13 Essential Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer
If you’re here, it’s probably because you’re searching for your dream wedding photographer. For many, this is a process that you’ve never done before. Or maybe you have, no judgement. Either way, there are essential questions to ask your wedding photographer prior to hiring them and signing on that dotted line. Photography is an art, and you should be asking important questions to ensure that not only is the photographer you’re choosing the best fit for you and your future spouse, but so that there are no surprises or miscommunications later on in the process. With that being said, let’s get into these 13 essential questions to ask your wedding photographer before hiring them!
Natalie Nicole Photo | 13 Essential Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer | Texas Based Destination Wedding Photographer
Portfolio And Style
Before you decide to go all in and work with a wedding photographer, you need to absolutely ask to see a full wedding gallery. Maybe you’re wondering why this is essential. You’ve seen their website and their beautifully manicured Instagram. What else is there to see? Let’s remember that Instagram and websites are the highlight. This is where photographers showcase their best work. While you may love their work, you have to remember that what you’re seeing is only about 10% if not less of their work. When you ask to see an entire gallery, you’re asking to see every part of the wedding day where there could have be various lighting situations, which is also important when it comes to wedding photography. Check out my “7 Reasons Why Wedding Photography Lighting Matters” to see more on why this is important!
2. Vet their Experience and Expertiese | 13 Essential Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer
Some essential questions to ask your wedding photographer regarding their experience and expertise:
“How many weddings have you photographed?” (Personally, I wouldn’t pay over 10k for someone that hasn’t shot at least 100 weddings.)
“Have you shot weddings similar to mine in size and style?”
“Where and when did you learn wedding photography?”
“Are you familiar with the venue where my wedding will be held or have you photographed at a similar venue?”
3. The wedding photography Packages and Pricing
When you’re on the hunt for your dream wedding photographer, you should absolutely be asking about what kind of packages they offer, and what they include. Many photographers go over their pricing and packages in detail on their website, but talking this over with a photographer you’re seriously considering will ensure that all information you’re reading is correct and that everyone is on the same page.
You should also be asking if there are any additional fees that you should be aware of (such as travel, overtime, etc.)? Some photographers charge travel fees if you are past a certain distance from where they are based, or if they have to travel for your wedding. Some photographers also charge an overtime fee if you go past your contracted hours.
4. Their Availability and Backup Plans | 13 Essential Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer
You should always ask your photographer if they are available on your wedding day. Ask them what kind of policies that have in place if they are unable to shoot your wedding for an unforeseen reason. The last thing you want to worry about as your wedding day approaches is an emergency with your photographer who doesn’t have a backup plan and another trusted vendor who could step into their place if something were to happen and they couldn’t be present to capture your day. Many professional photographers do have these kinds of backup plans and associate shooters, but this is something you absolutely need to make sure of.
5. When Can You Expect your images to be delivered?
Asking right off the bat how long after the wedding you’ll receive your photos is a must. While the editing process takes time, it’s important that you and your photographer are on the same page so that there are no miscommunications on when you can expect to see your images.
Another essential question to ask your wedding photographer is what format your images will be delivered in. Will they be delivered digitally, will you receive prints, or an album?
6. Will You Have Photography Rights? | 13 Essential Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer
Another great question to ask your wedding photographer is if you will have rights to the images for printing and sharing. You should also ask them if they have any restrictions on sharing photos online or with other vendors.
7. The Logistics and Coordination
When it comes to your wedding day, you want to work with a photographer who can coordinate well with other vendors, such as videographers and wedding planners. When you have a team that works well together and can coordinate, things go much smoother for everyone.
Another question to ask your wedding photographer is what their typical workflow on the wedding day looks like. How do they prep for the day? What will the wedding day look like when working with them?
8. Wedding Photography Equipment and Backup’s | 13 Essential Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer
Always ask your photographer what kind of gear they use. Every wedding photographer should have backup gear in case of an emergency. If you ask your photographer and they don’t, that is an immediate red flag. In the event that their gear breaks or something unforeseen happens, how will your wedding be captured?
You should also be asking your wedding photographer how they shoot in low-light situations. A photographer who is educated in lighting and who can use off-camera flash and adapt to different lighting situations is essential. Again, check out my “7 Reasons Wedding Photography Lighting Matters”.
9. Engagement Session. Is it included?
It’s always a great idea to ask your photographer if they include your engagement session in their wedding packages. If they don’t, ask if it can be added, and at what cost. Adding on an engagement session is a great idea as not only can you use these images for your save the dates and invitations, but this will also allow you to get comfortable in front of the camera and with your photographer.
10. Editing and Retouching | 13 Essential Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer
A great question to ask your wedding photographer is what their approach to editing and retouching the photos is. You should also ask and be aware of if their are limits to the number of images that they will edit and deliver to you.
11. Contract and Payment
Ask the wedding photographer you’re considering if you can review their contract. It’s always good to know exactly what you will be signing, and doing so will ensure that you are well versed in their policies and expectations as well.
12. References and Reviews | 13 Essential Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer
More questions to ask your wedding photographer before hiring them is inquiring to see references and testimonials from precious clients. Many times you can also vet your photographer by checking out their Google Reviews, Facebook pages if they have it, or sometimes The Knot or WeddingWire.
13. Personal Approach
And last but not least, more questions to ask your wedding photographer should be about their personal approach to weddings and how they make the couple and guests feel comfortable in front of the camera. You should also ask to discuss specific poses or shots with your photographer to ensure you’re both on the same page for what you envision fore your wedding photos.
Will You be Asking These 13 Essential Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer?
My hope is that you’ve found this helpful while you’re on the hunt for your dream wedding photographer. Like I said before, wedding photography is an art. You are investing and entrusting in someone to capture your day so that you can have these images to cherish forever, so you shouldn’t take it lightly. Of course, if you’re looking for a wedding photographer, I’d love to get to know you and your future spouse. Feel free to check out my portfolio to get a sense of what my style is, and learn more about me here. If you think I’d be the perfect Texas wedding photographer or destination wedding photographer for you, then inquire with me here, and make sure to ask me these 13 essential questions to ask your wedding photographer ;)
