Questions to ask a wedding photographer
These are the questions to ask a wedding photographer before you book, with my honest answers from more than 300 weddings.
Choosing a photographer is one of the first big decisions you’ll make, and the photos are what you keep.
So, ask every photographer the same questions, compare their answers, and then go with the one you trust. Still unsure? In that case, read what couples say, or see the reviews on Google.
Before you book
8 questions to ask any wedding photographer
Bring this list to every consultation. In fact, the way a photographer answers tells you as much as the answer itself.
- Will you personally photograph our wedding, or an associate?
- How would you describe your style, and can we see full galleries?
- What’s included in each package, and what costs extra?
- How many photos will we receive, and how quickly?
- What’s your plan for rain, low light or a delayed timeline?
- Do you have experience with our venue or our traditions?
- Who owns the photos, and can we print them freely?
- How do we book, and what happens if plans change?
My answers
Questions to ask a wedding photographer, answered
Style and approach
What is documentary-style wedding photography?
Documentary-style photography captures the real emotions and unscripted moments of your day. I work quietly in the background, so the story unfolds naturally. As a result, the images feel genuine and timeless, and they reflect who you are as a couple.
What’s the difference between candid and posed photos?
Candid photos happen naturally: laughter, tears and tiny gestures. Posed portraits, on the other hand, are guided gently to highlight your connection. In fact, I combine both, so you get natural storytelling as well as elegant portraits.
Will you photograph our wedding yourself?
Yes. The person you meet on the call is the same person at the back of your ceremony. I never send an associate, and I only take one wedding per weekend.
Why hire a professional instead of a friend with a good camera?
A professional anticipates emotion, light and timing, and stays calm under pressure. After all, you only live your wedding day once, so it’s worth having someone whose only job is to capture it well.
Pricing and booking
How much do your wedding photography packages cost?
Packages start from $2,400 for 3 hours of coverage. Six hours start from $3,200, eight hours from $3,900 and ten hours from $4,500, in CAD before tax. For details, see the wedding photography packages.
What’s included in every package?
Every package includes documentary coverage by me, a planning call, colour and black and white editing, a sneak peek, and a private online gallery with full personal-use rights. In addition, you can add an engagement session, a second photographer, extra hours or a fine-art album.
When should we book our photographer?
Most couples book 6 to 18 months ahead, especially for Saturdays from June to September. Since I take one wedding per weekend, those dates go first. However, weekday, Sunday and winter dates are often available with less notice.
How do we secure our date?
Once availability is confirmed, you book through a secure online portal with a 50% non-refundable retainer. Your date is then reserved for you alone.
On the day
How long do you stay on the wedding day?
Coverage runs from 3 to 10 hours, and you can add extra time if you need it. For example, eight hours usually covers getting ready, the ceremony, portraits, speeches and the first dance.
What happens with rain or low light?
I always bring professional lighting and backup cameras, so I can adapt to any conditions, indoors or out. In fact, rain often creates dramatic images, with reflections and soft light. We also plan an indoor backup together, well before the day.
Do you photograph multicultural, same-sex or destination weddings?
Absolutely. I’ve photographed weddings across Canada, the Caribbean, Europe and the Middle East, including multicultural, interfaith and same-sex celebrations. Above all, every tradition is documented with respect and care.
Can you work in French and English?
Yes. I’m French-born and work in both languages, which helps when families are bilingual. For instance, family photos are called out in both, so nobody waits at the edge of the group.
After the wedding
How many photos will we receive, and when?
Typically, a full-day wedding delivers about 300 edited high-resolution images, and longer celebrations deliver more. First, you get a sneak peek. Then the full online gallery follows within 2 to 3 weeks.
What’s your editing process?
Every selected image is edited by hand for colour, light and tone, with no filters or trends that date quickly. Your gallery includes both colour and black and white photographs.
Can we print our photos or order an album?
Yes. You receive full personal-use rights, so you can print freely. Alternatively, I can design a fine-art album, because print still matters.
Do you offer engagement sessions in Ottawa?
Yes, and I highly recommend them. An engagement session helps you feel comfortable in front of the camera before the wedding. See engagement photography in Ottawa.
Still have a question?
More questions to ask your wedding photographer?
First, send your date, venue and question. Then I’ll reply personally, usually within 24 hours. Meanwhile, see the packages or the Ottawa wedding venues guide.
info@christopheviseux.ca · En français ou en anglais
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