Maine & NH Wedding Photographer // Not All Wedding Photographers Are Built the Same—Here’s What to Ask Before You Book

So you're knee-deep in wedding planning, drowning in Pinterest boards and cake tastings, and you're ready to lock down a photographer. Great! But before you hand over that retainer, pause for a hot sec and ask some real questions.

1. Do they help with the planning process?

This one’s big. Your photographer should be more than just a button-pusher. Personally? I’m all in. I help with photo timelines so you're not chasing light with 12 minutes to spare. I’ll also get your family formal list ahead of time so Aunt Karen doesn’t go missing when it’s photo time.

2. How many pictures will we get?

Some photogs are vague as hell on this. I’m not. You can expect about 75–100 photos per hour. The number flexes based on logistics, location changes, weather, and how rowdy your wedding party is. But I don’t skimp.

3. When do we get our photos?

My turnaround time is 1 to 3 weeks. I know how hyped you are to relive your day, and I don’t believe in holding your photos hostage. Want a better estimate? Ask me at your wedding. I’ll have a read on how heavy the editing lift will be.

4. Do you bring backup gear?

Ohhhh yeah. I've had a camera die mid-ceremony, so I don’t mess around. I bring backup everything—cameras, lenses, batteries, cards. It’s all in my bag, like a doomsday prepper but make it artsy.

5. Do you shoot to two cards at once?

Yes. Always. I shoot with dual card redundancy because I have an irrational (but honestly valid) fear of an SD card eating your wedding memories. Not today, Satan.

6. Are you insured?

You’d be surprised how many photographers aren’t. But venues require this, so if your photog can’t produce proof of insurance, that’s a red flag the size of your cousin’s 2012 bridesmaid dress.

7. Can you light a reception, or…?

Look, ambient light is cute and all, but once it gets dark and the party starts, you want someone who knows their way around a flash. I bring lighting gear to every wedding so your dance floor shots don’t look like a grainy horror movie. This one is particularly important. You’d be surprised how many wedding photographers struggle with lighting.

At the end of the day, your wedding photographer isn’t just there to snap a few pretty pictures—they’re there to protect your memories, keep your day running smooth, and make sure you can relive it all without a single “ugh, I wish we had that shot” moment. Ask the hard questions now so you’re not stressing later. Because when the dance floor is packed, the cake’s been cut, and you’re soaking up every last second of the night, you’ll want to know the person behind the camera had it handled from start to finish.