Chances are, if you’re reading this right now, you’re probably in the season of searching for your wedding photographer. If that’s the case, CONGRATULATIONS! If photography is one of your top priorities, I want you to feel as confident and clear as possible going into this part of your planning process.

As a seasoned wedding photographer (over 10 years in the biz!) and a former bride whose number one priority was photography, I know exactly how overwhelming this process can be. Couples tell me all the time, “I have no idea what I should even be asking” or “Everyone’s portfolios are starting to blur together—how do I know who’s right for us?”

If that sounds familiar, you’re in the right place. I’m sharing 8 of the most important questions you should be asking photographers you’re considering—questions that go beyond just pricing and pretty portfolios. These will help you discover who truly aligns with your personality, your values, and the vision you have for your wedding day.

(Quick note, if you’re curious how I approach any of these things—or want to know what my answers to these are—I go over all of them (and more!) during our very first conversation. So don’t hesitate to reach out! I’d absolutely love to connect and hear more about your dreams and vision for your big day.)

Sound good? Now, let’s dive in!

Question #1: What Is Your Wedding Experience?

Every photographer brings their own style, workflow, and personality to the table. So it’s really important to ask: What does your wedding experience actually look like?

You want to understand what it will feel like to work with them from start to finish—how communication will flow, what their process looks like, how involved they are in your timeline and planning, and what kind of support you’ll receive along the way.

Do they help you build your timeline? Will you have any in-person meetings leading up to your wedding day? Do they offer engagement or bridal sessions? Design albums? Help with posing?

Understanding this full picture will help you manage expectations and ensure your values align. You want to feel completely comfortable, confident, and excited—knowing exactly what kind of experience you’re saying yes to.

Question #2: What Is Your Photography Style?

Every photographer has a different aesthetic and area of expertise that will shine through in their work. So this is important to understand as photography style affects everything about how your memories will be captured.

Some may focus on a photojournalistic style with primarily candid images; focusing on natural moments as they unfold and raw emotion, these images capture the true essence of your day.

Others are experts in posing, staging and lighting so that you look your absolute best; these images aim for that WOW factor and are generally those epic portraits you can’t wait to hang all over your walls.

While others have a beautiful blend between the two; dancing between anticipating and capturing moments as they unfold naturally and creating very intentional and creative portraits/imagery so you have the best of both worlds.

It’s also important to talk about lighting. Some photographers work only with natural or available light, which means the time of day and lighting at your venue will affect how and when they can shoot – and, therefore, sometimes dictate the quality of your images. Others bring in additional lighting to ensure your images look amazing regardless of the conditions—whether it’s a dark reception space, cloudy ceremony, or midday sun.

So, ask to see a variety of their work. Look through getting-ready moments, the ceremony, portraits, reception shots—all of it. Make sure their style is consistent and that it resonates with you across different locations and lighting conditions.Because you’re not just hiring someone who takes “pretty pictures.”

You’re hiring someone whose vision and style will shape the way you remember your day for the rest of your life.

Question #3: What Is Your Wedding Day Personality Like?

This one might sound a little odd, but trust me—it’s huge. Your photographer is one of the few people who will literally be by your side the entire day. So their personality plays a major role in how your day feels.

Ask yourself: What kind of energy do I want next to me all day? Do I need someone calm and grounding, or someone who can take charge and manage a big, rowdy wedding party?

For example, I’ve had couples say they needed someone who could both hype them up and gently reign in their wild family during portraits. Others wanted a calm, fly-on-the-wall approach. Think about what feels best for you, and ask questions that help you find someone whose energy matches your vision.

So don’t be afraid to ask: How would your past couples describe your vibe on the wedding day? Are you more hands-on or hands-off?

The goal here isn’t just to find someone who takes great photos—it’s to find someone who you’ll also feel comfortable with in every moment, from the quiet ones to the chaotic ones.

Question #4: How Personalized Is Your Photography Experience?

Here’s where we get into the heart of it—because beyond the images, the experience matters.

Ask your photographer: How personal or customized is the process from start to finish? Do they take time to get to know you as a couple? Will they learn about your priorities, your relationships, your values—so they know what matters most to capture on your big day?

Some photographers offer a deeply intimate, one-on-one experience; working with the same person from the first inquiry through the wedding day to the final album delivery, and they’re involved every step of the way.

Others might have a team of administrators, associate photographers and/or sales personnel that you’ll be bounced between throughout the experience.

Neither approach is wrong—it’s just about what you want. So, think about what you value. Do you want your photographer to feel like a friend by the time the wedding arrives? Someone who truly understands your story and knows what images will mean the most to you? Or are you happy with any images, so long as a photographer shows up?

There’s no right or wrong answer. But it’s so important to know what you’re signing up for.

So take time to reflect on the level of connection, care, and support you want—and make sure your photographer’s approach aligns with that.

Question #5: What Can I Expect in Terms of Image Delivery?

After all the excitement settles and the cake is gone, your photos are the thing that lives on forever—so it’s definitely worth asking what that part of the experience looks like.

Start by asking: How many images can I expect to receive? Now, most photographers won’t give you an exact number (because every wedding is unique), but they should be able to give you a general range to help manage your expectations.

Next, ask about the editing process. Will all your images be edited? What kind of edits are included—just basic color correction and exposure adjustments, or can you request things like skin retouching or object removal if needed?

Then there’s the timeline. When will you receive your final gallery? Some photographers deliver sneak peeks within a few days and full galleries within a few weeks. Others may take longer. (And neither is wrong—it just depends on their process. It’s just good to know in advance.)

Finally, if you’re someone who loves to print your photos, you’ll want to ask about printing rights. Will you be able to print them yourself? Are there any size or quality limitations? Do they offer printing through a professional lab?

This is the part of the experience that lasts forever—so make sure you know exactly what you’ll be receiving and how it’s handled.

Question #6: How Will I Receive My Images?

This one might seem straightforward, but it’s worth asking because some photographers deliver their work differently.

Today, most wedding photographers deliver images through a private online gallery, which makes it easy to download, share, and relive your memories anytime, anywhere. Some will also offer USB drives or other long-term storage options for backup.

On the flip side, some photographers focus primarily on printed artwork—like heirloom albums, wall art, or keepsake boxes—and might not include digital files at all unless you add them on.

Others (like me!) offer a hybrid of both—because let’s be honest, we want the flexibility of digital and the beauty and heirloom nature of something tangible you can hold in your hands and pass down.

So ask: What’s included in your packages? Will I receive digital files? Can I print them myself? Do you offer USBs or cloud storage? What kind of print products are available, if any?

The key is making sure their delivery options match your lifestyle, your values, and how you want to experience your memories for years to come.

Question #7: Can I See a Full Wedding Gallery?

Online portfolios are great… they give you a really good sense of what the photographer can offer. But curated Instagram grids and highlight reels only tell part of the story. That’s why I always encourage couples to ask: Can I see a full wedding gallery—or even two?

A full gallery gives you a true sense of what your entire day might look like through their lens. You’ll get to see not just the epic portraits, but also the quiet in-between moments… the details, the lighting transitions, the flow from getting ready to the dance floor. This way there’s no surprises.

Ideally, you’ll also want to look for weddings that are similar to yours—in location, lighting, or timing. Are you getting married in a dark church? Outdoors at sunset? In the middle of the day under bright Texas sunshine? Ask to see how they handle those conditions.

And don’t be shy about requesting to see different parts of the day:

• Getting ready
• Ceremony
• Formal portraits
• Reception and dancing
• Candid in-between moments

This gives you the best possible preview of what you can expect—and helps set realistic expectations. Because your photographer isn’t just capturing a few pretty moments… they’re telling your full love story, from start to finish.

Question #8: Do You Offer Albums or Printed Products?

We may live in a digital world, but there’s something so timeless and powerful about holding your memories in your hands. So don’t forget to ask your photographer whether they offer albums or prints.

Many professional photographers partner with professional print labs that aren’t available to the general public. These albums, canvases, and fine art prints are designed to last for generations—and the quality… well, let’s just say you’ll be amazed at the difference.

Ask to see samples if they have them. It’ll give you a feel for the craftsmanship, materials, and design options available to you.

Some photographers include albums or prints in their collections. Others offer them as add-ons—or might not offer them at all. So it’s worth asking upfront if printed heirlooms are something you care about.

Because let’s be real—those photos deserve more than living in a folder on your desktop. They’re the moments you’ll show your kids someday… the memories that deserve to be held, framed, and passed down.

Bonus Tip: Get Clear on What You Want

If you’re still feeling unsure about what you’re even looking for in a wedding photographer—try this. Start by first asking yourself a few big-picture questions:

1. Imagine yourself joyfully and emotionally flipping through your wedding album 5 years from now… now ask yourself: As I’m looking through my wedding album, what images am I seeing? Who is in them? What’s taking place? How do these images make me feel? (Get as specific as you can with these answers, then start your search for a photographer with those answers/feelings/emotions at the forefront of your mind – find someone whose imagery you connect with.)
2. What personality type will best jive with us and our friends/family? Do we want someone more calm and quiet who captures things discreetly? Or do we want someone who can match our vibrant energy and jump in and direct a big, wild family with confidence?
3. On a scale of 1-10, how important is my wedding photography to me? If important moments were missed or not captured to my taste, how devastated would I be or not be? Where is photography on my list of priorities? (This will also help you set expectations and prioritize your budget as well.)

1. Where does photography fall on our list of wedding day priorities?
   On a scale of 1 to 10—how important is this?
   Would I be heartbroken if key moments were missed or didn’t turn out the way I’d hoped? (The answer to this will help you not only clarify your expectations—but also guide your budget.)

Bonus within the bonus tip: List out and rank all your vendors in order of priority and allocate your budget accordingly. For example, if the venue, photography and a killer DJ are in your top 3—lean into those areas and give yourself permission to prioritize those and scale back in others that matter less to you.

At the end of the day, there are no universal right or wrong answers. This isn’t about finding the “best” photographer on paper—it’s about finding the one who aligns with your values, your vision, energy, and the story you want to tell.

Hopefully, this aids in your search to find the perfect Wedding Photographer in DFW for you! If you’d be interested in chatting further, please don’t hesitate to reach out!