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Ask Your Wedding Photographer These 40 Questions Before You Book

For the best wedding photos, don’t skimp on these important questions.

questions to ask your wedding photographer
Wedding

If only you could freeze time and relive your big day again and again…oh wait! You can. With the right wedding photographer, of course. One of the quintessential parts of wedding planning is nailing down a wedding photographer that ticks all your boxes. And how will you know that they tick all of your boxes? Check out these specific questions to ask your wedding photographer to make sure they’re the right one for you when you say, “I do.”

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The Brass Tacks
Are you available on our wedding date?

This may seem obvious but don’t forget to ask this one first. You don’t want to waste any time–yours or theirs, if they’re not even available on your chosen date.

How far in advance do we need to book?

Besides navigating a photographer’s availability, some photographers may need to book travel plans in order to shoot your big day, so be sure not to skip this one.

Will you be the one photographing our wedding?

Some photographers or photography agencies have multiple people working for them, so find out who will be photographing your big day.

Do you have a backup in case of an emergency?

Photographers are human too! Sickness, injury, or other circumstances could get in the way of your wedding date, so make sure you ask them about their backup plans.

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Timeless Wedding Photo Book

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Style and Experience
How many weddings have you photographed?

An experienced photographer will be a pro when it comes to posing photos, finding the best lighting, and editing your photos.

Can we see a full wedding gallery?

This way you’ll get a full view of their shooting style and the way they edit their photos.

How would you describe your photography style?

You have a clear vision of what your big day looks like, so by asking this question you are making sure their style matches that.

Do you shoot digital, film, or both?

If you want to gain a better understanding of their medium and its impact on the final product, this is a good question to ask.

Packages and Pricing
What packages do you offer, and what do they include?

Some photographers offer different packages at various price points, so figure out which one will work best for you.

What is your pricing structure?

This is a great question to ask when it comes to budget planning as it helps clarify costs and ensures everyone is on the same page.

Are there any additional fees we should be aware of?

Avoid awkward conversations about unexpected costs by asking this question upfront.

What is your payment schedule?

Some photographers require everything up front, some require a deposit, and some let you pay in installments. Find out what their payment schedule is like so you can better manage your finances and payment timeline.

Logistics and Planning
How long will you be on-site the day of the wedding?

Make sure they’ll be there for all of those key photo-worthy moments like the rehearsal dinner, getting ready in the bridal suite, and more.

Do you visit the venue beforehand?

Unless you’re having a destination wedding, this is a good question to ask to ensure they are familiar with the location and its lighting.

Do you work with a second shooter or assistant?

The more the merrier! While one photographer will do just fine, if they have an additional person they can cover more ground and capture more moments.

What time will you arrive and leave?

This one seems pretty straightforward. This question makes it easy for you to coordinate timing with other wedding activities.

Approach and Interaction
How do you handle family and group shots?

Having a professional shoot a big family photo is a bit different than having your mom tell everyone to move to the left while she runs to beat the timer. This ensures efficient and organized group photos.

How do you make couples comfortable in front of the camera?

This is especially important if being in front of a camera doesn’t come naturally to you. When you’re feeling at ease it’ll translate into beautiful, effortless photos. And when you’re not, it may show.

Do you have experience with our type of wedding (size, cultural aspects, etc.)?

If you’re having a cultural wedding, or exceptionally big or small wedding, it may be worth it to ask this one as it ensures they can handle specific requirements or traditions.

How do you handle difficult lighting situations?

One of the trickiest things about photography is nailing the lighting, especially when it won’t cooperate. So make sure you book a photographer who is up for the challenge.

Post-Production
How many images can we expect to receive?

You want clear expectations for the final deliverables.

What is your turnaround time for the images?

Shooting an entire wedding, cherry picking the photos, and editing each one takes time, but how much is the question. Ask to find out so you can know when to expect your photos.

Do you provide retouching and editing services?

This question clarifies the level of post-production included and also a good time to ask for anything specific you may want edited.

Can we request specific edits?

Similarly to the question above, you’ll want to have an understanding when it comes to flexibility in post-processing.

Products and Delivery
What types of albums or prints do you offer?

Some photographers only offer digital images while some offer prints as well. Ask to find out which one you’ll be getting.

Can we customize our wedding album?

Your photographer may allow you to pick and choose which photos to go to post-production, so it may be worth an ask.

How will the images be delivered?

A USB? A zip drive? Email? There are many ways to deliver the finished product.

Do you offer high-resolution images?

This one will count most especially when it comes to printing your photos.

Policies and Procedures
What is your cancellation policy?

Plans can change so you’ll definitely want a clear idea of what would happen if they do.

Do you have insurance?

Accidents and incidents happen. Make sure your photographer is insured to give you peace of mind.

Do you require a meal at the reception?

This is important to know when planning your seating chart.

How do you handle travel expenses?

This clarifies who covers travel costs if applicable and avoids any awkward unexpected conversations.

Testimonials and References
Can we read reviews or speak to past clients?

Reviews matter, especially if you are shelling out a good amount of money for something, so make sure you’re choosing the right photographer.

What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve photographed?

If you want to gain a little insight into their passion and creativity, this may be a good question to ask.

How do you handle stressful situations?

Working a wedding can be a stressful ordeal when you want everything to go exactly as planned, so make sure your photographer knows how to handle fast-paced situations.

Creativity and Customization
Can we provide a shot list?

Have a few shots in mind that you’d love to try? Ask if you can provide a list. That way you can get all the specific shots you want.

Do you have ideas for unique photo locations or poses?

If you want your photos to have extra pizzazz, see if your photographer has any creative ideas to add.

Are you open to capturing candid moments?

Natural, spontaneous shots are all the rage these days and can capture really sweet, serendipitous moments.

How do you stay inspired and up-to-date with photography trends?

Wedding photography is not what it used to be back when your parents may have gotten married. Make sure your photographer knows what’s hot on the block.

What sets you apart from other wedding photographers?

This question will help you uncover their unique selling points and ensure they’re a good fit for your wedding.

These questions will help you gain a comprehensive understanding of the photographer’s style, experience, and professionalism, ensuring you make an informed decision for your special day. Your wedding photos will be memories you can cherish forever, and pass down, which is why it’s so important to find the right photographer for you. That way, when you print your wedding photo  album, it’s everything you ever wanted!

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