Your wedding day will likely be one of the most important and cherished days of your life. So it’s not surprising that you’ll want it recorded, documented and frozen in time so that you can relive each moment forever. How do you do this? By hiring a wedding photographer, of course. But booking just about anyone with a nice camera won’t do – you’ll want to find someone with enough experience and the right technical skills so that they capture the very essence of you and your big day.
To help you in your search, we’ve listed 10 questions for you to ask photographers before you book them for your wedding. Before long, you’ll find the perfect one whose vision aligns with your own.
Are you available on my wedding date?
This one’s obvious, but speaking with a photographer who isn’t available on your wedding date wastes everyone’s time. You don’t want to become connected to a professional you won’t be able to hire, and your time would be better spent contacting available photographers instead.
Can I view your gallery?
A wedding photographer’s portfolio reveals their expertise and style. Begin by asking for a full gallery from a recent wedding they photographed. This helps you assess their editorial style and ability to capture the complete event. Remember to ask to see entire wedding galleries, not just stylized photographs or social media highlight reels. By seeing a wedding gallery they’ve shot from start to finish, you’ll get a better idea of how they bring to life the story of a wedding from start to finish.
How experienced are you?
Hiring a wedding photographer without much experience isn’t necessarily a deal breaker, but it is something to consider before making your final choice. Ask about their experience, how many years they’ve been a professional, how many weddings they’ve shot, as well as for any client testimonials or references.
How much are your services and what do they include?
Knowing what is included in the wedding photography package is critical for your wedding budget. Inquire about the specifications of their basic photography package, how much it would cost for extra time and/or shots, and whether there are any hidden fees. Ask them to tell you about the different packages they have and what each includes.
Do you require a deposit?
Most vendors will require a deposit upfront to secure their services. Ask how much the deposit is and whether it’s refundable in the event you need to postpone or cancel the wedding for whatever reason.
Are you familiar with the venue?
It is critical to understand a photographer’s experience and expertise. Inquire whether they have previously worked at your preferred wedding site. A photographer familiar with the location would know the best spots for certain shots, as well as any lighting or technical challenges that need to be addressed ahead of time.
How do you prefer to communicate?
You’ll want all your vendors – not just your photographer – to be easily accessible throughout the wedding planning process to address any concerns or questions you may have. So be sure to ask how they prefer to be reached (ie. email or phone) and how quickly they can respond to any messages.
Will there be a second shooter?
Some photographers always work with an assistant (often referred to as a second shooter), while others make the decision based on the scale of the event. If they don’t typically shoot with an assistant, adding one to your contract will almost certainly cost you more money so be sure to ask ahead of time.
Do you have backup equipment?
Having contingency preparations is critical in the unpredictable world of live events. Inquire about the photographer’s contingency measures in case of an emergency. Do they have backup cameras and lighting equipment? Is there a backup photographer in case they’re sick or unavailable the day of the wedding? Be sure they have a backup plan for every situation.
Do you have insurance?
Checking to see if the photographer has liability insurance is a good idea. Insurance provides a layer of safety for both parties in the unlikely case of an accident or unforeseen circumstances. Inquire about their membership in any professional photography associations, as this can indicate their dedication to industry standards and professionalism.
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