How do you handle directing guests for group photos?

"I like to make group photos a fun and fairly quick experience for everyone, so I try to engage everyone as quickly as possible without needing to shout or draw too much attention. When it is close to time to take group photos, my team and I will casually weave through the crowd and inform those involved that we will be meeting in a specific location in a certain number of minutes and to please meet us there. I always estimate an additional 2 to 3 minutes for guests to trickle in, so I give them a timeframe that is a bit before the scheduled time. Once we are all together, I will stay back with the camera while one or both of my team members will stand by the crowd and support them in arranging appropriately. I'll signal to them when it looks good, and we shoot!"

Generally, the wedding photographer wants to largely blend into the background. However, there will be opportunities to take family photos, wedding party photos, and more. You might receive a shot list in advance that will include desired group photos, and you might get a group photo request during the event, itself. Consider how you plan to incorporate planned and unplanned group photos over the course of the event, the timeliness of your photos (guests tend to prefer photos prior to eating and drinking much), and how you verify that all relevant people are present. You might also consider fun ways to engage the crowd and have fun. The better planned you are in advance, the more prepared you appear to conduct group photos well and in a timely manner.

What are some 'must-have' shots that you recommend for a wedding?

"My 'must-have' shots always include the beginning, middle, and end of a wedding to best show the story of the day and to capture moments that the couple might miss, such as shots of them getting ready in separate rooms, celebrating with their respective wedding parties, and sharing special moments with an important loved one. During the wedding, one of my must-have shots is the face of whoever is meant to walk down the aisle with the bride when they first see her in addition to the groom's face when they walk in. Overall, I find that parent and sibling reactions are often missed, so I work with my team to ensure that the couple and the families are covered during those 'must-have' moments."

This question offers a great opportunity to demonstrate your expertise and creativity by sharing new, unique shot ideas or a fun spin on more traditional shots. Consider some key shots that appear throughout your portfolio and shots that have received positive feedback from previous couples and use that to help guide your response.

Do you shoot in both color and black-and-white?

"When I'm shooting in film, I love to offer the couple a chance to view their big day in both color and black-and-white. My ability to provide both can depend on the couple's overall desires for their photos. If they are interested in digital and film, then I might suggest post-editing digital photos to black-and-white or inform them that, in my team of 3, we would each have a different camera with different photo outcomes. Ultimately, I look to my clients for what they would most like to see in their wedding album, and I use my expertise to steer them as close to that vision as possible."

This question is particularly pertinent if you are shooting in film, though you might also receive requests for your digital shots to include some black-and-white post-editing as well. When shooting in film, consider the logistics required to shoot in both color and black-and-white, especially if you do not have additional photographers or assistants supporting you on the event day.

Do you have a full gallery available of any weddings you've shot?

"I do! I have several full galleries available from the last two years and even more from older weddings. Many full and partial galleries are available on my website, and I have a few available to see in print upon request."

A full gallery gives clients a sense of your overall style and what you pay attention to, so it is important to have a full gallery available for them to see. You'll want your answer to this question to be 'yes!' Be sure you prioritize sharing your most recent events to provide more current representation of your work, and include any additional galleries that might pertain to your current client's interests.

Do you provide all of your own lighting equipment?

"I always come prepared with my own lighting equipment, even when aiming for primarily natural light shots. If the couple has specific requests for certain equipment, such as lighting for a selfie station, then I coordinate with them in advance to ensure that we bring everything needed and then some."

Many photographers with years of experience will come prepared with all their own equipment, and photographers from an agency are generally expected to be fully equipped. If you do not provide your own lighting equipment, then be prepared to identify where the equipment will be available and the costs associated with renting that equipment out.

What is your average turnaround time for final prints and files?

"My turnaround time can vary slightly based on how busy the time of year is and additional factors, such as the size of the wedding. On average, my turnaround time is generally between 2 and 6 weeks total."

The turnaround time of wedding photos can depend heavily on the size of the wedding, the amount of editing required, and the schedule and capacity of the photographer. Given all of these factors, consider what influences your turnaround time and give a range of what might be most realistic.

On average, how many final images do you provide after a wedding?

"The final image count depends entirely on the length of the wedding. When I am shooting with my team of 3, we are able to produce a final count of roughly 100 images per hour of coverage."

Many wedding photographers will deliver anywhere from 50 to 100 images per hour of coverage. So, an 8-hour wedding could yield anywhere from 400 to 800 final images. These numbers will vary based on the number of photographers shooting at the event, so keep this in mind when you offer an estimate.

What size wedding are you most comfortable and experienced in shooting?

"I have experience shooting both intimate and large weddings. I most enjoy a guest count of about 150 to 200 people, because I am able to get a wide variety of shots while offering several photos of each guest. My team includes two additional photographers, so we are able to seamlessly capture each moment from many angles."

Weddings can include anywhere from 5 to 500 guests, and they can last a couple of hours or a couple of days. Consider the factors that go into smaller and larger weddings as well as your ability to manage additional photographers and assistants, which are inevitably needed as the guest count grows. When preparing for this question, consider your experience with space, people, and duration.

What information do you request from the couple prior to their wedding day?

"Of course, I always ensure that I have a few basics: a shot list, a timeline, and what key angles they want to be captured. I also request a list of guests that require photos and their relation to the couple. This allows me to more seamlessly work through the crowd and engage guests when it is time for group photos. I also request information on any emotions they want to be captured. This goes beyond the shot list because some couples want to see the range of emotions felt across the entire crowd of guests, from laughter to happy tears."

This question serves as a catch-all for anything that the photographer might need to know, especially if it has not yet been covered. This might include venue details, a shot list, a detailed timeline, and so on. Keep in mind that the couple will have very little - if any - time to answer questions or review final details on the wedding day, so you will want all of your questions answered ahead of time.

How do you support subjects to feel natural and comfortable with portrait shots?

"I find that one size does not fit all when it comes to making people comfortable while getting their picture taken. For this reason, I come prepared with a variety of tools and techniques. Depending on the individual, I might engage in conversation or banter throughout the photoshoot so the camera feels secondary to the conversation. For some, I'll find ways to step further away or try to blend more into the scenery so my presence is less obvious."

Many people are not comfortable staging themselves to have their pictures taken, so it can be difficult to capture a natural, comfortable image. Photographers employ a variety of techniques to support their subjects during a photoshoot, from behind-the-scene props to music to light banter. Consider what tools and techniques you use and how and when they are best suited for your audience.

Do you offer retouching or other corrective services? How much experience do you have with this?

"I do offer corrective services, and I generally lean on the couple to inform me what level of correction they'd like and on what set of photos. Some couples are pretty hands-off and give me free-reign to retouch photos, and others prefer to see raw images prior to any corrective services to offer their input. I have 5 years editing images from weddings and similar events."

Most wedding photographers offer some level of corrective services, such as retouching or color balancing. When referencing your experience, it doesn't need to be exclusive to wedding photography so long as it relates to similarly styled photos.

What is your average in shooting hours for a wedding?

"I have shot a pretty wide range of weddings, from 3 hours to 2 days of 8 full hours each day. My true average is between 7 and 8 hours of straight shooting."

Your response to this question will obviously depend heavily on the length of the wedding and agenda for the day. Generally, an average can be 8 hours, or anywhere from 6 to 10 hours.

Do you have any restrictions for sharing photos online or in print?

"I do not have strong restrictions on photo-sharing, though I do ask that a caption indicating my company is included in any photos shared. I am also able to provide selected photos with my logo tastefully printed on a corner of the image if captioning isn't an option."

Some photographers restrict photo-sharing online or in print, or they might brand their images prior to being shared. Consider what restrictions you might have on your photos being shared on social media, blogs, or in print materials such as magazines and newsletters.

How long have you been shooting weddings? How many weddings have you photographed?

"I have been shooting weddings and similar events for 3 years, totalling over 15 weddings over my career thus far. My portfolio includes indoor and outdoor weddings, intimate family gatherings and much larger events, and weddings that span from 1 afternoon to 1 full week."

This question offers interviewers insight as to your level of experience shooting weddings. If you're relatively new to the profession, then use this opportunity to include experience assisting photo shoots for weddings and similar events. Your response to this is not limited to paid events - feel free to include volunteer opportunities as well!

How do you get to know a venue prior to the event day?

"I generally try to visit and explore a venue about 1 week prior to the wedding. This allows me to see how the venue and its surroundings will likely look closer to the wedding day and inquire about any potential modifications between then and the big day. Depending on the location of the venue and my schedule, I might call ahead instead of visiting - particularly if it is a venue I know well. On the wedding day, I arrive 45 minutes to an hour in advance so I have time to set-up and do one final walk-through before it's time to start shooting."

Experienced photographers will do their best to understand a venue prior to the event. This helps with understanding the best vantage points for photos, the timeliness of routes throughout the space, and how you might space out any additional photographers on your team. If you are unable to see a venue before the big day, then consider how you might still get the information you need, such as calling ahead, researching online, or arriving a few hours prior to the event to scope it out.

What is your favorite time of day to shoot a wedding?

"When shooting natural light photos, my favorite time of day is, of course, the afternoon leading up to Golden Hour. I particularly love shooting portrait shots around this time. When shooting other styles or indoors, I have no real preference on time of day."

This is an opportunity for interviewers to explore whether or not your preferred time of day might align with when their event will be held. This question also coincides with the photographers lighting preferences - do you prefer to shoot in natural light or staged light? Be prepared to elaborate on why you have a preferred time of day and how it might support your shooting style.

How do you get to know a couple before the wedding?

"I like to maximize whatever time I have with the couple to learn more about their individual and combined personalities. I often ask them a few key questions, like how they met, what their silliest memory is of one another, and what they're most excited about when they're officially married. If I have the opportunity to run an engagement shoot with them, then I use this opportunity to see more of how they interact with one another and give them time to get comfortable with the camera and my team."

Getting to know the couple will make them more comfortable with you and give you greater insight as to who they are and what moments to capture. You might not have a lot of time to get to know them prior to the wedding, so consider ways in which you can maximize what time you do have with them. If you offer an engagement photo shoot, then you will have more time to interact with them. If you only have a brief meeting and a couple of check-ins prior to the wedding, then you will want to make the most of your initial interaction.

Have you ever been late for a wedding?

"Unfortunately, I have actually been late to one wedding in the past. I experienced a family member passing the morning of a wedding, and I was not available to arrive for the shots of the wedding party getting ready. I did my best to cover my bases and coordinated with my 2 team members to provide adequate coverage in my absence and made sure to arrive before the ceremony itself began."

Obviously, you do not want to offer the impression that you are not reliable, prepared, and on-time. That said, sometimes an extreme circumstance might arise when you have to execute a plan for the unlikely. If your honest answer to this question is 'yes,' then orient the focus of your answer on the steps you took to mitigate the problem and ensured as smooth and stress-free of a situation as possible. Keep in mind that being late to a wedding can include events leading up to the wedding, itself, such as shots of the wedding party getting ready or the guests filing in.

What do you typically wear to a wedding?

"I always defer to the couple for their preferences on attire, and I ensure that I fit as closely to the dress code established for guests as possible. For black-tie events, my team and I will wear black suits and dresses with flat, black shoes. For casual or summer weddings, we might wear lighter colors to blend in with the crowd as best as possible."

The Wedding Photographer should always blend in while dressing comfortably enough to sustain several hours moving around on their feet. When responding to this question, keep in mind that you should always base your outfit on the style and level of formality of the wedding. If the wedding is a black-tie event, then you will likely wear a black suit or a formal/cocktail dress with flats. If the wedding is on a summer day, then you will likely wear light colors.

Do you ever accept more than one wedding in a given day or weekend?

"I never book more than one wedding on the same day, because I recognize the potential for a delay between one and the other. I do try to accommodate my clients to the best of my abilities, so I might book two weddings on the same weekend if they are on different days and located within a nearby radius."

Some couples might hesitate to book photographers with potential timing challenges, such as same-day weddings that might run over. If you have experience in navigating a busy schedule, then be honest with your response and share how you mitigate any risk of overlapping your timing.

Do you charge a travel fee? If so, what is your radius and what does the fee include?

"I do not charge a travel fee for weddings held up to 60 miles away from my base location. Outside of that radius, I charge $0.75 roundtrip per additional mile above 60. For overnight trips requiring lodging, I charge $1 roundtrip per additional mile above 60. All costs associated with travel are included in this fee."

Most photographers have a radius around their base location that does not have a travel fee. Outside of their radius, they might have incremental travel fees by distance which can include fuel, mileage, lodging, etc. Consider how far you are willing to travel and what your no-fee radius would be. If you anticipate that a wedding might be particularly far away, then consider incremental fee increases by distance and have that information prepared in advance. You might research wedding photographers in your area and their fees to get an idea of your regional standard.

Do you follow a shot list, or do you prefer free reign?

"I generally enjoy a sweet spot between an extensive shot list and free reign. I love to start out with a brief shot list covering the essentials and the VIPs, and from there I like to capture less staged moments and explore additional potential."

In most cases, at least a short shot list is beneficial to guide the photographer and ensure that certain moments are captured. Consider what sort of balance you operate best under and generally prefer. Note that some shot lists, particularly a lengthy one, might require more than one photographer available to accommodate each shot.

What lenses do you use for wedding photography?

"I ensure to use the right lenses that best suit the time of day, venue, and requested style of shots. I always choose lenses that are versatile yet still bright and sharp. A few of my favorites include the 70-200mm and 24-70mm bright zooms and the 85mm, 50mm, and 35mm primes. Of course, I also tend to have a macro lens on hand."

Each photographer will likely have a different answer to this question, and many sources offer different opinions on which lenses are a must. When answering this question, keep in mind that selecting lenses can depend largely on the client's preferred style and the nature of the venue. Consider what lenses you have the most familiarity in using and best suit your style of photography.

What style(s) do you specialize in?

"I have experience shooting in many of the popular wedding photography styles - classic, artistic, lifestyle, dramatic, and documentary. I primarily specialize in artistic and documentary, and I always allow my clients to indicate stylistic preferences for certain shots or parts of the ceremony. I shoot in both natural and controlled light, though I tend to prefer natural light depending on the time of the wedding. I also recognize the impact that shooting digital versus film can have on the outcome of the overall images. Most of my clients request digital photography, though I do have some that want some or all film shots."

General styles of wedding photography include classic, artistic, lifestyle, dramatic, and documentary. If you are early in your career, then you might not have nailed down a specific style, so you will want to lean towards whichever style you have the most experience in and comfort in shooting. In addition to this question, you might be asked whether or not you shoot in digital, film, or both. Some people might have a preference, though most current weddings lean towards digital photography. Be sure to advertise your skill and ability only if it is of a high enough quality to match their expectations.

Do you have any assistants or a team of photographers to support on the wedding day?

"I have a team of 2 additional individuals that provide support with photography and even videography when requested. I will coordinate with you throughout the planning and decision-making process, and I will disseminate that information to my team and assign them to various components of the event. In the event of an emergency, they will step in to execute your shot list and vision."

Your response to this question will depend entirely on whether or not you operate your own small business or if you are en employee of a larger company. When interviewed by couples for weddings, they often ask this question to ensure that there is adequate coverage for their event. If you are affiliated with a company, then your company will likely offer coverage protection. If you are operating your own small business, then be honest about the amount of support - assistants, additional photographers, etc - you will have on the big day.

Wedding Photographer Interview Questions

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1. How do you handle directing guests for group photos?
2. What are some 'must-have' shots that you recommend for a wedding?
3. Do you shoot in both color and black-and-white?
4. Do you have a full gallery available of any weddings you've shot?
5. Do you provide all of your own lighting equipment?
6. What is your average turnaround time for final prints and files?
7. On average, how many final images do you provide after a wedding?
8. What size wedding are you most comfortable and experienced in shooting?
9. What information do you request from the couple prior to their wedding day?
10. How do you support subjects to feel natural and comfortable with portrait shots?
11. Do you offer retouching or other corrective services? How much experience do you have with this?
12. What is your average in shooting hours for a wedding?
13. Do you have any restrictions for sharing photos online or in print?
14. How long have you been shooting weddings? How many weddings have you photographed?
15. How do you get to know a venue prior to the event day?
16. What is your favorite time of day to shoot a wedding?
17. How do you get to know a couple before the wedding?
18. Have you ever been late for a wedding?
19. What do you typically wear to a wedding?
20. Do you ever accept more than one wedding in a given day or weekend?
21. Do you charge a travel fee? If so, what is your radius and what does the fee include?
22. Do you follow a shot list, or do you prefer free reign?
23. What lenses do you use for wedding photography?
24. What style(s) do you specialize in?
25. Do you have any assistants or a team of photographers to support on the wedding day?

Wedding Photographer Interview Questions

1. How do you handle directing guests for group photos?

2. What are some 'must-have' shots that you recommend for a wedding?

3. Do you shoot in both color and black-and-white?

4. Do you have a full gallery available of any weddings you've shot?

5. Do you provide all of your own lighting equipment?

6. What is your average turnaround time for final prints and files?

7. On average, how many final images do you provide after a wedding?

8. What size wedding are you most comfortable and experienced in shooting?

9. What information do you request from the couple prior to their wedding day?

10. How do you support subjects to feel natural and comfortable with portrait shots?

11. Do you offer retouching or other corrective services? How much experience do you have with this?

12. What is your average in shooting hours for a wedding?

13. Do you have any restrictions for sharing photos online or in print?

14. How long have you been shooting weddings? How many weddings have you photographed?

15. How do you get to know a venue prior to the event day?

16. What is your favorite time of day to shoot a wedding?

17. How do you get to know a couple before the wedding?

18. Have you ever been late for a wedding?

19. What do you typically wear to a wedding?

20. Do you ever accept more than one wedding in a given day or weekend?

21. Do you charge a travel fee? If so, what is your radius and what does the fee include?

22. Do you follow a shot list, or do you prefer free reign?

23. What lenses do you use for wedding photography?

24. What style(s) do you specialize in?

25. Do you have any assistants or a team of photographers to support on the wedding day?