Choosing the right wedding photographer can feel overwhelming. There are so many options to choose from, and with limited technical knowledge, it can be hard to decide between them. This guide will walk you through five of the most important questions to ask a wedding photographer during the interview process.

1. How many weddings have you photographed?

Wedding photography is one of those things that require experience in order to effectively create and deliver a gallery that meets your needs and expectations. Make sure that you ask a potential candidate how many weddings they have under their belt.

2. What is your shooting style?

Every photographer handles a wedding day differently. Photojournalistic photographers, for example, capture every moment as it happens when it happens, while an editorial photographer may take extra steps to stage certain shots. There’s no right or wrong answer to this question, instead what works best for you and your partner. Learn more about different styles here.

3. How do you back up the images after the wedding?

When you’re considering what to ask a wedding photographer, be sure that this question makes it on your list. Even the best wedding photographers may experience technology failure at times, so it’s important that your photographer records images on two SD Cards and stores them in a minimum of three locations prior to the delivery of the gallery.

4. Is a print release included in my package?

Too many couples learn the hard way that their photographer charges an additional fee for a print release. A print release is an agreement between you and your photographer that allows you to have the images printed at a location of your choice. If it isn’t included already, be sure to ask how much the additional cost would be before you book.

5. Tell me about yourself.

This is one of the most overlooked questions to ask a wedding photographer, but it is incredibly important! Your wedding photographer will be by your side for the majority of your wedding, so it is essential that you and your partner can connect with them. Be sure to take a moment to get back to the basics and get to know any candidates before booking.