I see this question come up again and again on the forums and Facebook pages I’m a part of. Clearly this is something on people’s minds and it’s important! Often people have never hired a photographer before and we are given the responsibility of capturing the happiest and most important day of your life. So you want to know if you will gel, their process as well as safety aspects. Find your free printable questions to ask your wedding photographer at the bottom of the page! Here is what I have compiled for you guys (in no particular order):

• How would you describe your photography style? –  This is important to see if it fits with your vision
• What settings do you primarily photograph weddings with? – If they don’t know what this means, or they answer “auto”, you can end the meeting. This is extremely important, and shows the knowledge and skill your photographer has.
• Do you carry backup equipment? – Needless to say, this is super important in case of equipment failure! Some cameras also have dual memory card slots, but not many!

 

 

• How would you describe your working style? – Are they a “silent behind the scenes” or a “director, composing shots” photographer?-
• How many photos will you receive? How long will it take to receive these? How will I receive these? – Most photographers average 20-50 shots per hour of coverage and take up to a month to deliver the images. Online albums seem to be the most common method of delivery now.
• Do you use a flash or bring a tripod?
• Are there any extra charges? – Often the cheaper photographers will charge you per image you would like so be wary!
• How much is the deposit?
• What does your X package contain? How much does it cost? Can I add extras later?
• Do you provide a contract?

 

 

• What if you are sick on the day?
• Are you insured? – Some wedding venues require this
• What is your photo plan if it rains?
• Do you back up the images? If so, for how long do you hold these?
• Can I see some references? – Most photographers should provide some testimonials on their website
• How many weddings have you photographed? OR How long have you been a photographer? – This will give you a guide of how experienced they are. Ideally, they should be a wedding photographer and this should be their specialism and they shouldn’t be a general photographer. There isn’t anything wrong with the latter, but weddings are a different kind of beast to photograph!

 

 

• What time do you usually arrive? How long will you be with us? Can you stay longer if something comes up? – By the end of the day events are normally an hour or so behind schedule I find!
• Do you need a list of photos you would like from us? Is there any other information you will need from us?
• How will you (& your second shooter) dress? – Professionally is the answer! They should blend into your wedding party.
• Have you worked at my venue before? Do you have images you can show me from that location? – This isn’t particularly important, I shoot all over the country and rarely at the same venue twice. If they are a good photographer, they should be able to arrive and almost instantly know where the good light is, where to shoot, etc.
• How often will we meet or talk prior to the wedding day?
• Will you be my photographer? If not, can I meet the photographer who will be assigned to me before my wedding?
• Do you have a full wedding that you can show me? How many of these images were done by a second or associate shooter?

 

 

I hope this list is of use to you, feel free to print this out with your FREE printable and take it with you to your initial meeting.