Questions to Ask a Wedding Photographer
From the florist to the caterer, the wedding photographer
provides the one aspect of your wedding that you will remember forever: your
wedding photos. Interviewing potential photographers and inquiring about their
approach, experience, and pricing will assist you in selecting the right person
for your big day.
13 Questions to Ask a Wedding Photographer
As part of your wedding planning, ask photographers
important questions to help narrow down your options for capturing your wedding
ceremony and reception. As a starting point, consider the following questions:
1. Can you shoot on our wedding day? Check your potential
photographer's availability on your wedding day before asking any further
questions. If they can't shoot on your preferred date, this first question will
save you time and allow you to move on.
2. Who will be in attendance on the big day? Mindy Weiss, a
wedding planner, always asks, "Is the person you're interviewing going to
be the person at your wedding?" There are groups. There are businesses.
You want to make sure you know who will be at your wedding and who will be the
photographer on that day." Interviewing a company representative will not
help you unless that person is present on your wedding day.
3. How would you describe your wedding photography style?
"There are many different kinds of photographers," Mindy explains.
"There's traditional, documentary, and completely candid." So you
really need to know which way they're going." Continue looking for the right
working style match if they shoot serious, formal photos and you want
whimsical, fun, improvisational images. Though most modern photographers shoot
digitally, you should ask if they also shoot on film.
4. May we see the entire wedding gallery? "It's critical
that you request to see an entire completed album to ensure that they tell the
story from beginning to end," Mindy advises. "How do they plan
it?" If you're not going to order an album, it's important to see the
series, even if it's only online, of how they tell the story." In order to
get a sense of what to expect on your wedding day, request to see the
photographer's previous work. A complete wedding gallery includes a
comprehensive shot list that includes the pre-wedding, ceremony, and all reception
elements such as the first dance and cake cutting.
5. Have you ever captured a wedding similar to ours? If a
photographer has photographed a wedding with a couple that resembles you, in a
setting like yours, and at the appropriate time of day, you may like their
style. Make sure the photographer provides examples of images of a couple with
skin tones similar to your own, advises Mindy. "Whether it was daytime or
night time, it was crucial to demonstrate the lighting and various facets of the
day. additionally to view examples of the finalized images.
6. Can you provide references? "Ask your photographer
if you can email or chat with past clients to get a referral," Mindy adds.
"Don't forget to Google that photographer as well to see if there are any
comments that you haven't heard about."
7. Have you collaborated with any of our other wedding
vendors? It may be advantageous if your prospective photographer is acquainted
with your other wedding vendors, particularly your videographer. If they get
along, they might be able to work together to capture your event well.
"They don't have to have previously worked together, but they do have to
respect one another," Mindy says. "It's not a good idea for them to
meet on the wedding day."
8. What if a natural disaster strikes? In case of a problem
on your wedding day, ask your photographer about their backup plan. As part of
their process, they may, for example, bring backup equipment such as an
additional camera, flash, and digital memory options.
9. What do your wedding packages include? Many wedding
photographers provide a variety of pricing options for various tiered packages.
They may charge extra for destination weddings (as a travel fee), a second
photographer, engagement photos, or rehearsal dinner photos. Depending on your
financial situation, you may want to inquire if they accept payment in
installments.
10. Can we request specific shots or setups? If you and your
partner want a specific type of shot, such as an on-location recreation of your
engagement, make sure to ask photographers whether they will allow it or charge
an extra fee. "Most photographers have a shot list," Mindy says,
"so you can check off what is important to you." "Don't forget
about the classic shots." Don't think you're so cool that you don't need a
photo of you and Grandma”traditional photos last forever."
11. When and how will we receive our photos? Inquire with
your prospective photographer about how soon after your wedding day they will
send your photos and how they will be delivered. For instance, whether the
photographer will edit down to a select group first, whether the images will be
high-resolution and include retouching, and whether you will be given a first
look as the photographer edits them. Inquire whether they will include custom prints
or albums if desired.
12. How will we finalize our hiring? Once you've decided on
a wedding photographer, find out what they need to close the deal. Giving them
a deposit, signing a contract, reviewing cancellation policies, and
understanding liability insurance are all examples of this.
13. Consider whether or not you like them. Your final
question should be addressed to both yourself and your partner. On your big
day, you'll spend a lot of time with the photographer. Consider whether you
like their personality, communication style, and whether you'd like to spend
the day with them. "The photographer-to-self relationship is extremely
important," Mindy says. "Make an effort to meet, even if only
virtually, to see if there is a connection."