Planning a wedding can feel like a whirlwind, especially when it comes to choosing the right photographer to capture the day. Wedding photos aren’t just pretty pictures—they’re your memories, frozen in time, filled with emotion, and sometimes a bit of chaos (like a groomsman getting a little too friendly with the open bar!). If you want your photos to tell the real, beautiful story of your day, you’ll need to ask your photographer the right questions upfront.
Shannon Leopold is a traveling documentary wedding photographer based in Boone, North Carolina. She offers intimate, honest, and nostalgic photography that captures real life love stories in an unexpected way. See her portfolio, services, or contact her.
Let’s dive into some key questions you can ask to ensure your wedding photos capture not just the glamour, but all the moments that make your day truly yours.
1. What’s Your Style of Photography?
You’re probably already drawn to a particular photography style—whether it’s candid, documentary, or something more editorial. Ask your photographer how they describe their approach and make sure it resonates with the feel you want for your wedding. Shannon Leopold Photography, for example, focuses on documentary-style photography that’s intimate, romantic, and nostalgic, capturing authentic moments without over-posing.
2. How Do You Prepare for Our Wedding?
A great photographer doesn’t just show up on the day and start snapping. Ask how they plan and prepare for the wedding. Do they scout locations? Do they chat with you about important moments you don’t want missed? This helps you feel confident that they’ll be ready for every detail, from the tear in your dad’s eye during the first look to the last dance of the night.
3. What’s Your Backup Plan If Something Goes Wrong?
Let’s face it—life can throw curveballs. Whether it’s unexpected weather or a camera mishap, ask your photographer how they handle the unexpected. A seasoned professional will have a plan in place for these situations, ensuring your photos aren’t affected by any hiccups.
4. How Do You Handle Family Photos?
Family photos can be a bit like herding cats, but they’re an important part of any wedding day. Ask your photographer how they manage the chaos while keeping things fun. A good photographer will know how to organize group photos quickly and efficiently so you can get back to enjoying your day.
5. Can You Work With Our Timeline?
Timelines are everything on your wedding day. Ask how your photographer plans to balance capturing key moments while giving you enough time to be present with your guests. Shannon Leopold, for example, works with couples to create a stress-free timeline that prioritizes real moments over manufactured ones.
6. Do You Provide Direction for Posing?
Even if you want mostly candid photos, you’ll likely want a few posed shots. Ask how your photographer directs couples during portraits to ensure you feel comfortable in front of the camera. Gentle guidance can help you feel natural while avoiding stiff or awkward poses.
7. What Are Your Editing Techniques?
Editing plays a huge role in how your photos look. Ask your photographer about their editing style and how much post-production work they do. Whether you want light and airy photos, moody tones, or something more classic, make sure their editing style matches your vision.
8. How Many Weddings Have You Shot?
Experience matters, especially when it comes to weddings. Ask how many weddings your photographer has photographed and if they’ve handled any similar to yours in size or style. Experience means they’ll know how to handle the unpredictable nature of a wedding day while still getting the perfect shots.
9. Do You Shoot Solo or Bring a Second Photographer?
For larger weddings, a second photographer can be a game-changer. They can capture different angles, candid moments from guests, and important details while your main photographer focuses on the big moments. Find out if your photographer brings an assistant or a second shooter for more comprehensive coverage.
10. How Long After the Wedding Will We Receive Our Photos?
We know you’ll be eager to relive your day, but editing takes time. Ask about the turnaround time for receiving your full gallery of photos. It’s helpful to have a realistic expectation of when you’ll get to see your beautiful pictures (and start sharing them with everyone you know).
11. Can You Help Us Create an Album?
Many photographers offer album creation services, which can be a lifesaver if you’re already overwhelmed with wedding planning. Ask if they provide this service, what the process looks like, and if you can customize it to your liking. An album filled with your favorite memories is a great way to relive your special day over and over again.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Booking Your Photographer:
- Does their style match your vision?
- Do they offer options for a second shooter?
- Are they familiar with your wedding venue?
- What’s their approach to capturing intimate, candid moments?
- Will they help guide you through the process from start to finish?
Ready to Capture Your Love Story?
Choosing a photographer is about more than just checking off a box on your to-do list—it’s about trusting someone to capture one of the most important days of your life. With Shannon Leopold Photography, you’ll have a professional who understands the value of intimate, nostalgic moments and will be there to help you feel at ease every step of the way.
Want to chat about how I can capture your day perfectly? Reach out today to get started!
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