Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer

Before you book a photographer here are some questions to ask your wedding photographer. Hiring a wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions you will make on your wedding day! After all, your photos are one of the few tangible items you will keep forever from your big day. You will need to talk with a few potential photographers to select the best photographer for you. 

I believe there is a perfect photographer out there for every couple! Not every photographer will be a perfect fit – and that’s ok! Here is a list of questions to ask when hiring a wedding photographer from an experienced North Carolina photographer. Asking these questions will help you make an informed choice. You should be aware of the photographer’s approach, experience, and expectations before and after your wedding day so you are happy from contract to gallery delivery.

Questions to ask your wedding photographer

Questions to ask your wedding photographer before hiring them:

What is your wedding photography style?  

This is probably one of the most important things to consider first when hiring a wedding photographer. Narrowing down which style speaks to you will help you find a photographer who edits their photos in this style. This can include traditional, documentary, candid, journalist, editorial, light & airy, moody, true to color, or vintage. I consider my style an editorial photographer with a true-to-color, timeless, elegant editing style. I am not a bright and airy style as I lean more into the darker shadows and undertones of an image but I don’t go as far as being a dark & moody style. 

Questions to ask your wedding photographer

Will you be our photographer or do you send an associate?

Some photographers work with a team that they have hired and trust. When inquiring, be sure to ask if it is just them or if they have associates. 

Do you offer film photography?

This has become a popular addition to wedding photography in the last few years! Be sure to ask your wedding photographer if this is something they offer and to see some examples of their work! 

How do you protect our images? What if you have equipment issues?

Your photographer should take multiple steps to protect your images. I have two cameras and use dual SD memory cards, so each photo is saved twice. My second shooters also have dual card slots on their cameras. After the shoot, I back up everything immediately to two separate hard drives and a cloud service to ensure your photos are safe. Once edits are complete they are uploaded to an online gallery and delivered to the couple. Plus, I regularly check and maintain my equipment, and I bring backup gear to every wedding to be prepared for any issues.

Questions to ask your wedding photographer

Can you assist with the timeline? Can I request specific shots?

Most photographers will be more than willing to help you with your timeline! This is an important question to ask to gather their approach to the day and make sure you get all the shots you desire. Your photographer should ask you for any specific shots you would like. Learn more about a first look and planning your wedding timeline

Questions to ask your wedding photographer

How many images do we get?

Most photographers will not promise an exact number of images. The gallery should fully represent your wedding day at the time they were present. A full wedding gallery can average between 500-800 images. You should ask, however, if you have the right to all of your images to download and share. 

Ask your photographer to see an example of at least one full gallery before hiring them for your wedding. 

Have you shot at our venue?

This is definitely not a make-or-break question, but it can speak to your photographers’ experience. If your photographer has shot at your venue they should be able to provide a full gallery for you to see. They also can share their experience with the lighting and locations for photos. If they haven’t shot at that venue – that is totally fine! You should get a sense that they feel comfortable and confident to capture your images no matter what on the day of the wedding. Some photographers may offer to do a site visit if necessary. 

Sunglasses for wedding reception

What is included in a wedding package? 

Every photographer will create varying wedding packages that are different. Most commonly, wedding packages vary based on the time you hire the photographer. Less time will be a lower investment. On the higher end, wedding packages may include a second photographer, engagement photos, or an album. Be sure to ask the photographers you are interviewing what they include. You should also ask if travel is included and if your photographer requires lodging for the night of your wedding. 

And finally ask yourself, “Do I like this person?”

It is important that you feel like you “click,” You should feel comfortable spending the whole day with them and feel like you have a connection. This will ensure your relationship is built on trust and respect and result in beautiful photos! 

Engagement photos taken in North Carolina


I hope these questions to ask your wedding photographer help you make your informed decision. I would love to be your wedding photographer! Inquire today with Infinite Splendor Photography to start talking about all of these questions!

Venues Pictured Above:

Carolina Grove

Sarah P Duke Gardens

Historic Yates Mill

Wrightsville Manor

The Hotel Concord

Should You Have a First Look on Your Wedding Day?

Should You Have a First Look on Your Wedding Day?

As a North Carolina wedding photographer, one of the questions I often get is, “Should we have a first look on our wedding day?” While there is no right or wrong answer, this decision comes down to what is most important to you and your partner on your big day!

Sticking to the tradition of seeing each other as you walk down the aisle is always so special. However, there are many practical benefits to having a first look! Here are the reasons why you should consider having a first look on your wedding day.

What is a “First Look”?

First of all, what is a first look? A first look is a private moment for just you and your partner before your wedding ceremony. Usually, only your photographer (and videographer, if you have one) is there to document the moment as you see each other for the first time. You can also use this time to exchange special gifts, private vows, or love letters without anyone else around.

While many brides dream of their groom having an emotional reaction when they walk down the aisle, I find that is not usually the case! Some grooms wear their hearts on their sleeves and express their emotions no matter what, while others get very nervous with a crowd of people watching. It’s important to consider both of your personalities and what would make you most comfortable when deciding if you want a first look or not. A private can feel more relaxed for most people and allow you to get emotional without the pressure of walking down the aisle!

Wedding Photography Timeline

Choosing whether or not to have a first look is very important because it will determine the entire flow of your day. If you choose NOT to have a first look, you should plan on taking the majority of formal photos immediately after your ceremony. It only leaves about an hour or so before your reception begins. If you DO have a first look it allows us plenty of time to take your formal portraits before the ceremony. If you have a large wedding party or family I can’t recommend a first look enough!

I will usually begin with portraits of just the two of you together, and then take portraits with your bridal parties and families immediately after. Not only does this allow for plenty of time for photos, but also allows for the possibility of traveling to more locations to get a greater variety of photos if you desire. We will also consider the best times for natural light depending on the season. Learn more about how to prepare for your wedding day photos.

Take Photos When You Look and Feel Your Best

Another benefit to a first look is that your hair and makeup are still fresh, your dress is pristine, and your accessories are perfectly in place. You and your partner will be full of energy and excitement, and your smiles will be genuine and vibrant. This makes for photos that capture you at your absolute best. Remember the portraits are typically the ones you frame or are some of the best from the day so we want to make sure you look and feel your best!

Enjoy More Time with Your Guests

If spending lots of time with your guests and attending your cocktail hour is important to you then be sure to have a first look! By getting most of your formal photos out of the way before the ceremony, you’ll have more time to spend with your guests during cocktail hour and have a drink with your family and friends. After the ceremony, you can still take a few freshly married photos, but without the rush, allowing you to join your loved ones sooner and get to be a part of your day! 

Planning for Quiet Moments on Your Wedding Day

A first look provides a much-needed pause before the rush of the day. It’s a moment to breathe, to be fully present, and to take in the significance of what’s about to happen. This moment together can be incredibly grounding and alleviate some of the pre-ceremony jitters. Believe it or not, sometimes this is one of the few moments you get alone with your partner! So take it in!

If you love the idea of the intimacy of a first look, but still want to save the moment of seeing each other for the aisle, consider a first touch instead. This can involve holding hands around a door or wall or standing back-to-back, with eyes closed. This can offer the same calming and intimate benefits without revealing each other before the ceremony. Just being able to talk, hold hands, and share a moment can bring a sense of calm and connection to your special day.

Should you have a first look on your wedding day, advice from a wedding photographer

Deciding Whether or Not To Have a First Look

Ultimately, your wedding day is about you! Decide whether or not to have a first look that feels right for both of you. Don’t let tradition, friends, or family dictate your choice! Consider your personalities and genuinely consider how might you feel standing in front of a lot of people. After all, whether you choose a first look or not, the most important thing is that your day reflects what is most important to you and your love story!

Looking for a Raleigh, North Carolina wedding photographer? Reach out to Kim of Infinite Splendor Photography!

Photography by Infinite Splendor Photography

Venues Pictured:

Carolina Grove

Historic Wakefield Barn

Union Grove Farm

The Farm – A Gathering Place

The Fields At Skycrest

Wrightsville Manor

The Bradford

Highgrove Estates

The Ruth

The Kinsleeshop Farm