What To Ask a Wedding Photographer Before Hiring
Confused on What to Ask a Wedding Photographer?
Do you know what to ask a wedding photographer? Do you know the key to finding wedding vendors you love? Interview them before you sign the contract. This is especially true with a photographer. Knowing what to ask your wedding photographer is no small task. After all, you’ll be spending almost the entire day with the photographer you choose, so in addition to loving their style, having an in-person or phone interview is a great way to make sure you’ll be happy to have them around.
Not sure where to start when it comes to interviewing your wedding photographer of choice? We’ve rounded up a list of questions to ask your photographer that will help you narrow down your options when it comes to everything you need to know.
Are You Available?
Let’s just start with the basics so you and potential photographers aren’t getting the run around with each other. When you’re creating a list of what to ask a wedding photographer this should absolutely be the first question. Everything else kind of falls on their availability, after all. To go along with that, ask how many weddings they shoot in a day. Believe it or not there are photographers who will try and shoot more than one wedding in a day, which may not be ideal if you want someone focusing completely on you.
In addition to just being available on your day you need to know that they feel comfortable. A clear calendar isn’t the only determining factor. Do they understand your wedding customs and what you want to do? Being available does not make anyone the ideal wedding pro for you. This is why you should start the task of finding the right person early. Think about hiring at least 1 year (12 months or more) out so there’s plenty to pick from.
Will You Have a Second Shooter?
This is another huge one on your list of what to ask a wedding photographer. I know some photographers that prefer to work alone. Then, some photographers always work with an assistant, while others determine if they need one based on the size of your event. And finally, some photographers (like us) always work with a full second shooter. There is a big difference between an assistant and a second shooter so that’s important as a follow up question. An assistant carries equipment, helps change batteries, sets up lights, and well, assists. A second shooter will actually capture additional images of your wedding day.
In addition, if your photographer says they shoot solo and you want a second shooter ask how much it will cost to add one on. If they aren’t willing to add a second shooter they’ll let you know at that point.
What’s Your Style?
This is usually the bride’s top: what to ask a wedding photographer. We’ve all done this. You’re browsing Pinterest and you see some amazing wedding photos you’re dying over. Now you know what you like. But, is the photographer you’re interviewing able to shoot images like that? Most wedding photographers have a specific ‘style’ they prefer to shoot and edit. I’d say there are 4 main categories: Classic (Also called Traditional, Timeless or Natural), Moody (Also called Warm, Autumn, Dark, or Mysterious), Light and Airy, and finally what I call Crushing It (Looks like you just stepped out of a car magazine).
If the photographer can’t tell you what their style is then it may be best to look elsewhere unless you enjoy being just as surprised as they are on your wedding day.
Want to understand more about Wedding Photography Style? Surprise! We have a blog for that!
May I See Your Portfolio?
If you found your wedding photographer online chances are you’ve already seen their work. But guess what? Just like that commercial we all love…THAT’S NOT ALL! I’m not even ashamed to admit that we all display our best work online. We’re showing off. It’s eye-catching and we’re proud of it. But, you’re only seeing a handful of images from an entire wedding day that may have hundreds of images. You have to ask to view an entire gallery. A professional who is happy to show you an example gallery is one you can trust.
Those questions barely scratch the surface when you’re investing in the biggest day of your life. That’s why we want to leave you with an extensive list of potential questions to ask a wedding photographer that you’re considering for your wedding day. Get all the information you want before settling on the best photographer for you. And remember, that just like with everything else in life, you get what you pay for. There’s a reason more experienced wedding photographers cost more. They invest more of their skills and talent into producing the highest quality wedding album for you.
Packages & Pricing
Here is a list of essential things of what to ask a wedding photographer before you decide who will be the right fit for you.
- What is included in your standard package? What add-ons do the more expensive packages include?
- Can I customize a package to fit my needs?
- Do you include engagement photos in your packages? What about pre-wedding events like rehearsal dinners? or post-wedding events like newlywed shoots or Anniversary session
- How many hours are included in each package? How much do extra hours cost?
- Do you offer a photo booth?
- Do you offer retouching, color adjustment, or other corrective services? Are those included or an additional charge?
- Do you charge a travel fee? For what distance? What does that cover?
Prints & Albums
- Can we order prints or albums directly from you?
- What type of album do you offer? Do you provide assistance selecting images and designing the album?
- Are albums or prints included in your packages? How many pages or prints are included, and what is the turnaround time?
- How long after the wedding will we receive the images? How will they be delivered?
- Will we have the rights to the images?
- Will we receive the negatives and/or high-resolution digital images? Is there a fee for that?
- Will the images be accessible online? For how long?
Logistics
- When will we receive the contract?
- How much of a deposit do you require? When is it due?
- Do you accept payments in installations?
- What is your refund or cancellation policy?
- 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 for an unexpected reason?
- How will you and your assistants be dressed?
- Can we request a list of specific shots we would like?
- Will you be posting about our wedding on your website and social media? Will you be submitting our photos to magazines or blogs?
