By Jodi & Bryan | Metro Detroit Wedding Photographers

Choosing a wedding photographer is an important decision. You're not just booking someone to show up and snap some pretty pictures. You're hiring someone to document the real moments, the little details, and the atmosphere of your entire day. And in a world with Instagram filters and styled portfolios, the correct questions must be asked.

Whether you're getting married in Metro Detroit, Ann Arbor, Traverse City or elsewhere in Michigan, here are 10 questions to ask a wedding photographer before signing that contract.

1. What is your photography style — and can I see a full gallery?

Do you love bright and bold photographs? Candid shots? Moody and cinematic editing? Every photographer has a style, and you need to find one whose style aligns with your vision. Ask to see a full wedding gallery — not just highlights — to get a realistic idea of what your entire day will look like.

2. How do you handle challenging lighting situations?

From dark churches to brutal noonday sun, weddings present lighting obstacles that you expect to run into. Inquire about how your photographer adjusts. Bonus points if they use off-camera light or can provide samples of difficult lighting situations that they've managed nicely.

3. What do your photography packages include?

Not all wedding photography packages are built the same. Some include engagement sessions, second shooters, or wedding albums while others are bare bones. Some Photographers charge a low fee for appearing and taking photos but there is a high cost associated with obtaining the images after the wedding. Make sure you're comparing apples to apples when comparing prices.

4. How many hours of coverage do we get? Can we add more?

Some weddings take 8 hours, some take 12. Detail how many hours are included and how much additional coverage would be if the schedule gets changed (because, let's be real, timelines always get changed).

5. Do you offer engagement sessions or wedding videography add-ons?

If you're reserving engagement photos or would like a short highlight video, ask if they offer those. Some Metro Detroit photographers (like us!) incorporate those in packages.

6. Will you be the actual photographer at our wedding?

There are photo studios with multiple shooters. That is not a bad thing — but you do want to know who you're getting and feel comfortable with them.

7. When do we get our pictures?

Delivery times vary. We send sneak peaks out within 48 hours, but other photographers take a month to get sneak peeks out. Our full galleries always come within 90 days, but almost always within 30 days. Other Photographers take 6 months to a year. Ask ahead of time so you're not checking your email every day after the wedding.

8. How are the photographs delivered?

Online gallery? USB stick? Only in physical form after purchasing prints? Make sure that you know how your photographs will be delivered and whether you will get high-resolution images. We deliver via an online gallery full of high quality images that can be shared.

9. Do we get printing rights?

Can you print your own photos or make albums down the line or are you locked into using the photographer? Know what you're paying for in regards to rights and file access. We don't restrict your printing, but other photographers will charge you large fees and restrictions for printing your photos.

10. Do you have reviews or client testimonials?

Good photographers have happy clients, and happy clients leave reviews.

What are some red flags to look out for in a photographer?

Since you're already doing the research — here are a few quick red flags to keep in mind:

No contract
No insurance
No full wedding galleries to show
Extremely low prices that are "too good to be true." A good deal isn't a deal if the work doesn't hold up.

A question to ask yourself: Do we vibe with this photographer?

You're going to be with this person all day on your wedding day. If they make you feel comfortable, relaxed, and confident — that's a big deal. Trust your instincts. It's not just the photos. It's the experience.

We believe hiring your photographer ought to be fun — not overwhelming. We're based in Troy, Michigan and photograph in Metro Detroit, Ann Arbor, and most of Michigan. If you're in the throes of planning and would like simple answers to all of these questions (and maybe a few you haven't even thought of yet), we'd love to chat.

Contact us here or DM us on Instagram — no hard sell, just direct conversation.

Find out more about us here.