Essential Questions to Ask Your Photographer

Elopement, Wedding

October 13, 2025

Your wedding photographer will be with you throughout one of the most important days of your life. Choosing the right professional is crucial for capturing the moments, emotions, and details that make your wedding unique. Asking the right questions ensures that you’re making a confident, informed decision.

Courtney Ferrante Photography specializes in Tampa and St. Pete weddings, offering a personalized and creative approach to every couple’s vision.

Here’s a guide to the essential questions you should ask any potential photographer.

1. What Packages Do You Offer and What’s Included?

Understanding pricing, packages, and inclusions upfront prevents surprises later. Key points to clarify:

Number of hours of coverage
Second shooter availability
Edited photos and delivery timelines
Prints, albums, or digital galleries

I offer flexible packages tailored to traditional, alternative, LGBTQ, and elopement weddings, ensuring you get the coverage you need without paying for extras you don’t.

2. How Many Weddings Have You Photographed?

Experience matters. Ask about the number of weddings the photographer has shot, especially with your wedding type:

Elopements
Alternative or festival-style weddings
LGBTQ weddings
Traditional ceremonies

I bring 5+ years of experience photographing diverse wedding types across the United States, handling unique challenges with ease and creativity.

3. Do You Have Backup Equipment or Contingency Plans?

Equipment failures or unexpected circumstances can happen. Ensure your photographer has:

Backup cameras, lenses, and lighting
Contingency plans for weather or location changes
Insurance coverage

I am fully prepared with professional backup equipment, staff, and plans, giving couples peace of mind on their big day.

4. How Long Will It Take to Receive Our Photos?

Turnaround time is essential for planning and sharing memories. Ask:

When will you receive digital images?
Are sneak peeks available?
Is photo editing included in the package?

I provide timely delivery (6 to 10 weeks after 72 hr sneak preview) with beautifully edited images, allowing couples to relive their wedding memories.

5. Can You Provide References From Past Clients?

Speaking with past clients gives insight into the photographer’s professionalism, style, and reliability. Ask for:

Written testimonials
Portfolio examples
Contact information for previous couples

I have a long list of happy couples who rave about my creativity, personality, and ability to capture authentic moments.

6. How Do You Handle Lighting Challenges or Unexpected Weather?

Florida weddings can present unique lighting or weather challenges. Discuss:

Indoor vs. outdoor lighting adjustments
Nighttime or low-light shooting
Weather contingency plans

My expertise ensures every shot is beautiful regardless of weather or lighting conditions, using both natural and artificial techniques to create stunning images.

7. Are You Familiar With Our Wedding Venue?

A photographer who knows the venue can maximize photo opportunities:

Best spots for scenic shots
Lighting conditions at different times of day
How to navigate restrictions or rules

I have extensive experience with venues across Tampa Bay and St. Pete venues, ensuring your photos capture the best angles and moments. If it is a venue that I have not photographed at, I will schedule a viewing meeting with your venue to ensure the best photos for your wedding.

8. What’s Your Photography Style?

Your photographer’s style should align with your vision:

Documentary / Photojournalistic / Candid
Traditional / Classic
Editorial / Fashion
Fine Art
Lifestyle

Within these photography styles the final look and feel is defined by the editing aesthetic. Your photographer’s editing style should also align with your vision.

Light & Airy: Images are bright, soft, and often slightly overexposed, using natural light to create an ethereal, romantic, and dreamy feel. Colors tend to be pastel and muted.
Dark & Moody: Images are characterized by deep shadows, rich contrast, and often a desaturated color palette. This creates a dramatic, cinematic, and emotional atmosphere.
True to Color / Timeless: The goal is to capture colors, tones, and light as accurately as possible, with minimal heavy filtering. This results in a classic, clean, and authentic look that is designed to stand the test of time.
Bold & Vibrant: This style emphasizes rich saturation, high contrast, and vivid colors, creating an energetic and lively feel.

Keep in mind that many photographers are hybrid and blend elements of multiple styles—for example, shooting the ceremony in a documentary style, but using a fine-art approach for the couple’s portraits. It’s always best to look at a photographer’s full portfolio to see their consistent style.

Red Flags to Watch For

Vague answers to important questions
No references or portfolio
Limited experience with your wedding type
Unclear pricing or hidden fees
No formal or written contract

With Courtney Ferrante Photography, transparency, professionalism, and creativity are guaranteed.

Choosing the right photographer ensures your wedding memories are captured beautifully. Let Courtney Ferrante Photography guide your Tampa or St. Pete wedding with professionalism, creativity, and heart. Contact Courtney today to schedule a consultation and see how your special day can be brought to life through stunning photography.