You have narrowed down your list of possible local photographers and set up a face-to-face meeting with each one. Now you have to put together a list of questions to ask your wedding photographer when you have your meeting.
Asking questions is essential. Your wedding photos are one of the only moments you will have from your engagement and wedding day, so you want to ensure you are paying for precisely what you want. It would be horrible if you did not ask important questions your wedding photographer, and then disliked the finished product and became unhappy.
We have included a handy infographic with 15 important questions to ask your wedding photographer at the bottom of this page.
1. Do you have my wedding date available?
This is a great question to ask upfront. If they do not have your date available, there is no need to waste their (or you and your fiancés) time.
2. How many weddings have you photographed?
You may not care if the photographer you choose has never shot a wedding before, but if you know that you want someone who has a background with photographing weddings, that is a great question to ask!
It may also be good to ask for a specific list of references and the wedding photographer should not hesitate when you ask for this! Do not think that you are going to hurt their feelings by asking for this. You are interviewing them to possibly pay for their photographing service and you want to be sure you are paying for someone who you trust and who others have nothing but wonderful things to say about their personality and the work that they do.
4. How would you describe your photography style?
Are they traditional, creative, photojournalistic? It is very important to know and if you have a preference, you want to know up front what type of work they do. Not sure what type of style you like, read this post on wedding portrait styles to get a description of all the different types.
5. Can we see your portfolio?
Of course you want to see some of their past work before you decide if you love them or not. You may also want to ask to see sample albums, so you can get a true feel of what type of products they offer.
6. Can I give you a list of specific shots we want to be sure to get on our wedding day?
This should not be a problem as a wedding photographer should want to work alongside of you to make sure they give you exactly the photos you are hoping for. Need some help figuring out some amazing poses to do during your photo session? Check out this engagement posing guide for some inspiration.
7. Do you shoot each wedding by yourself or do you have a second shooter or an assistant help you out?
Also, it is good to know if that second shooter or assistant is an extra charge or already included in the price.
8. What is your policy about other wedding guests taking photos?
Each and every photographer has preferences. With the abundance of camera phones today, everyone takes photos, so you just want to make sure that the specific photographer you choose has the same preferences that you have. You may have a hashtag on Instagram that you really want all of your guests to take photos of and tag you in. Sometimes your guests snapping photos everywhere could get in the way of the photographer, so it may be worth bringing up before the big day arrives!
9. Do you offer packages?
Packages are a great way to get a few different types of items included in one simple price. You could get 8 hours of wedding day photography, a bridal session, and an album. You may also want to see if you can customize a package based on your specific needs.
10. How much of a deposit to you require and when do you want it by?
Always something great to know, especially with all the budgeting and planning you have to do during your wedding planning.
11. What time will you arrive at the wedding on the day of the event and how many hours do you shoot?
You want to make sure that they will arrive on time and that they stay for as many hours as you need. If you know that many of your wedding guests are party animals and you think it may go longer than expected, make sure you talk with your photographer to make sure they will stay until it is over. If they will, be sure to ask how much extra would that be.
13. Do you provide retouching services and are they included with the price?
While you figure that most photographers include these services, it is always good to ask. Also, be sure to read our wedding photographer pricing page to know about other things that may or may not be included in the cost?
14. How long after the wedding will I get to see my proofs?
You want to make sure you will get to see your photos within a decent amount of time. No one wants to wait weeks or months to see all the beautiful moments from your amazing wedding day!
15. Do you provide digital images for each photo?
And if they do provide them, how much does that cost? That could even be included in specific packages the photographer offers, so be sure to check on that.
