30 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer
It’s a BIG decision, I totally get it. That’s why I’m here to help you put together some super important questions to ask your photographer in the beginning stages of searching and interviewing.
Weddings are a BIG deal…a once in a lifetime thing! It’s only fair to do some research before you sign on the dotted lines!
I’ve always told all my couples that when they are looking for a wedding photographer, they need to consider two things:
1) Do you love their style? …because most likely they will edit/shoot just the same for your big day.
2) Do you vibe well with them after meeting with them? After all, you should LIKE your photographer! I’ve put together a list of questions that you can ask.
Availability
Is your wedding date available?
How many other weddings will you photograph that weekend?
Will you have assistants with you on the wedding day?
Do you work with a set 2nd photographer?
Pro Tip: Some photographers always work with an assistant, while others (like myself) determine if this is needed based on the size of the wedding. Majority of the time, adding an assistant or 2nd photographer will incur additional costs.
Background Check
How long have you done wedding photography? How many weddings have you photographed?
Do you often shoot weddings that have a similar size and style to the one we are planning?
Can we see the full wedding galleries of a few of your recent weddings?
Pro Tip: I believe in full transparency so I have my own tab on my website where you can see ALL of my online galleries. You can find it here: Full Galleries and see for yourself!
Unlike any highlight gallery, a full gallery will give you a better sense of theirs style and how they shoot. It’s important to consider/keep in mind that photographers often have to do the best with what they are given, with lighting being a HUGE factor.
Pay attention to the moods, candids, reactions, quality, style, details, and editing. Every single wedding is different and unique in its own way too.
Have you ever shot at our venue before? If not, do you plan to check the venue out in advance?
Pro Tip: If possible, your professional wedding photographer should visit the venue in advance to scout the area and familiarize themselves with the area. Visit about the same time photos may be scheduled to get an idea for lighting.
It’s also possible for your photographer to scout locations using Google Maps if traveling is not possible.
Have you ever worked with our Wedding Planner? Videographer? Florist? DJ?
Style
How would you describe your style of photography?
How would you describe your working style? Do you prefer to blend into the background to capture candid moments or do you prefer to take control and prefer a more posed/planned approach?
Pricing and Packages
What is included in your packages? What type of add ons do you have?
Do you include engagement photos in your package? What about things like rehearsal dinners?
How many hours are included in each package? How much are extra hours?
Pro Tip: Good coverage is about an 8-10 hour day. If your photographer offers a 6 hour day, you might want to consider adding some additional hours in if you want some getting ready photos or some dancing into the night.
Do you offer a Photobooth?
Do you charge a travel fee? For what distance and how much?
Prints and Albums
Can we order prints or albums directly from you? Al la carte?
What type of album do you offer? Do you provide assistance selecting images and designing the album?
Are Prints/Products included in any of your packages? High Resolution Images?
How long after the wedding will we receive the images? How will they be delivered?
Can you explain what Copyright means?
How long will we have access to our online gallery?
Logistics
How much is the retainer to secure our date?
Do you accept payment plans?
What are your postponement and cancellation policies?
Do you have liability insurance? Does it cover your assistants, as well?
Do you carry backup equipment?
What is the backup plan if you are unable to shoot my wedding or any unexpected reason?
Can we request a list of specific shots we would like?
Pro Tip: I compromise with what I call a “Top 10 Must Have Shot List” these are typically photos that I wouldn’t know to take. They go beyond “Mom buttoning up the dress, daddy daughter dances”
If we go beyond 10, it now becomes a case of missing candid opportunities. My style is very candid. Pinterest is used for inspiration.
Will you be posting images from our wedding on social media, website and/or marketing material? Do you post sneak peeks?
Pro Tip: Check your contract. There would be something about a “Model Release” make sure you are okay with signing this part. Make sure your photographer respects your wishes for certain photos not to be shared.
Have any other questions for me? Drop them in the comments below!
Catchfly Photography is a traditional wedding and adventurous elopement photographer based in Highland, MI. Julie Believes in the little details and in between moments. Nature completely inspires Julie and she incorporates nature into almost every photo she takes. Julie travels to photograph traditional weddings and intimate elopements in Michigan’s Upper + Lower Peninsula and Colorado.
