Top questions to ask when you inquire about your wedding photography.
Welcome!
There have been some fun changes on my website lately. It’s been like a game of “what’s different?”! If you’ve noticed them, give yourself a high-five. You’re the best! Thanks for being part of this journey with me.
But you know what hasn’t changed? My inquiry form.
When you inquire about me photographing your wedding, this is the special spot where I first meet you. It’s like the front door to all the awesome stories I get to be part of. So, every word you put in there is super important! (Even if you’re already married, and just looking for a family portrait session, you have hopes and dreams too! Tell me about them!
Preparing for the biggest party of your life?
You might want to ask a bunch of San Diego wedding vendors for help all at once — photographers, caterers, florists, and more.
But hold on, take a deep breath.
Planning a wedding isn’t a race. I know it’s thrilling, but rushing is like wanting to run before you can walk. It’s a special journey, like creating a one-of-a-kind painting that shows the world who you are as a couple, let’s proceed carefully. One step at a time…
- 1st: venue / planner / photographer
- 2nd: floral / production
- next, your coordinator takes over and does the rest….yay for you!
So let’s talk about the money part
I know, everyone wants to know “how much does wedding photography cost?” right away. But taking pictures at a wedding isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” kind of thing. Every wedding is a unique puzzle, akin to designing a custom home, and I make special plans for each one.
What are your specific plans? I have a bunch of questions before I can tell you exact prices. A conversation will progress a bit like this:
- First we discuss what type of photography experience you want to have. A local mid-week elopement will be entirely different than an extended weekend party for 300 guests in the Maldives. Do you need me all day? All week? Or just a few hours? Do you need bridal portraits in Paris? A welcome dinner in Tulum?
- Next we discuss the logistics of getting it all done for you within the time frame you have.
- Finally we discuss what you want to have in your hand at the end of all this? Besides a gorgeous ring and amazing photos, What do you want to have that is tangible? Are you a definitely getting a Fine Art Custom Album? Need gifts for family and friends? Prefer Fine Art prints for the walls?
A quick 15 minute phone call will get you all the information you could ever want. And I promise it will be painless.
Top Questions a Wedding Photographer may ask a Couple:
- So, where am I traveling to? Am I staying in San Diego? Flying to Maui?
- How many friends and family are you inviting?
- How many people in the wedding party? (The friends that stand up with you.)
- Is your wedding on a week that I’m available for?
- Are we going to different locations?
- What style of photography do you love the most? Hopefully mine since you are here….
- Are there specific moments or traditions during your ceremony or reception you want to ensure are captured?
- Will there be any surprise elements during your celebration that I should be prepared to capture? Like a fireworks display, unique entertainment, or a surprise guest?
- Do you have a ‘must-have’ photo list? Some couples have certain pictures in mind they absolutely want.
- How do you plan to use your photos after the wedding? This helps to know if you’re thinking about large prints, digital albums, thank-you cards, etc.
- Are there any challenges or sensitivities I should be aware of? Every family is unique, and it’s good to be aware of dynamics or special needs.
- Can I help you with an Event Planner referral? The flow of events is crucial for planning and capturing every moment. I will help you create a plan along with your Planner & Team.
- Do you have any concerns or special requests regarding your wedding photography? This open-ended question gives you space to share anything not previously covered.
I need to know many these things to create a custom proposal for you. So, it’s homework time! Look at different photographers’ pictures and choose the styles that make your heart happy. Inquire only with the ones you really, really want at your wedding. Create the wedding of your dreams and live happily ever after.
The best way to ask me about photographing your wedding
The best way to ask me about your wedding? Well, it’s like sharing your favorite book with a friend. Tell me lots! Share what you’re dreaming of, what makes you smile, and what are you most concerned about. And don’t forget to give me your email and phone number so we can chat easily. Add me to your contacts so I won’t get lost in your email.
My job is super special. It’s not just about clicking a camera button. It’s about making you and your whole family feel comfortable enough that I can seamlessly, and stealthily, become part of one of the happiest days of your life. Telling the story of your day in a way that can make anyone you show your photos to feel like they were actually there and experienced it.
No worries, we don’t have to become besties who hang out every weekend! But we definitely should “click” and get along since we’ll be together a lot on your big day!
Picking a photographer is a huge deal
After your wedding, you’ll get it. It is really impossible to explain how your mindset will change after the wedding when you can see in perfect 20/20 hindsight. I promise you, you will want more than just “okay” pictures. You will want your love story told in a way that feels magical yet real.
Although our phones and social media trains us otherwise, photography should not be thought of as an instant commodity.
This is real art, and you want an artist who gets you and puts the work in. Someone who sees your vision, has the same vision for their work, and is committed to capturing it all for you. I can do that, but only if you let me peek into your dreams. The more you share, the more magical your photos will be.
So How do you Inquire About Wedding Photography right now?
- Click the inquiry button below.
- Give me all the details you know about so far.
- Keep an eye out for my response, check spam folders!
- Let’s talk!
Don’t ever worry about sharing too much. Because the more you give me, the more I can give back in return. I can’t wait to hear from you!
JENNIFER DERY is a San Diego based, wedding, engagement, and family photographer. You can hire her for your wedding too!
MY GIFT TO YOU
I want my couples to create the best wedding day experience they possibly can. To help, I’ve written a few “Planning 101” emails like this “How to Inquire About Wedding Photography” blog post. If you would like to receive them, just click below to sign up. Topics include:
- How big should my wedding be?
- Finding the Right Wedding Vendors.
- Do you need a wedding planner?
As always, there is no obligation and your email is safe and will never be shared.