What questions should you ask a wedding photographer about their style and portfolio?

Start by asking the photographer to describe their style in their own words. Some say documentary, some say editorial, some say relaxed. You want to know what they actually do, not what they think you want to hear. Ask how they handle low light, because evening receptions and candlelit rooms are common. Ask whether they give direction, such as posing family groups, or prefer to stay back and capture moments as they happen. Most do a mix, so ask how they balance the two.

Ask to see full galleries from two or three weddings, not just the best fifty images. A full gallery shows you how they handle the getting ready, the ceremony, the meal, and the dancing. It also shows you how they edit consistently. Ask how many images you can expect per hour of coverage, and ask what their editing style looks like on skin tones, especially in mixed lighting. Ask if they have photographed a wedding at your venue before, and if not, whether they will visit it before the day. Ask how they handle family photos, because that is often the most structured part of the day. Finally, ask if they have a second shooter, and if so, what that person's style is like.