Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer

Many couples are not sure what questions to ask a wedding photographer to determine if they are the right photographer for them. With so many photographers to choose from this task can get even more daunting. That shouldn’t be the case. Choosing a photographer is very important, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be easy. I have compiled a list of questions that I think every engaged couple should ask when they meet with a potential wedding photographer. There are tons of publications out there that have lists, but at least this way you don’t have to buy the book to find out. Plus, you get the perspective of a working professional photographer on the matter.

If you would like to know MY answers to these questions, then schedule a meeting with me and I will be happy to share! Most of these questions are intended to help you get to know your photographer, and have no right or wrong answer, but in a few cases I have added comments in italics about things that I believe are must-haves.

Will you be the person shooting my wedding? (This is important. Many photographers (especially larger companies) will have other shooters that they will send under the umbrella of the studio’s name. Make sure you are meeting with the exact person that will be shooting your wedding.)

How long have you been in the business?

How did you get started?

Are you part time or full time?

Do you have any formal training?

What type of insurance do you have? (They should have both equipment and malpractice or liability insurance)

Are you a member of any photography associations? (Many photographers will not be, but that should not be taken as a sign of the photographers skill. On the opposite, membership in an organization does not necessarily mean that the photographer is good.)

How many camera bodies do you have? (Should be AT LEAST two)

How many lenses? (You will want someone with lenses that cover a wide range of distances.)

How many weddings have you shot total, and how many of those were you the lead photographer for?

How would you characterize your style of photography?

Do you own a studio?

Do you travel? What are your travel fees?

How many proofs should I expect to see from my wedding?

Do you offer discounts for specific professions (teachers, veterans, law enforcement, etc)?

Do you offer discounts for off-season, Friday, or Sunday weddings?

Are you willing to customize a package if none of yours fits our needs?

Do you provide the digital negatives in the package? If so, are they fully retouched? If not, are they available for an additional cost?

Do you include an album or an album credit in your packages?

Can you show me a sample of an album similar to what I will get?

Do you shoot digital or film? If you shoot film, will it be color of black and white?

How much retouching is included, and what will I have to pay extra for?

Will the assistants and other photographers you hire to help shoot my wedding be people you have worked with before?

Will you be photographing another wedding or event the same day as my wedding? The same weekend?

What happens if you are sick and injured and cannot shoot our wedding?

What if we decide to change the date of the wedding?

If we decide to book you, what is the process for doing that?

Can I take a copy of the contract home with me to read before I sign it?

Other things to do before booking a photographer:
-Contact their references. Call a few of their recent clients and ask for their opinion of the photographer’s style and professionalism.
-Do your research! Check with the Better Business Bureau and make sure there are no pending complaints against them.
-Get to know them on a personal level. It is very important that you get along with the photographer you choose. Your photographer is going to be at your side for practically the entire day of your wedding, and if you clash with each other, it could ruin your wedding day.

If you find this page helpful, or if you have any suggestions for possible questions, please leave a comment and let me know!

-David Bickley, Professional Photographer

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