Why These Questions Matter

Your wedding photos will be around longer than your dress, your flowers, and probably your cake (unless you’re one of those people who saves it in the freezer for a year). They’re what you’ll look at on your 10th anniversary, what you’ll show your kids, and what will make you smile when you’re 80.

But here’s what I see happen all the time: couples get so caught up in the pretty Instagram posts that they forget to ask the important stuff. Then they end up with a photographer who doesn’t show up, takes forever to deliver photos, or just isn’t the right fit.

Planning a wedding in Louisiana is already a lot. Between finding the perfect venue in Lafayette, dealing with unpredictable weather, and making sure your guests don’t melt in the humidity, you’ve got enough to worry about. The last thing you need is photographer drama.

These 10 questions will help you pick someone who gets it, shows up ready to work, and gives you photos you’ll actually want to hang on your wall. No stress, no surprises, just clear answers so you can make the right choice.

Before You Ask Anything… Here’s What Matters Most

Okay, let’s be real for a hot second. You can ask all the technical questions in the world, but if you don’t vibe with your photographer, your wedding day is going to feel awkward. And awkward energy shows up in photos.

So before you get into the nitty-gritty stuff, ask yourself these three things:

Do you actually like their style? I’m talking about their real work, not just the highlight reel on Instagram. If you’re dreaming of soft, romantic photos and they shoot everything dark and moody, that’s not going to work. Trust your gut here.

Do you feel comfortable talking to them? Some photographers are chatty and fun. Others are more quiet and focused. Neither is wrong, but you need to know which one makes YOU feel good. You’re going to be around this person for 8-10 hours on one of the biggest days of your life.

Can you picture them fitting in with your crew? Your photographer isn’t just taking pictures. They’re part of your day. They’ll be hanging out with your family, joking with your wedding party, and probably seeing you cry happy tears. Make sure they feel like someone who belongs there.

Tori’s Tip: You’ll spend more time with your photographer than almost anyone else on your wedding day. Make sure they’re someone you actually like being around! Seriously, I’ve had brides tell me they felt more comfortable with me than some of their bridesmaids. That’s the energy you want.

10 Smart Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer

Alright, now for the good stuff. These questions will help you figure out if this photographer is the real deal or if you need to keep looking.

1. Are you available on my wedding date? This seems obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people fall in love with a photographer’s work before checking if they’re even free. Save yourself the heartbreak and ask this first.

2. Can I see a full wedding gallery? Instagram posts are highlights. You want to see how they handle the whole day, from getting ready shots to the last dance. A good photographer will happily show you complete galleries from recent weddings.

3. What’s included in your packages? Don’t assume anything. Some photographers include engagement sessions, some don’t. Some give you all the photos, others pick their favorites. Get the details upfront so there are no surprises later.

4. How do you handle lighting in tough spaces? Louisiana venues can be tricky. Dark churches, outdoor ceremonies in bright sun, reception halls with weird lighting. You want someone who knows how to make you look good no matter what.

5. Have you worked at our venue before? If they’ve shot at your venue, they already know the best spots and timing. If they haven’t, that’s okay too, but they should be excited to check it out beforehand.

6. How long have you been shooting weddings? Everyone starts somewhere, but your wedding day isn’t the time for someone to practice. Look for someone with solid experience who won’t panic when things get crazy.

7. Do you offer a second shooter? Two photographers mean more angles, more moments caught, and better coverage of your ceremony. It’s not always necessary, but it’s nice to know if it’s an option.

8. What’s your backup plan if something goes wrong? Equipment breaks. People get sick. Weather happens. A professional photographer always has a plan B (and probably a plan C too).

9. When will we get our photos back? Some photographers deliver in 2 weeks, others take 3 months. There’s no right answer, but you should know what to expect so you’re not checking your email every day.

10. Can we add on engagement or bridal sessions? These sessions are great for getting comfortable with your photographer before the big day. Plus, you’ll have photos for save-the-dates and social media that aren’t just selfies.

Bonus Questions That Are Nice (But Not Dealbreakers)

Look, you don’t need to grill your photographer like they’re applying for the FBI. But if you’re curious about these extras, go ahead and ask. They’re nice to have, but they shouldn’t make or break your decision.

Do you help with timelines? Some photographers love getting into the planning details and will help you figure out when to do photos for the best light. Others just show up and go with the flow. Both work fine, but it’s good to know which type you’re getting.

Do you offer prints or albums? Most couples say they’ll print photos later and then… never do. If having physical photos matters to you, ask if they can handle this for you. Your future self will thank you when you’re not stressing about printing 200 photos.

Can we send you a Pinterest board? Pinterest boards can be helpful, but don’t expect your photographer to copy every pose exactly. Think of it more like showing them your vibe. A good photographer will take inspiration and make it work for your actual wedding day.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Okay, real talk time. Most photographers are good people who want to do right by you. But there are some warning signs that should make you pump the brakes and keep looking.

Vague answers If you ask about their backup plan and they say “oh, don’t worry about it,” that’s not an answer. Good photographers are happy to explain their process because they’ve thought it through.

No full galleries A photographer who won’t show you complete weddings is hiding something. Maybe they only shoot for an hour. Maybe their editing is inconsistent. Either way, you deserve to see the whole picture.

Doesn’t respond quickly If they take a week to answer your first email, how long will it take to get your photos back? Communication matters, especially when you’re planning something as time-sensitive as a wedding.

Too much upselling Yes, photographers run businesses and need to make money. But if they’re pushing add-ons before they even know your name, that’s a red flag. The focus should be on whether you’re a good fit, not on how much they can sell you.

Bad attitude or pressure vibes Your photographer should make you feel excited about working together, not stressed. If they’re rushing you to sign a contract or making you feel bad for asking questions, trust that gut feeling and walk away.

Listen, you’re not being picky. You’re being smart. The right photographer will answer your questions with enthusiasm and make you feel confident in your choice.

Final Thoughts From a Photographer

Here’s what I want you to remember: if you leave a meeting or phone call feeling excited and clear about next steps, that’s a great sign. You should feel like you just talked to someone who gets your vision and can’t wait to be part of your day.

Asking questions isn’t annoying. I promise. Good photographers love talking about their work and want you to feel 100% sure about your decision. We’d rather spend time answering your questions now than deal with confusion or disappointment later.

And here’s your permission slip: you’re allowed to take your time choosing the right fit. This isn’t a race. Just because your friend booked her photographer in 5 minutes doesn’t mean you have to. Some people know right away, others need to sleep on it or talk it through with their partner. Both are totally fine.

Your wedding photos are going to be with you forever. Take the time to find someone who makes you feel good about that.

FAQ Section

Q: How early should I book my photographer? For Lafayette weddings, 9-12 months out is pretty normal. If you’re planning a spring or fall wedding, book even sooner because those dates fill up fast. Summer weddings have a bit more wiggle room, but don’t wait too long.

Q: Should we meet in person before booking? If you can, great! There’s something nice about meeting face to face. But honestly, phone or Zoom calls work just fine too. What matters most is that you feel comfortable talking to them, not whether you’re in the same room.

Q: Do you help with the timeline? I love helping with timelines because it makes your day run so much smoother. Plus, I know exactly how long different photo moments take, so we can build in the right amount of time for everything. It’s one less thing for you to stress about.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Wedding Photographer?

If you’re planning your big day in South Louisiana and want photos that feel timeless and stress-free, let’s chat! I’d love to hear about your vision and see if we’re a good fit.

You can reach out to book a free consultation where we’ll talk through your day, your style, and answer any questions you have. No pressure, just good conversation about making your wedding photos amazing.

Want to see more of my work first? Browse through some of my recent wedding galleries to get a feel for my style. And if you’re the type who loves a good planning resource, grab my free wedding timeline guide to help you map out your perfect day.

Your wedding photos should make you smile every time you see them. Let’s make sure that happens.