101: How to Inquire About Wedding Photography

A sunlit outdoor wedding ceremony at Rancho Bernardo Inn with guests seated in rows, viewed through greenery and white flowers. A floral arch and trees are visible in the background, creating a serene, natural setting. For those wondering how to inquire about wedding photography for such moments, capturing the essence is key.

Preparing to speak with a WEDDING photographer

When you inquire about me photographing your wedding, you will likely use my inquiry form or give me a phone call. Be prepared to answer some questions right off the bat. They will be simple, but sometimes catch couples off-guard if they are just starting their planning.

  • FIND WORDS TO DESCRIBE YOUR SPECIFIC STYLE/AESTHETIC/VIBE
  • HOW MANY DAYS, GUESTS, LOCATION(S), AND THE TIMES FOR MAJOR EVENTS
  • WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM YOUR PHOTOS BESIDES SOME PRETTY PICTURES? -ALBUMS? -GIFTS? -WALL ART?

If you are having trouble putting into words what you want, try reading THIS ARTICLE to help you prepare for describing what your wedding vision is.

An outdoor evening event with tables and chairs set up on the croquet lawn at wedding at Rancho Valencia Resort, illuminated by string lights draped between palm trees. Guests are gathered under the lights, surrounded by trees and greenery.

SLOW DOWN ON MAKING INQUIRIES

You might want to ask a bunch of San Diego wedding vendors for help all at once — photographers, caterers, florists, and more. You might already be coveting the outfit you will wear…

But please hold on, take a deep breath. Let’s slow down a bit.

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.

1st:
venue + planner + photographer

2nd:
food > floral > decor >

3rd:

clothing choices

3rd:
your planner takes over and does the rest

Close-up photo of a pair of red high-heeled shoes with open backs, placed on a bed with soft lighting. A piece of light blue lace fabric is draped in front of the shoes. The background is out of focus.
A bride and groom walk together while the bride, in a wedding gown and veil, shares a light moment looking at her groom. Bridesmaids in pink dresses surround them under the bright sun, walking on a tiled path with lush greenery and palm trees in the background.

So let’s talk about the money part

The elephant in the room, am I right? I know, everyone wants to email and ask “how much does wedding photography cost?”

But photographing 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. I have a bunch of questions before I can tell you exact prices. A conversation will progress a bit like this:

  • First we discuss your style and 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 create at the end of all this? Besides a loving partner 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? Paper prints may seem old fashioned in the face of everything being seen on a tiny phone screen, but the reality is that most of our photos are stuck on on old dead phone in a drawer from 6 years ago. Or we didn’t realize iCloud doesn’t actually keep a copy of what you delete off your phone to free up space. We’ve all done it, lots a few years of photos by accident, but don’t let that happen to your wedding images.

A quick 15 minute phone call will get you all the information you could ever want. And I promise it will be painless. At the end I’ll tell you, is it 5k or 35k, I’ll always be upfront and honest with you. A formal “pretty” proposal will follow up our phone call.

albumcover

Top Questions a Wedding Photographer may ask a Couple:

  • Where am I traveling to? Am I staying in San Diego? Flying to Rome?
  • 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 more than one location?
  • 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?
  • 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.

A bride and groom stand on a sandy cliff overlooking a calm ocean. The bride, in a white gown, holds a bouquet and gazes lovingly at the groom, who is dressed in a black suit. They share an intimate moment with the serene coastline in the background.

PHONE CALLS ARE AN IMPORTANT WAY TO GET TO KNOW EACH OTHER.

There is no need to be best friends, but we definitely should “click” since we’ll be together ALL DAY

SET UP A CALL
photo of bride with game of thrones hair braids b&w

Picking a photographer is a BIG 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 story told in a way that feels magical yet very real. You will be dying to see those first sneak-peek images. The quality of professional photos will look night & day from all the low-quality phone photos.

CONTRARY TO WHAT SOCIAL MEDIA TRAINS US TO BELIEVE

Quality photography not 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, matches that vision in their work, and is committed to capturing it all for you. Then produces a stunning tangible product to hand you at the end of it all. 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.

A couple dressed in wedding attire kisses on a dirt path surrounded by greenery in rancho guajome park. The bride holds a bouquet of flowers, and they are embraced under a clear sky.

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. Don’t worry if you don’t have it all figured out yet. Keep an eye out for my response. Be sure to check spam folders. Then let’s plan to talk. I can’t wait to hear from you!

SEND AN INQUIRY

JENNIFER DERY is a San Diego based, wedding, engagement, and family photographer. You can hire her for your wedding too