After more than 7 years capturing "I do's" across France and abroad, we thought it was time to share some of our experience.
Because choosing the person who will capture the most beautiful day of your life is no small matter!
Beyond the Portfolio: The Real Questions to Ask
Of course, the first instinct when looking for a photographer or videographer is to check their portfolio. And you're right!
But beware — beautiful images don't tell the whole story.
What you really need to look for in a portfolio:
• Consistency in quality (not just 3-4 stunning shots)
• The ability to capture authentic emotions, not just poses
• Diversity of situations (indoor/outdoor, day/evening)
• A cohesive style that speaks to you
But the most important thing is what you can't see on Instagram: ask to see a complete wedding reportage.
Any photographer can show you 10 beautiful photos.
What really matters is consistency throughout an entire day.
The Questions That Make All the Difference (That Nobody Asks)
We've noticed that couples who ask us these questions are often the most satisfied in the end:
1. "How do you handle unexpected situations?"
Rain showing up uninvited, a battery failure, a disrupted timeline... A good professional always has a plan B.
We've experienced memorable storms, ceremonies delayed by 2 hours...
Ask for concrete examples of difficult situations and how they were handled.
2. "How available are you for communication before the wedding?"
A good vendor doesn't disappear after the contract is signed.
They remain available to answer your questions, adjust the schedule, and offer advice.
We like to schedule a video call one month before the big day to finalize all the details.
3. "How do you adapt to our personality?"
Some couples are completely at ease in front of the camera, others much less so.
An experienced photographer will adapt to your personality, not the other way around!
Talk about your concerns, ask how they work with shy people (or hyperactive ones!).
4. "Which moments do you prioritize during the day?"
This question reveals a lot about a professional's approach. Some are obsessed with posed portraits, others with spontaneous reportage.
We believe a great reportage finds the balance between orchestrated highlights and stolen moments.
5. "How do you work with other vendors?"
A wedding day is teamwork. Your photographer needs to get along with your wedding planner, your DJ, your officiant...
Ask if they're used to working with other professionals and how they handle communication.
The Personal Connection: Why It's NON-NEGOTIABLE
After hundreds of weddings, we can tell you: the personal connection with your photographer/videographer is CRUCIAL.
Think about it: this person will be with you during intimate, emotional, sometimes stressful moments.
They'll be there while you put on your dress, when you see your partner for the first time, when you exchange your vows...
Our advice: do a video call or, even better, meet your vendor in person before signing.
Ask yourself these questions:
• Does the conversation flow naturally?
• Do they make you feel at ease?
• Do they truly listen to your wishes or mainly talk about their own vision? Can you imagine them accompanying you for an entire day?
At Les Gars Sympas, we insist on meeting all our couples before confirming a booking.
Sometimes, despite a couple loving our work, we feel the connection isn't there... and that's OK!
We prefer to be honest and direct you to a colleague who better matches your personality.
Understanding Packages and Pricing
The wedding photography/videography world can be a pricing jungle.
Here are some keys to understanding what truly justifies the price differences:
• Experience: a professional with 100 weddings under their belt has a different value
• Equipment: not for prestige, but for safety and quality (backup cameras, lenses adapted to all situations)
• Time invested: the visible wedding day + the 40+ invisible hours of editing
• Guarantees: image backup, professional insurance, etc.
Traps to avoid:
• Offers too good to be true (a complete reportage for 500€... really?)
• Ultra-standardized packages with no room for customization
• No detailed contract
• Lack of transparency about delivery times
Our Approach at Les Gars Sympas: Why We Do Things Differently
Let's be honest, there are plenty of excellent wedding photographers and videographers out there.
But our approach has a few distinctive features:
1. We bet everything on spontaneity.
Of course, we organize a few posed portraits, but our core expertise is capturing authentic moments.
We prefer to be discreet and blend into your day rather than directing it.
2. We work as a team. As our name suggests, we're several "nice guys." (yes, including women)
That means more angles, more captured moments, and energy that doesn't fade over a 10-12 hour shoot.
3. We stay ourselves. We love a relaxed atmosphere, jokes to lighten the mood,
and most importantly, we love what we do.
4. We get to know you before the big day. Our process always includes several exchanges before the wedding.
We want to understand your story, your expectations, your personality.
Final Words
Choosing your photographer/videographer is a bit like choosing your best man or maid of honor:
they need to be reliable, discreet when needed, present at the right moment, and understand what matters to you.
If you're in the middle of your search, take your time.
Meet several professionals, ask questions that go beyond the obvious, and trust your instincts.
And if you have any other questions, don't hesitate to reach out!
We love chatting about weddings, even if you're not sure you'll end up working with us.
This article was written by the Les Gars Sympas team, wedding photographers and videographers since 2018.
Next article in the series: "Key Moments You Shouldn't Miss in Wedding Photography & Videography" — Stay tuned!
