Having covered hundreds of weddings as both a photographer and videographer, here are the top  3 questions brides should ask when interviewing a wedding photographer.

1.      If you’re having any part of your wedding inside or in the evening, make sure and ask your potential photographer, “How experienced are you with flash and off camera flash photography”. A true wedding photographer will know how to use flash to make sure your indoor/evening photos look good. I have done too many weddings as a videographer where the photographer is “natural light” and then the photos turn out horrible.

2.      A common problem with newer/less experienced photographers is understanding how to not be intrusive during the ceremony. Correct gear plays a critical role in helping a photographer not be in the way during the ceremony. No one wants to see someone walking down around the front with a camera while vows are being exchanged. So, ask your potential photographer, “Do you have a telephoto lens like a 70-200 or 135?” This is very important to helping your day go off smoothly while still getting close ups during the ceremony without being a distraction.

3.      Digital files are great and everyone should have them. But, a good wedding photographer will offer you more than just digital files. Many times, these end up in a drawer somewhere and even get lost sometimes. As a side note  - a real wedding photographer will deliver more than just an online gallery. Personally I would not recommend any photographer who does not also deliver you the edited files on a USB drive at a minimum. So, be sure and ask your potential photographer, “Do your wedding packages include an album and USB drive?” This is the best of both worlds because you can enjoy your favorite wedding photos easily using an album!