Questions to ask your Wedding Photographer before booking them
One of the most important tasks on any couples to-do list when planning their wedding is selecting a Wedding Photographer.
Your wedding photographs are so important as they are one of the things that will live on for many years after the day itself, so it makes sense to spend a little time making sure you get the right wedding photographer for you.
Chances are you have never hired a photographer before. How do you find the right wedding photographer for you? How do you know who to trust for advice?
What style of wedding photography appeals to you?
Read More: Different Wedding Photography Styles
Spend a little time researching local wedding photographers and make arrangements to meet with them.
With that in mind, I have compiled a list of questions to ask your wedding photographer before booking them…
Q. What is your wedding photography style?
Hopefully you will have a good idea at this stage of the photographers style. But it is always worth asking the photographer what their own views on the style of wedding photographs they take.
Q. How many weddings do you photograph per year?
An important question to ask… ideally your photographer should have plenty of experience specifically with wedding photography.
Are they full-time wedding photographers? How long have they been a professional photographer?
Many people offering wedding photography are doing their photography on a part-time basis with very little experience in wedding photography.
Your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event – you deserve a wedding photographer who has invested energy, time, and money to create a valued and trusted service.
Q. Can I see a complete set of recent Wedding pictures?
You want to see a complete set of wedding photographs as presented to the client. This will give you a much better idea of the quality of photos you can expect from the wedding photographer.
Q. Who will be taking the Wedding Photographs?
Some larger studios have a network of wedding photographers. Make sure you get to chat to the person who will actually be taking your photographs and insist that you view their personal portfolio.
Q. Are you Insured?
It is very unlikely that you will ever have to worry about insurance cover. But accidents can happen! Make sure the photographer you employ has professional liability and indemnity insurance. It’s also an indication that you are dealing with a reputable business since most “fly by night” photographers won’t invest in insurance.
Q. What happens if you are ill on the day of our Wedding?
With the recent Covid-19 pandemic, this is an important question! Does the photographer belong to any professional bodies or networks that can supply a substitute qualified and experienced photographer at short notice?
Q. How long until we can see our Wedding Photographs?
I hear horror stories of couples having to wait months, and sometimes years to see their wedding photographs or receive finished wedding albums. Inexperienced photographers often underestimate the time it takes to edit photographs or don’t have systems in place to ensure the timely delivery of their images. Make sure you discuss a delivery schedule.
Q. How do you prevent data loss?
Imagine retuning from honeymoon only to be told by your photographer that they have “lost” all your wedding photographs.
Make sure you ask the photographer what systems they have in place to prevent data loss.
Another related question is data archiving. How long do they retain your images should you need copies in the future?
Q. What is included in the price?
Different photographers offer different packages so it can be hard to keep track of everything being offered!
Make sure you have a clear idea of what is included in the package being offered by the photographer and check that there are no hidden extras such as travel or VAT.
IMPORTANT! You MUST get a signed contract listing full details of the package booked, charges and payment schedule. This is to protect both you and the wedding photographer – a verbal agreement won’t hold up in court!
Q. Why should we book you?
This is a great question!! The photographers answer to this question should tell you a lot about their character and their attitude towards wedding photography!
Questions to ask your wedding photographer
Of course, I would love the opportunity to meet with you to discuss the plans for your wedding day, view my portfolio and discuss the options for wedding photography on your big day.
Get started by checking if I am available for your wedding day.
