Knowing what to discuss before hiring


So, you’ve looked at the portfolios, checked the pricing tiers and you’ve narrowed it down to a few photographers you really like. Now comes the "interview" part.

Most "wedding planning" checklists will tell you to ask things like "Do you have a backup camera?" or "What lens do you use?" But honestly? Most pros have those bases covered. If you want to find out if someone is the right fit for your specific day, you need to dig a little deeper.

Here are the 5 questions I always think couples should ask (and the "gut check" you need to do at the end).


1. "How do you actually interact with guests?"

This is a big one. Do you want someone who is "in the thick of it," cracking jokes and directing people like a movie set? Or do you want a "fly on the wall" who stays in the background and captures things as they happen?

There’s no right or wrong answer here, but you need to know if their style matches your personality. If you’re shy, a loud "director" type might make you feel awkward. If you’re a party animal, a quiet photographer might miss the energy.

2. "Tell me about a time a wedding went wrong. How did you handle it?"

This is my favorite "honesty test." If a photographer says they’ve never had a disaster, they’re either very new or they’re lying!

Whether it was a memory card failing, a torrential downpour, or a timeline that went completely out the window, you want to hear how they stayed calm and solved the problem. You aren't just paying for pretty pictures; you’re paying for a professional problem-solver.

3. "How can I be 100% sure my photos are safe until they are delivered?"

"Do you have a backup?" is too simple. The real pro answer should involve data security. You want to hear things like:

  • "My camera writes to two cards at once (in case one fails)."
  • "I back them up to a hard drive and the cloud the second I get home."
  • "I don't format my cards until your gallery is delivered."

That is the "insurance policy" for your memories.

4. "Will you edit every single photo—and does that include Photoshop?"

This saves a lot of heartache later! Usually, "editing" means adjusting the colors, brightness, and vibe so the whole gallery looks consistent.

"Photoshop" (like removing a double chin, fixing a stray hair, or taking out a distracting exit sign) is often a totally different, more time-consuming task. Ask upfront so you know exactly what to expect when that USB or link arrives in your inbox.

5. The Ultimate "Gut Check"

After the call or the coffee meeting, take a second to ignore the photos and the price. Ask yourself:

"Does this feel like a person I actually want to spend the biggest day of my life with?"

Your photographer is going to be with you for 8, 10, maybe 12 hours. They’ll be there when you’re getting into your dress, when you’re nervous before the ceremony, and when you’re letting loose on the dance floor. If they don't feel like a friend (or at least someone you'd enjoy a drink with), it will show in your face in every photo.


At the end of the day, the best photographer isn't just the one with the fanciest camera—it's the one who makes you feel safe, relaxed, and totally yourself.

Happy hunting! If you need help Narrowing down your shortlist, you know where I am.


Angus


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And PS - Again Missed our guide on how much you should actually spend? Check it out here.