with our choice. Rahul is a fantastic photographer and the quality of his pictures were unreal. I would recommend him 10x over to anyone getting married…or any other event you want him to capture! He also interacts seamlessly with the other suppliers! Divyen & Vaishali

ChatGPT: Make sure you understand what is included in the photographer's packages and what additional costs you may incur. Be sure to ask about the cost of prints, albums, or other extras.

My Answer: Planning your wedding is an exciting time, and choosing a photographer is an essential part of your big day. Most photographers offer standard packages with the option to add on extras, while others may have unique collections to suit your individual needs. It's important to have an open conversation with your photographer about what you want, and they will be more than happy to suggest all of the available options.

Remember, wedding photographers have vast experience and creative ideas to share with you, so don't be afraid to ask for their input. It's not just about the number of hours or digital files you receive; it's about creating a magical experience that you will cherish for a lifetime.

Furthermore, it's important to discuss any conditions surrounding copyright and any additional fees, such as travel expenses. At the end of the day, my goal as a wedding photographer is to work with you to create a personalised collection that meets all of your needs and helps capture the magic of your special day. That's why I always provide a clear pricing guide with all of the details for you to choose from, so you can focus on creating your dream wedding.

ChatGPT: If you have specific shots you want captured, be sure to ask if the photographer is open to receiving a shot list. Alternatively, they may have a standard shot list they follow.

My Answer: The key to capturing the best photos is trust. When you choose an experienced wedding photographer whose style you love and trust to make it happen, your photographs will be exactly what you want. No shot list is needed as most are generic and filled with standard images every professional wedding photographer will capture.

Instead, I prefer to hear about the unique details and people that make your wedding special. We'll discuss these during our calls  leading up to the wedding, and I promise to capture them all. 

While some wedding blogs and magazines may insist on a shot list, an experienced pro already knows what's on it. Furthermore, if something on the list isn't happening, why would you need a photo of it? What's truly important is having a conversation with your photographer about what and who means the most to you. An experienced photographer will be diligent in capturing those meaningful moments and opportunities.

What about group shot lists you say? I don’t need the group shot list either, I’m happy for you to delegate this to someone else to round everyone up, however once they are altogether I will arrange them nicely, so you can see everyone and create a photo that you’ll cherish. 

I also don’t have a recommended number of group shots. I understand that these photos may not be the most exciting for some couples, but they often become the most cherished as time goes by. I’ve had couples who wished they had taken more group photos on their wedding day, so we always suggest making time for them. 

We really appreciated Rahul encouraging us to take the family pics...I know you've highlighted that in the blog too ... so just to say... 

Although we thought it would carve out too much time in our day to take family group shots, they are now the photos we look back on and really appreciate the most. We're grateful Rahul encouraged us to consider these pics and the speed that he took these photos meant that they were done in no time... thank you for adding the most valuable pics to our whole album! - Hemel

ChatGPT: Wedding days can be unpredictable, so it's important to ask about the photographer's backup plan in case of equipment failure or other unforeseen issues.

My Answer: I completely understand why you'd want to ask about backup plans. It's natural to worry about equipment failure, loss, or theft on your special day. That's why it's crucial to work with a photographer who not only has high-quality equipment but also a backup plan in case of emergencies.

Personally, I always carry two cameras with me at weddings and keep a backup camera in the car, just in case. I also have backup lenses to ensure that your photography won't be affected if anything happens to one of my cameras. I also make multiple on-site and off-site back ups of your images too, this is super important and also helps me to sleep better at night, knowing I have your photos securely stored.

I know some people are curious about the type of equipment I use, but honestly, does it really matter? As long as I can produce the same quality photos you've seen on my website and galleries, that's what's important. It's like going to Gordon Ramsey's restaurant and asking about the water oven he's using to sous vide the fish - it's not really relevant as long as the end product is excellent.

I'm fortunate to have many professional wedding photographer friends, and I'm also a member of networks of professional photographers. This means that if, for any reason, I'm unable to attend your wedding, I can find a suitable replacement to ensure that your special day is still captured beautifully. It's important to me that you have peace of mind and feel confident in your choice of photographer, no matter what happens.

I want you to feel confident and at ease with me as your photographer, so please don't hesitate to ask any questions or express any concerns you may have. I'm here to make sure your wedding day is captured beautifully and stress-free.

ChatGPT: Ask about the turnaround time for receiving your photos and how they will be delivered to you (e.g., digital files, prints, albums). Make sure you're comfortable with the timeline and delivery method before signing a contract.

My Answer: Waiting for your wedding photos can be an exciting and anxious time, so it's important to manage your expectations and have an idea of how long it might take before you can relive your special day through your photos.

It's worth noting that delivery times can vary greatly between photographers, depending on the level of service they offer, the workload, and how efficiently they run their business. Some photographers can deliver your photos in as little as a few weeks, while others may take up to three months or more.

I aim to deliver previews within 2 days of your wedding, a slideshow shortly after and then the full gallery 4-6 weeks after your wedding day. 

I can't even begin to express how invested I am in my clients! By the time I deliver your gallery, we've usually been working together for over a year - communicating, planning, and capturing all those incredible moments on your wedding day. And then, when it's time to edit your photos, I spend hours editing each and every image, making sure they're perfect for you.

Rahul was with a doubt one of the best decisions we made for our wedding. From when we first spoke to on the day, he was communicative, professional and supportive with all the questions we had. By 9am the day after our wedding, Rahul had already shared 10 photos and created a slide reel with almost 100 more photos. Every photo we have shared so far people have simply replied “wow”!!! He is so professional, creative and reliable and he put us both at ease when we are not the most natural behind the camera while being persistent in capturing the most amazing shots. Rahul’s attention to detail doesn’t go unnoticed and he seamlessly fitted into our day so thank you so much. His creativity and photography skills are second to none!!!!! - Lauren