October 3, 2024

Top 5 Questions to Ask Your San Antonio Wedding Photographer Before Booking

wedding photography

When it comes to your wedding, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing your photographer. Your wedding photos will be cherished for years to come, capturing all the special moments and emotions of your big day. But with so many options out there, how do you ensure you’re selecting the right San Antonio wedding photographer for you?

The key is asking the right questions before booking. These questions will help you gauge a photographer's experience, style, and whether they’re the right fit for your unique wedding vision. Here are the top five questions every bride and groom should ask before hiring a San Antonio wedding photographer:


1. What is Your Photography Style?

Every wedding photographer has their own style, and it’s important to choose one whose aesthetic aligns with your vision. Some photographers prefer a traditional approach, focusing on posed shots and classic compositions. Others favor a more documentary style, capturing candid, real moments as they happen. Some photographers excel at blending both styles for a perfect mix.


When speaking with potential photographers, ask them to describe their style. Do they lean more towards natural light photography, or do they thrive in low-light or indoor settings? Ask to see full wedding galleries, not just highlight reels, to get a true sense of their style across an entire event. This will give you a better idea of how they capture moments from getting ready, the ceremony, and the reception.


If you’re drawn to a romantic, timeless look, you’ll want a photographer who can deliver soft, dreamy photos. If you want bold, vibrant colors and high energy, make sure the photographer’s portfolio reflects that. Ultimately, your photographer’s style should complement your wedding theme and personality.


At Mayfield's Photography, we offer a blend of documentary and traditional photography, ensuring we capture both candid emotions and the classic moments that will last a lifetime. You can view examples of our work on our website.


2. How Do You Handle Low-Light or Difficult Conditions?

San Antonio weddings can take place in a variety of settings—indoor venues, outdoor gardens, or even under the stars. Not all weddings will have perfect lighting, so it’s crucial to hire a photographer who knows how to work with different lighting situations. Whether your ceremony is set during golden hour or in a dimly lit ballroom, your photographer should be able to adapt.

Ask about their experience in handling low light, backlighting, or harsh midday sun. What equipment do they use to overcome challenging lighting conditions? Do they use flash photography, or are they skilled in using natural light to their advantage?

A photographer’s ability to control lighting will make a huge difference in the quality of your photos. Photographers with experience in various lighting environments will know how to produce clear, flattering images no matter the conditions.

Mayfield's Photography has extensive experience in working with both natural light and artificial lighting to ensure your photos turn out beautifully, regardless of the setting or time of day.


3. What’s Included in Your Wedding Photography Packages?

Understanding what’s included in your photographer’s packages is essential to avoid any surprises down the line. Different photographers offer different services and levels of coverage, so make sure you know exactly what you’re getting for the price.

Some photographers may offer packages based on the number of hours they’ll be at your wedding, while others may include additional services like engagement shoots, second shooters, or wedding albums. Here are some questions you should ask:


  • How many hours of coverage are included in the package?
  • Will there be a second photographer or assistant present?
  • Does the package include a pre-wedding shoot or engagement session?
  • Will we receive an online gallery with high-resolution, edited photos?
  • Are prints or a wedding album included in the package?


Additionally, ask about any additional costs. For example, some photographers charge travel fees if your venue is outside a specific radius. You’ll also want to know if you can add extra hours if your wedding runs longer than expected and how much that might cost.

At Mayfield's Photography, we offer customizable packages to fit your needs and ensure every moment of your special day is captured. We include full wedding day coverage, an engagement session, and access to high-resolution photos in an online gallery. You can explore more details on our website.


4. How Do You Work With Couples to Create a Comfortable Atmosphere?

On your wedding day, you’ll spend a significant amount of time with your photographer. It’s important that you feel comfortable and at ease with them, as this will reflect in your photos. The last thing you want is to feel awkward or stiff in front of the camera.

Ask your photographer how they interact with couples and their approach to making everyone feel relaxed. Some photographers are more hands-on, giving plenty of direction, while others prefer to blend into the background and capture moments as they happen naturally. Make sure their approach aligns with your preferences.


If you’re camera-shy, let them know. A good photographer will know how to make even the most camera-shy couples feel confident and natural. This is especially important during intimate moments like the first look or private vows.

At Mayfield's Photography, we take pride in creating a warm, friendly atmosphere where couples feel comfortable being themselves. Our goal is to capture genuine moments of love, joy, and connection, while making the process as fun and stress-free as possible.


5. How Long Will It Take to Receive Our Wedding Photos?

Waiting for your wedding photos can feel like an eternity, but it’s important to know what to expect when it comes to delivery time. Every photographer has a different editing process, and the turnaround time can vary depending on the number of weddings they’re working on.

Ask your photographer how long it typically takes for them to deliver the final images. Will they provide sneak peeks shortly after the wedding? How many photos can you expect to receive, and in what format? Understanding the timeline upfront will help manage your expectations and avoid any frustration down the road.


At Mayfield's Photography, we provide a sneak peek of your photos within two weeks of your wedding day, with the full gallery delivered within 8-10 weeks. We take great care in editing every photo to ensure they are perfect and timeless.


Choosing the right San Antonio wedding photographer is about more than just beautiful photos—it’s about finding someone who will capture the essence of your day in a way that reflects your unique love story. Asking these five questions will help you find a photographer who aligns with your style, has the experience to handle any situation, and will create a relaxed, comfortable environment on your big day.


To learn more about our San Antonio wedding photography services and view our portfolio, visit Mayfield’s Photography.


For inquiries or to book your San Antonio wedding photographer, contact us here: https://www.mayfieldsphotography.com/contact/


FAQ: Top 5 Questions to Ask Your San Antonio Wedding Photographer Before Booking


1. What photography style should I look for in a wedding photographer?

Different photographers specialize in various styles, including traditional, documentary, and fine art photography. It’s essential to choose a style that reflects your personality and wedding vision. Review their portfolio to see if their approach aligns with your preferences.


2. How do photographers handle lighting challenges at weddings?

Experienced photographers should have a plan for working in all types of lighting, from low-light indoor venues to bright outdoor settings. Ask about their equipment and techniques for managing different lighting conditions, such as using flash or natural light.


3. What is typically included in a wedding photography package?

Wedding photography packages vary but may include hours of coverage, an engagement session, second shooters, edited photos, and an online gallery. Clarify what’s included to avoid surprises later on, and ask about potential add-ons.


4. How does a photographer make couples feel comfortable in front of the camera?

Good photographers know how to put couples at ease, whether through natural, candid shots or gentle guidance for posed photos. Ask about their approach to creating a relaxed atmosphere during the shoot.


5. When can I expect to receive my wedding photos?

Turnaround times can vary, but many photographers provide sneak peeks shortly after the wedding and deliver the full gallery within a few weeks to a couple of months. Be sure to ask about the timeline and how many edited photos you will receive.