If you’re unsure about how to choose a wedding photographer, asking the right questions is essential! Choosing the right wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your big day. Your photos will be treasured for a lifetime, capturing moments and emotions you’ll want to relive over and over again. As a West Virginia and Virginia wedding photographer serving Charleston, Roanoke, and surrounding areas, I understand how essential it is to find someone who aligns with your vision and needs. Here are 10 essential questions to ask before booking your wedding photographer to ensure you find the perfect match, plus three bonus questions!
1. Are You Available on My Wedding Date?
Before diving into the details, confirm that the photographer is available on your wedding date. Some photographers book out months and even years in advance. Be sure to ask this first to respect both your time and the photographer’s.
Why This Matters: It’s the first step in determining if they’re a potential fit. Don’t just assume they are available, or not available! Sadly, couples have missed out on booking with us for this reason!
How I Help: I’ll check my calendar right away and let you know if I’m available for your special day. I always answer inquiries within 24 hours. Even on the weekends! 🙂 Often times I’ll shoot you a quick video text to make things easier. 🙂
2. What Is Your Photography Style?
Every photographer has a unique style that reflects their artistry and approach. Some specialize in posed portraits, while others lean into storytelling and capturing candid moments. It’s important that you LOVE the style of the photographer you choose! You will be adorning your home and heart with these images for the rest of your life!
Why This Matters: You want your wedding photos to align with your personal aesthetic and vision.
How I Help: My style is storytelling-focused, blending natural, warm tones with genuine, unstaged moments. I aim to capture the real emotions and connections that make your day unforgettable. My editing style has been described as warm, natural, and dreamy, with a romantic, earthy vibe. I also wholeheartedly want to help you, even if you prefer a different style, so let me know what style you’re dreaming up, and I will recommend a photographer who fits the vibe!! 🙂
3. Can We See a Full Wedding Gallery?
It’s easy to fall in love with a photographer’s Instagram highlights, but seeing a complete wedding gallery gives you a better understanding of their consistency and ability to handle different lighting and settings.
Why This Matters: You need confidence that your photographer can deliver beautiful photos throughout your entire day!
How I Help: I provide potential clients with access to full galleries, showcasing my ability to capture every part of the wedding, from getting ready to the last dance, with care and creativity. In fact, here’s a few to save you some time if you’re already seeing if I fit the vibe check for you:
4. Do You Carry Backup Equipment and How Do You Back Up Photos? Do you shoot with dual memory slots?
Equipment failure can happen at any time, which is why it’s crucial to know that your photographer is fully prepared to handle unexpected situations. Additionally, securing your photos is just as important, ensuring that your precious memories are safe for years to come. Buckle up, this one is important and is about to be thorough! You do not want to go without asking your potential photographer this question!
Why This Matters: The last thing you want is to worry about your photographer being unprepared in the event of technical difficulties. With backup equipment and a thorough photo backup plan, you can rest assured that nothing will compromise the quality or safety of your images.
How I Help: I bring professional-grade cameras, lenses, and backup gear to every wedding. My second shooter and I both have backup camera, lenses, and memory cards. We BOTH always shoot with dual slots! We both always shoot with dual memory card slots! For those wondering what this means, it means that each camera has two memory card slots, allowing us to simultaneously record images onto two separate cards. This creates an automatic backup of every photo as we capture it, providing extra security in case one card fails or is damaged. This means that no matter the situation, I am ready to capture every moment with precision and clarity.
Beyond the event, I take extra steps to ensure your photos are protected: I back up your images immediately after the wedding to multiple locations, including desktop, cloud storage, and several external hard drives, providing an added layer of security. I also PROTECT these hard drives like they are baby princes! They are never left plugged into my computer (power surges are a concern) beyond what’s necessary for transferring and are stored in secure places, free from environmental hazards such as moisture, heat, or food. This thorough backup process ensures that your memories are safe, no matter what happens.
5. What Is Included in Your Wedding Packages?
Understanding what’s included in your investment ensures there are no surprises later. Ask about hours of coverage, second shooters, albums, and other deliverables.
Why This Matters: Knowing the details helps you plan your budget and ensures your needs are met.
How I Help: My wedding packages are thoughtfully crafted to include what every couples need. For example, my premium package includes full-day (10 hours of coverage), a second shooter, timeline planning consultation, a complimentary engagement session, polaroids, a roll of film, and an online gallery with high-resolution images. While I have base packages, I customize each package to suit the needs and desires of the couple!
6. How Much Is the Deposit, and Do You Offer Payment Plans?
Clarify the financial aspects upfront to avoid surprises. Let them know your budget from the beginning! If budget is not a concern for you, let your photographer know that you are prepared to invest in the best experience they can provide!
Why This Matters: Both you and the photographer need this information for planning!
How I Help: I require a 30% deposit to secure your date and offer flexible payment plans to make the investment more manageable. It is not uncommon for my couples to pay in monthly installments!
7. Do You Pose Us or Focus on Candid Moments?
Understanding how your photographer works can help you feel more at ease.
Why This Matters: Knowing what to expect ensures you’re comfortable on your big day.
How I Help: I blend posed portraits with natural, candid moments, gently guiding you when needed while letting authentic emotions and moments do their thing. I set the stage, you enjoy the moment, then the magic takes it’s natural course!
8. Can You Provide Any References or Client Testimonials?
Hearing from past clients can give you confidence in your decision.
Why This Matters: Reviews and testimonials offer insight into a photographer’s professionalism and artistry.
How I Help: I’m happy to share testimonials from previous clients who loved their wedding experience and photos.
Here’s one right now 😉
” I hired her for my wedding ceremony and I’m so glad I did! Even though we accidentally left the lights off in the church after we played a video at the beginning of the wedding she still got AMAZING pictures. She captured every moment so well. I also love how she captured the guests as well. So many people complimented and said her pictures made them feel like they were there even if they weren’t able to attend and that her pictures looked like they were from a movie almost. Worth every penny!!! “
– The Coffees
9. Is There a Second Shooter?
Having a second shooter can provide additional coverage and perspectives.
Why This Matters: More coverage ensures no moment is missed.
How I Help: ALL of my wedding and elopement packages include a second shooter to capture every angle and detail of your day. Not only this, but my second shooter is my husband, and we work seamlessly together. Read more about that here: https://melenalawsonphotography.com/weddings
10. How Do You Handle Unexpected Situations?
A wedding day rarely goes 100% as planned. From weather changes to timeline delays, it’s important to know how your photographer handles challenges.
Why This Matters: You need a photographer who can stay calm under pressure and adapt to any situation.
How I Help: With over 12 years of experience, I’ve seen it all—and I always come prepared. I carry backup equipment, scout locations in advance, and work closely with other vendors to keep your day running smoothly. I keep extra water, granola bars, bobby pins, a sowing kit, asprin, something blue (you never know!), and much more! My second shooter is also a professional prepper. 🤣 No really, you should see his prep bag, it’s impressive!
Bonus Question! ⭐ I’m Shy or Awkward. How Can You Help Me Feel Comfortable?
Not everyone is a natural in front of the camera, and that’s okay. I am actually one of those people! 🙃You should have seen me during a headshot shoot a few weeks ago. It was comical. This is why choosing a photographer who makes you feel comfortable is critical.
Why This Matters: Feeling at ease ensures you look your best in your photos! Not only should you feel like, well… YOU, you should at ease!
How I Help: I create a relaxed atmosphere and offer gentle guidance to help you feel confident and natural in front of the camera.
Bonus Question! ⭐ How Do You Handle Family Photos?
Family portraits are often a key part of the day but can be time-consuming without proper planning.
Why This Matters: Efficient organization ensures the rest of your day stays on schedule.
How I Help: I work with you in advance to create a detailed family photo list, ensuring we capture all the important groupings quickly and smoothly. Whether your wedding is in Charleston, Beckley, or a scenic venue elsewhere in West Virginia, I ensure your family photos are handled with care and efficiency.
Ready to Capture Your Love Story?
Your wedding day deserves to be remembered in all its beauty and emotion. If you’re looking for a West Virginia wedding photographer who’s passionate about storytelling and dedicated to making your experience seamless, let’s chat!
Contact me here to secure your date or learn more about my wedding packages.
So much love,
~ Melena
