So my cousin hired this photographer last year. Paid $3,000. Day of the wedding? Guy showed up hungover, missed half the ceremony, and the photos that DID turn out were so overexposed everyone looked like ghosts. No joke. She cried for weeks.
That’s when I realized most people have no clue what to ask before they hand over thousands of dollars. We just see pretty Instagram feeds and think “yep, that’s the one!” But there’s way more to it. If you’re looking for a williamsburg va wedding photographer, or honestly anywhere, you gotta dig deeper than just their portfolio.
1. Show Me Everything From One Wedding
Not your highlight reel. Not your 20 best shots from 50 different weddings. I want to see EVERYTHING you shot at one wedding. Start to finish.
Why? Because it’s easy to get 20 perfect photos. It’s hard to stay consistent when you’re shooting for eight hours straight, dealing with bad lighting in the church, managing drunk uncles, and trying to capture genuine moments during a thunderstorm. That’s the real test.
2. How Would You Describe How You Shoot?
This is where it gets tricky. Photography styles are all over the place. Some people love that super posed, magazine-style look. Others want candid, documentary vibes where the photographer basically becomes invisible. Then there’s moody and dramatic versus bright and cheerful.
Figure out what makes YOUR heart happy first. Then find someone who naturally shoots that way. Don’t hire someone and expect them to completely change their style. It never works out well.
3. You Know My Venue?
I cannot stress this enough. Photographers who’ve shot at your venue before already know the deal. They know the weird shadows in the chapel at 2pm. They’ve figured out where to take portraits when it’s raining. They know which side of the building gets that gorgeous golden hour light.
Never been there? Fine, but they better be willing to visit beforehand and scout locations. That’s just basic professionalism.
4. Break Down the Costs For Me
Ugh, money conversations are the worst. But you gotta have them. What’s included in your package? How many hours of coverage? Are you bringing a second photographer? (You should, by the way. Two photographers means you get the bride AND groom getting ready, different ceremony angles, all that stuff.)
What about engagement photos? Albums? Do I get digital files or prints? Can I share photos on social media or are there weird restrictions? And what if I want to add an extra hour last minute—what’s that gonna cost?
Get everything in writing. Everything.
5. What Happens If Murphy’s Law Strikes?
Rain. Equipment failure. Food poisoning. Traffic accidents. Random relatives blocking important shots. Life happens, and weddings are Murphy’s Law on steroids.
Do you carry backup cameras? Multiple lenses? What if you get sick the morning of my wedding—who covers for you? These questions might feel pessimistic, but they’re realistic. And the answers tell you whether you’re dealing with a pro or someone winging it.
6. Editing Timeline and Style—Let’s Talk About It
Some photographers take six weeks to deliver photos. Others take six months. You need to know this upfront because waiting for your wedding photos feels like waiting for Christmas when you’re five years old. Absolutely brutal.
Also, LOOK at their editing style carefully. Really look. Do they make everyone super tan? Add a lot of filters? Keep things natural? Because whatever they do to other people’s photos, they’re gonna do to yours. If you hate heavy editing, don’t hire someone whose entire portfolio looks heavily edited.
7. You’re Insured, Yeah?
This sounds boring but stay with me. Liability insurance protects everyone. If your photographer accidentally knocks over a $500 centerpiece, insurance handles it. If someone trips over their camera bag and breaks their arm, insurance handles it.
Most venues actually require photographers to have insurance. It’s just standard business practice. If someone doesn’t have it… red flag.
8. I’m Gonna Be Awkward. How Do You Handle That?
Real talk: most of us aren’t comfortable being photographed. We don’t know what to do with our hands. We forget how to smile naturally. Standing in front of a camera feels bizarre.
Good photographers? They’re basically part therapist, part comedian, part director. They know how to make you laugh, how to give you natural prompts (“whisper something funny in her ear”), how to capture real moments instead of stiff poses.
Pay attention to how they make you feel during your first conversation. That’s exactly how you’ll feel on your wedding day.
9. Can We Hang Out First?
Do an engagement session. Grab coffee. Have a video call. Something. You’re gonna spend 8-10 hours with this person on one of the most emotional days of your life. You’ll be stressed, probably crying, definitely sweaty, possibly arguing with your mother about the timeline.
You need to actually LIKE them as a person. Not just respect their work. Actually enjoy being around them. Chemistry matters way more than people think.
10. Why Weddings Though?
Ask them straight over why do you snap marriages? What do you love about it? The right answer is not about plutocrat. It’s about landing love stories, about indurating moments that vanish in seconds, about creating heritages families will treasure ever. You can tell when someone’s authentically passionate versus just doing a job. That passion absolutely shows up in the final product.
Final Thoughts From Someone Who’s Seen It Go Wrong
When you’re searching for professional photography williamsburg va options or anywhere else, don’t just go with the cheapest option. Don’t hire your friend’s cousin who “just got a nice camera.” This is too important.
Spend time looking at portfolios. Like, really looking—not just scrolling. Ask every single one of these questions even if it feels excessive. Read reviews from actual couples, not just the testimonials on their website. And trust that little voice in your head. If something feels off during your consultation, listen to it.
My cousin eventually found an amazing photographer for her vow renewal. Cost about the same as the first guy, but the difference? Night and day. She actually has photos she wants to frame now instead of hide in a drawer.
Your wedding lasts one day. The photos last forever. Choose wisely.
