A wedding photographer in Paris is responsible for capturing the tangible memories of your big day. This is why it’s important to ask your potential photographer the right questions so that their working style aligns with what you envision for your day.

Benson recommends asking if they prefer to blend into the background to capture candid moments, or take a more visible role to choreograph images. She also encourages couples to ask about their editing style and whether they offer retouching services.

1. What is your style?

Your wedding photographer is responsible for capturing the tangible memories of your special day. They are an integral part of your team, so it’s important to find a professional who has a style that matches yours.

Shim suggests that you ask your potential photographer what moments tug at their heartstrings, and why. Their answer will give you an insight into their emotional connection to the profession and how they might approach your wedding day.

Also, be sure to ask them what their editing style is. Some photographers prefer a clean and airy look, while others lean toward a warm and moodier edit. If their editing style doesn’t match your vision, it could be a deal-breaker for you.

2. What is your experience?

As a wedding photographer, you have a unique opportunity to capture the memories of one of the most important days in a person’s life. This is why finding a pro with experience matters.

Find out what they’ve shot at your venue before and if they’re familiar with the lighting, layout, etc. It will help them get the best shots possible on your day.

Also, ask about their backup plan in case anything unforeseen occurs on your wedding day. It’s important to know they have a solution in place (and not just say “we have backup cameras”). They may have someone they work with or a vendor list they can call on. Having that reassurance will put your mind at ease.

3. What is your availability?

When you have a wedding date in mind, make sure your photographer is available for that day. This is the first question you should ask, as it can be a big deal if they aren't.

The answer to this question will give you insight into their attitude toward photography as a whole. It will also help you determine if they are a one-stop-shop for your needs and will be able to cover everything on your wedding day.

Ask your wedding photographer if they offer a backup plan in the case of unforeseen circumstances such as weather or illness. This is something that most professional photographers will have a policy in place for and should be outlined in their one-sheet of packages. Additionally, you may want to ask them about their reshoot and refund policies.

4. What is your pricing?

It's important to understand your photographer's pricing structure, as it speaks to their level of professionalism. Generally, experienced photographers charge more than those newer to the industry.

This is because well-established photographers have built their portfolio and have a solid base of client referrals, meaning they don't have to work as hard to fill their calendar. However, it is also important to set a starting price that doesn't scare your target market away.

You should also ask about delivery, including how quickly you'll receive your photos, if they are high-res and print-ready, and if the photographer offers assistance with creating an album. It's also a good idea to find out if they charge a travel fee and, if so, how much. Additionally, ask if they carry liability insurance.

5. What is your turnaround time?

All vendors have different schedules and turnaround times and it’s important for couples to know how long they can expect to wait before seeing the bulk of their photos. This should be clearly stated in the contract and it’s best to ask if you’re not sure what a photographer’s schedule is like.

Photographers usually shoot thousands of photos and then choose a small amount to edit. This process can take some photographers just a day to complete but for others it could be a week or more.

When choosing a wedding photographer, ask to see a full gallery from a recent wedding and carefully inspect every photo. This will give you a better idea of the photographer’s ability and editing style. Also, it’s always nice to keep your clients updated via email as they are waiting for their photos.