What to Ask Your Wedding Photographer Preservation Park | Oakland, California Wedding
Long after you wear the white dress, party with your loved ones, and say, “I do,” what do you have to remember about your wedding day?
Planning a wedding is full of decisions, but one of the most important is finding the right photographer to document and preserve your day.
Obviously, I’m biased as a wedding photographer in Oakland, CA. But hear me out, k?
I tried to think what would be the most helpful to future brides and grooms, researching the wedding venue Preservation Park and looking for a wedding photographer.
I figured who better to learn from than a past bride!! My past wedding photography client, Kate, is an angel and agreed to let me interview her about finding her wedding photographer (moi) and allll the details about her wedding at Preservation Park.
She shared invaluable advice for couples and reflected on her experience.
I hope you enjoy!
Why Timeless Photography Matters
When I asked Kate the most important part of her wedding photography experience, she mentioned how important it was to have photos that would stand the test of time.
“At the time, I really loved the dark and moody style that was trending, but my husband was more realistic about what we’d want to look back on 10, 20 years from now. Your style just felt timeless. It seemed modern but still something we’d appreciate for decades.”
Heck yes, girl!
Timeless photography is about more than avoiding trends. My goal is to embrace trends to connect with current styles and client personalities, but I always prioritize creating images that stand the test of time. The focus is on authentic moments, genuine emotions, and storytelling that will remain meaningful for generations.
So, in a nutshell, It’s about creating images that capture and preserve the day that you’ll treasure forever without feeling outdated!
Key Questions to Ask Your Photographer
Hiring a photographer can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve never done it before. Kate shared some of the questions she asked that made a big difference:
“We were doing it all on our own, so we didn’t even know what to ask! Some of the questions we asked were, ‘What is it like working with you?’ and ‘What can we expect?’ We also asked how to make sure we got the family photos we wanted. Those kinds of questions helped us feel more prepared.”
Knowing what to ask your potential wedding photographer is crucial, and here are a few additional questions to consider:
How do you handle unexpected changes on the wedding day?
Can you help us with our timeline to make sure we have time for all the photos we want?
What’s your approach to capturing candid versus posed shots?
Wedding Planning Advice for Couples
When it comes to wedding planning, Kate offered this GEM of advice:
“Just keep your expectations manageable. I don’t want to say, ‘lower your expectations,’ but be realistic. Everything can change so much, even the week or day of your wedding. Having that mindset helped us roll with the changes.”
Of course, my girl Kate was so easy to work with during the last-minute changes, but I was there to help every step of the way!
“Lia was so helpful. She would text me asking if there was anything she could do. During the wedding, she gave great tips and helped me relax. She wasn’t just our photographer—she was emotional support!”
Heart eyes.
Beyond the Wedding
“It didn’t feel like we were under pressure. It was just a very chill, enjoyable time. Since then, she’s taken photos of our family as we’ve grown, and she’s been there for all our big milestones.”
Did I mention that Kate did this interview for free? I swear! She’s just this nice and sweet. I think the biggest takeaway is to find a photographer that you vibe with. I want to be the chill during your wedding day. The best part of my job? Documenting your family for years to come!
“I think I cried when I saw our photos. They captured all the emotions and moments of our day perfectly. I still look back at them and smile—it really means so much to me.”
If you don’t cry when you see your wedding photos (or feel all the emotions), then I didn’t do my job! I love making people cry! Long after your way, your photos will be how you hold onto the memories of your special day.
Wedding Photography
Your wedding photos are more than just pictures—they reflect your love story. Asking the right questions and choosing a photographer whose style and approach align with your vision are key to creating timeless images you’ll treasure forever!
Let's connect if you’re planning a wedding at Preservation Park or anywhere in Oakland! I would be stoked to be your wedding photographer! Click here to contact me.
