When it comes to wedding photography, some brides are very particular and picky about their wedding photographers. They have a specific style they want, a specific type of editing done, and want them in a very close time frame. Other brides are a little too chill and pick a wedding photographer offhandedly and let the photographer decide whatever they want. Which sometimes in the end, can end up being a complete disaster.
So, if you are a bride who wants a good photographer, but have no idea what specific questions to ask them in order to get the perfect photographer possible for your day, below is a list of compiled questions that will definitely help you. Be sure to write these down or remember the ones you believe are most critical to ask because trust me, you will not regret it later when you are prepared.
1. Do you have my date available?
This may seem like an obvious question, but there is no point in asking the other questions listed if they can’t even do your wedding date!
2. Are weddings your shooting specialty? (aka, have you shot weddings before?)
This is just a more nice way of asking “Is this your first wedding or nah?”. You probably do not want a photographer who has never shot a wedding before because the more experience, the better. You can ask them how long they have been in business or when they got started in photography, just to make the conversation more casual.
3. Have you ever shot a wedding at my specific venue?
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If they have not, ask them if they would be willing to check it out before the wedding just to get a feel of the lighting and possible shooting spots in the venue.
4. If I have some specific images I want captured, can you shoot them?
If you want special images with specific family members or have a few ideas when it comes to the bride and groom photos, ask them if they would be willing to work with you on it. If they seem pretty set on just their shot list, you will need to keep that in mind.
5. Do you have other weddings to photograph on the same day as mine?
If they do, be sure that they will be able to be prompt. This is not necessarily a problem, but you just simply need to be cautious when it comes to the photographer arriving on time.
6. Will you bring a second shooter?
It is very, very wise to have a photographer that will be able to provide a second shooter. If you have only one, there are many photo opportunities that can be missed if you have just one focusing on everything.
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7. How many photos can I expect to get from the wedding?
Not necessarily how many they will capture during the day (because it will be a lot), but how many edited and finished ones you can expect to receive in the end.
8. How long will it be until I receive my wedding proofs?
This way you do not have to pester them the weeks following the honeymoon. They give you a date, and you play the waiting game.
9. Will my proofs be by CD or online, or how will that work?
This way you know ahead of time what to expect.
10. How many hours does the package include?
This way you have an idea of when they should arrive and when they should leave in order to avoid extra fees they may charge if you keep them over the time limit you are paying for.
11. Is there any way to pay you extra and have you stay if the wedding goes longer than expected for some reason?
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If for some reason you want to keep them longer on the wedding day then what you had originally planned, ask them if you would be able to pay them extra for staying longer. Some photographers are okay with this while others have other weddings or deadlines to meet.
12. Do you do prints?
If you specifically wanted to order prints or an album, make sure the photographer does that first before deciding they are the right one for you and then run into this problem later.
13. Does your wedding package include an engagement shoot?
This is a key question. If they do not and you want one, find out how much that might cost as well. Many photographers will include an engagement shoot in the wedding package, but you can never be too sure.
14. What is your cancellation policy?
If for some reason you would need to cancel last minute or far out, see if what their cancellation policy is and if they will refund you or not.
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15. Do you need to meet with my DJ, wedding planner, florist, or any other vendors before the actual day?
Some photographers like knowing ahead of time who else they are working with, so be sure they are set with the other vendors if they do wish to work with them before the big day.
16. What do you and your other shooters normally wear?
This is not a big deal if you do not ask this question. But if you are having a black tie wedding and you want to make sure the photographers are dressed in their Sunday’s best, then be sure to ask them ahead of time.
17. Do you need any other information from me?
Just double check and make sure the photographer does not have questions for you. You do not want to miss out on anything!
