Your wedding day is one of the most important days in your life. Every detail has been accounted for and planned to perfection. The food, the music, the dress and of course the pictures.
Hiring a photographer is a big decision. Not only do you want someone who will capture all the beautiful moments of your big day, but you also want someone you can trust and feel comfortable with. To help you make that decision, we’ve put together a list of questions to help you.
44 Questions to ask your potential wedding photographer:
- Are you available to photograph my wedding on the date I choose?
- How far in advance do I need to book your services?
- When do we need to book your services?
- What’s your photographic style?
- Do you have a portfolio I can look at?
- Do you have any references we can contact?
- Have you shot at my venue before? If not, will you do a walkthrough beforehand?
- How many weddings have you photographed?
- Will you have an assistant with you on the day of the wedding?
- Will the photographer be the only person taking photos or will there be a videographer as well?
- How do you schedule wedding day coverage?
- How long will it take to receive our photos?
- Will all the pictures be edited? If so, how will they be edited?
- Will you provide me with a wedding album? If so, what kind of album is it and how much does it cost?
- Do we have to provide a list of specific shots we want?
- What format will we receive our final photos in?
- How do you work with the bride and groom to get the best photos?
- What do you think are the most important moments to capture on a wedding day?
- What are your tips for making sure the wedding photos turn out great?
- Do you have a backup plan in case of bad weather or other unforeseen circumstances?
- Can we meet in person to discuss our wedding photography needs?
- How many hours will you be photographing on the day of the wedding?
- Do you have any suggestions for places to take formal portraits?
- What do you recommend to prepare for formal portraits?
- Will I receive all of the unedited/raw photos?
- What kind of equipment do you use?
- Do you have backups in case of equipment failure?
- What’s included in your standard package?
- Do you offer custom packages?
- Are there any hidden fees I should be aware of?
- Are you available to travel for destination weddings?
- Do you charge for travel expenses?
- What are your prices?
- Do you require a deposit? When is the balance due?
- How much do you charge for digital copies of our photos?
- Do you offer discounts for dates outside of peak season?
- What payment methods do you accept?
- What’s your policy on copyrights?
- Will the copyright of the photos be transferred to me?
- Do you have insurance in case of damage or theft?
- What if I have to cancel or postpone my wedding?
- Do we have to sign a contract?
- Can we make changes to our contract after we’ve signed it?
- Do you have any suggestions on how to make my wedding day run smoother from a photography standpoint?
Frequently Asked Questions
Do photographers give unedited photos?
Most photographers will give you unedited photos, but it’s always good to ask. After all, they want you to be happy with the final product. Unedited photos are usually just raw images, without any editing or retouching. This means that you can see all of the flaws in the photo and decide whether or not you want them fixed.
How long should wedding photos take?
When it comes to wedding photos, there’s no definitive answer to the question of how long they should last. Some couples want a quick photo session with just the most important shots, while others want to take their time and capture every moment of the day.
In general, it’s a good idea to allow at least an hour for the photo session, especially if you also want to take posed family portraits and other special shots. However, if you’re having a more casual wedding with few formal photos, you can settle for 30 or 40 minutes. Ultimately, the couple must decide for themselves what’s best for them.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the questions you should ask your potential wedding photographer before you book them for your big day. Remember that this person will be responsible for the memories you’ll cherish for a lifetime, so it’s important that you feel comfortable with their work and professionalism. Take your time making your decision and don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions!
