How important is interviewing your wedding photographer

Interviewing your wedding photographer is something that is sometimes done and sometimes not done.

Lately, it seems that it’s not done more often than it’s done.

I have been in the wedding photography business for numerous years and I have seen a shift in the practice of meeting with potential photographers before one is selected. Don’t get me wrong — it is still done. There are couples who wouldn’t think of hiring a photographer without meeting him or her first and asking a bunch of questions.

Many couples not interviewing

However, I have been struck recently by the business I am getting from couples who find me online and want to hire me without so much as even talking to me on the phone. A wedding photographer in another state that I have followed who has been somewhat of a mentor to me says he rarely meets any of his clients before he is hired.

This practice seems to have shifted in recent years. When I was new in the business it was expected that I would meet a potential client before being hired. I have had many meetings with couples. Some have had a list of questions to ask me and were very organized. Others just wanted to chat.

The last several weddings I have booked — in fact the majority of the double-digit number of weddings I have booked for 2020 have had no prior meeting at all. I’m not sure why, but I think couples are becoming more comfortable with looking at a photographer’s work and deciding he or she is the photographer for them. This is what I would like to think is going on in my business.

I personally believe I have some high quality work on my website that is attractive to couples. I have been told by many that they like my work and want to hire me.

Interview not really necessary

So, should a couple interview a wedding photographer before hiring one? My belief is it’s not necessary unless you feel strongly about it. If you want to get to know the potential photographer before hiring him or her, then it’s fine. Personally, I love just getting hired without an initial meeting. It saves time for everyone and it gives me confidence that my work is admired.

Interviewing your wedding photographer should be your own decision, and if you want to interview me, I’m more than happy to meet with you.