Questions I Ask All of My Couples
It’s SOO important that we find out if we’re the right match for each other so here are some questions that I use to learn more about all my couples.
So! You’re about the talk with a potential wedding photographer for the first time.
Speaking with photographers is a really intimidating experience for so many couples. First let me say. If you’re still intimidated by the end of the conversation they’re probably not the right one for you.
Often wedding photographers are looking to work with couples they feel the most comfortable with. This is the case for me. I only take a certain amount of weddings each year because I want the opportunity to work with couples that I really enjoy and I want to make sure they get all the time and attention that they deserve from me throughout the process.
Tell me all about you and your significant other.
Haha yes I understand this isn’t so much a question but a demand. But my point is I want to hear their story. I want to hear about how they met, what they love to do together, how the got engaged, etc. The level of detail I hear back tells me so much about each couple. The ones who tell the most passionate stories, to me, are going to make the most fun couples to work with. But don’t let someone who’s shy over the phone make you think they’re not going to be fun. Some people are just a little shy over the phone. Sometimes it’s good to tell them a little about yourself to help drop their barrier toward you.
Would you mind if I told you a little about myself?
If you find that you’re not getting the type of replies that are painting a picture for you don’t be afraid to talk about yourself. We’re all interesting people with a unique journey. Don’t be afraid to share it but I think you should always ask permission first. Don’t make it just about you as a photographer either. I believe it’s important for couples to understand you as a person to help them decided if you’re a good fit.
How is the process of planning going?
It sure does feel like everyone has a similar approach to planning their weddings. Most couples will lock down a venue, date, and photographer first but that’s not always the case. Based on how couples plan their wedding can tell you a lot about what is most important to them. I’m lucky enough to commonly be an early part of my couple’s process. This usually means that their photography is very important to them and that’s showed on the days leading up and the wedding day itself. How do I know? Check out their images!
What are you looking forward to most during your wedding.
I love asking this questions because of how often my couples dive into personal stories about them and their significant other. It just adds so much more to their story for me. You’ll get a variety of responses from “We’re just so excited to have all of our distant family members and friends in the same room to celebrate.” to “THE OPEN BAR!” Whatever their response it’s a great way to dig deeper into their personalities and what you can expect on the day of their wedding.
What is important to you when it comes to photography during your wedding?
This may be my favorite question of all. Every couple is going to be different and it’s incredibly important to understand what each couple expects. Some might want to you as a photographer to be a fly on the wall the whole day capturing only candid moments. Others might want you to really facilitate the day and almost act like a wedding planner. The ladder option almost happens without us even trying. As photographers we have a big responsibility to help keep the day on time. How I like to explain myself to my couples is like this, “I and my 2nd photographer will capture so many organic candid moments throughout the day, but I also know exactly what small changes I can make to create stunning photographs.”
Based on their response you act accordingly. I’m no stranger to re-arranging entire hotel rooms where my brides are getting ready to make sure the lighting falls just perfect. Some couples don’t like that type of disturbance but you wont know until you find out. But remember what you’ve learned about your couple throughout your experiences. The last thing you want to do is put them in a place where they’re starting to feel uncomfortable.
It’s important to be honest with your couples when you’re having this conversation with them. The last thing you want to do is just agree with everything they say. Not all couples should work with all photographers. THERE I said it. But if the style as a photographer doesn’t match the personalities of our couples it’s going to be a bad experience for both parties. I don’t care how good a photographers photographs are. Be sure to check out 5 Tips for Choosing the Best Wedding Photographer for YOU!
That’s all for now be sure to check back soon for more wedding planning tips and ideas!