5 Questions Every Couple Should Ask Their Wedding Photographer (That Go Deeper Than Price)

Let’s be real for a second: hiring a wedding photographer can feel overwhelming.

You scroll through portfolio after portfolio, full of golden-hour kisses and flowing dresses, and still, something in your gut is unsure.

-Will they actually understand us?
-Will we feel safe and seen in front of their lens?
-Will this person help us breathe on one of the most emotional, high-energy days of our lives, or will they add to the noise?

These are not surface-level concerns, and choosing your photographer shouldn’t be a surface-level decision either.

This isn’t just about liking someone’s work online. It’s about trust. You’re inviting someone into some of the most personal moments you’ll ever experience. They’ll be there through nerves, vows, quiet hand squeezes, and chaotic dance floor hugs.

So if you’re not sure where to start, these five thoughtful questions to ask your wedding photographer can help you figure out who’s the right fit. Not just for the photos, but for the energy, the experience, and the way it all feels while it’s happening.

1. How do you help people feel comfortable in front of the camera?

This is one of the most common concerns I hear. Most couples say something like, “We’re so awkward in photos” or “We don’t know what to do with our hands.” Totally normal.

There are all types of photographers and approaches! It’s key to choose one who makes you feel confident and comfortable, whether that be through providing loads of direction all day, or with a more natural unprompted vibe.

What to listen for:
Do they talk about guiding you gently or supporting you during portraits? Helping you feel natural? Creating a calm, unpressured space? Some photographers may offer more direction than others, it’s important to find the one who will lend the right level of support for your individual needs. Their answers will help you ensure you’re aligned with their approach.

2. How do you approach candid moments, especially the ones we might not notice?

The most meaningful photos are often the ones you didn’t even realize were being taken. The hug from your dad when no one else was looking. Your partner’s deep breath before walking down the aisle.

These aren’t just lucky shots. A good photographer knows how to anticipate emotion and be present enough to capture it.

What to listen for:
Do they speak about being observant, paying attention to small things, or staying emotionally tuned in throughout the day?

3. Can you walk us through what it actually feels like to work with you?

You don’t just want to know how many hours are included. You want to know how it will feel to have this person around you all day.

Do they show up with calm energy? Are they helpful and organized? Will they help you stay grounded when things feel hectic? Are they a fly on the wall, observing and documenting only? Will they blend in and become part of the fam?

What to listen for:
Do they explain their process clearly? Do you feel lighter after the conversation? That ease matters.

4. How do you balance natural, unscripted moments with more artistic portraits?

Most couples want a mix of real and elevated. You might want a few portraits that feel editorial or stylish, but not at the expense of looking and feeling like yourself.

What to listen for:
Do they guide you into natural movement instead of stiff poses? Do they talk about capturing energy, not just angles? Do they mention working with your unique ways of connecting with each other?

5. What kind of couples do you work best with?

This might feel like a curveball, but it’s a powerful question. The way someone answers tells you a lot about their values, personality, and how they’ll treat you.

You want to feel like they see you and would be excited to work with people like you.

What to listen for:
Do they describe the kind of energy or values that resonate with you? Do they talk about connection, trust, or emotion? Do they mention the couples priorities and finding alignment with those folks?

The right photographer isn’t just someone who can take a good photo. It’s someone who makes you feel like you can be yourself. Someone you trust to witness the day as it really was, not just how it looked.

If you’re not sure where to begin, start with these five questions. You’ll learn a lot about the person behind the lens – and whether they’re the kind of person you’ll want by your side.

If you’re looking for someone who helps you feel at home in your photos, I’d love to hear your story.
Reach out here and let’s see if we’re the right fit.