Imagine this.
You’ve searched all over, and you’ve finally found the wedding photographer you love. You feel like their style fits yours; you love their vision, and you’re ready to book.
You’ve used their easy contact form to give them some process-starting wedding information and are scheduled for your consultation. Before you head out, though, there are some things you may want to be aware of before you sign on that dotted line. Err, um… digitally verify?
Here are twenty-two questions to ask your wedding photographer to help you make the right decision.
Are you available for my date?
If they are not available for your wedding date, there is not much more you need to know. However, it could prove fruitful to ask if they have a referral. More often than not, photographers have people they have worked with in the past (see vendor list) and may be able to connect you with someone you like just as much.
What is your plan if it rains?
Rain is supposed to be lucky on your wedding day, but it can cause a few issues simultaneously. You want to make sure that your photographer has a plan if the weather is not as perfect as you want it.
What happens if you have an emergency?
Photographers get sick and have family emergencies just like everyone else, but that shouldn’t leave you without a photographer on your wedding day. You always want to make sure your photographer has a plan for the unexpected.
What other services do you offer?
Nowadays, it is not unusual for a photography studio or solo photographer to also offer videography. If you are interested in that, it’s generally a good idea to book both from the same company.
💡 BONUS: More often than not, your photographer will have a videographer they like to work with. This not only helps consistency and workflow but may afford you a smaller fee in the end.
What is your cancellation policy?
Knowing the cancellation policy while making your decision on a wedding photographer is vital information and can save you stress.
Will you give me a timeline of the day?
Knowing when you are going to take your different photos will help your wedding day run smoothly.
That said, it is often the photographer who has to work within the schedule. Your wedding planner or maid of honor usually provides this.
Do you have a list of preferred vendors?
Many times photographers have a list of vendors they like and prefer to work with. Asking this question will help you fill in any gaps you may have.
Have you been to my wedding venue before?
This is not a make-or-break. But if you have a photographer that has shot at your wedding venue before, they should already know some of the best spots to go for your photos.
If they have not been to your venue before, you should make sure they will walk the venue before the wedding day. You can even go together and walk through the day.
Do you blend into the background more or are you more visible during the wedding?
You may want your photographer to blend into the background, but many photographers will not photograph your wedding in a suit or dress. The full range of movement is crucial to our ability to provide you with the best possible images. That said, there should be a level of professionalism as well.
What kinds of packages do you offer?
Most photographers have different packages you can choose from. You want to make sure there is a package that fits best for two.
Can we customize our wedding packages?
It’s important to understand that many photographers have created packages based on their own experience, workflow, and aesthetics. If the packages they offer are not for you, it can be worth asking if you can create your own package.
💡 PROTIP: you’ll likely pay more for this level of specificity.
Do you offer prints and albums?
Most professional photographers offer prints and albums, but it is good to know what different options they offer and what they might look like.
Do you have travel fees?
Even if you are not having a tropical destination wedding, sometimes the photographer you love might be based out of town. This can result in some travel fees that are generally not included in packages.
When & how will I receive my pictures?
There are many different ways to deliver photos nowadays. Your photographer will generally have their preferred method in place, walk you through their lead times and how they intend to deliver your images.
How do we design our wedding album?
There are many different ways to put together albums. More often than not, your photographer will have software they prefer and will walk you through it.
Who will be shooting my wedding?
Some studios have associate photographers. If it is not the photographer you are planning with, it’s a good idea to request a meeting with the photographer who will lead your session beforehand to make sure they have what you’re looking for.
How many weddings have you done?
Your photographer should have some experience in the market they’re in. That said, there are all kinds of photographers that do things in different ways. Be sure to ask them if they are experienced in the wedding style you’re looking to have.
(Big, Small, Elopement, etc.)
What happens if the camera gets damaged or the memory card?
Things that can happen generally will happen at some point. Knowing your photographer has redundancy can help bring you peace of mind.
Do you accept payment plans?
Weddings can get expensive, fast! If you need assistance, spreading out the payments to make it a little easier, and it is not uncommon for many photographers to offer this.
Why do you shoot weddings?
It is not just about the business aspect of choosing a wedding photographer, believe it or not; it’s actually MORE important that you get along with them. Get to know the person capturing one of the most important days of your life.
What is your process like from start to finish?
Assuming this is your first wedding and you don’t really know the process for your wedding photographer. After you book them, do you hear from them again before your wedding day? Are they going to call every few months, or is their contact more routine?
Do you have anything else we can do other than an engagement session?
Not everyone wants an engagement session – but sometimes the packages come with one. See if you can substitute the engagement session for a Bridal Boudoir or a Trash The Dress.
As you can see, we’re just scratching the surface of what goes into booking your favorite photographer, but that shouldn’t prevent you from reaching out!
Wedding photographers LOVE what they do, and we have found more often than not, they are willing to help brides and grooms wherever they can to make your special day come to fruition. (I know we are) That’s why our best-selling packages include your engagement session!
This helps keep the logistics of your wedding planning streamlined. Having edited photos from the same professional photographer creates a consistent look in your final storybook!
