When it comes to booking a wedding photographer, you want to make sure you ask the right questions. After all, it is your wedding photographer will be capturing one of the most important days of your life! So, what should you ask? Keep reading for our top 11 questions to ask when booking a wedding photographer!
We have asked experienced wedding photographer Anna Laska for her top tips when booking yours.
Do you have experience photographing weddings?
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This is perhaps the most obvious, but also the most important question to ask, as you want to make sure your wedding photographer is experienced in capturing all the special moments of your wedding day.
If so, do you have a wedding portfolio for me to see? I would like to see that your style matches the look and feel that we are going for.
When looking at a photographer’s portfolio, you should pay attention to the following:
- Do they use a lot of natural light or flash?
- Do their photos have a warm or cool tone?
- What is the overall feel of their work – candid and relaxed, or more posed and formal?
You want to make sure that you like their style, as this will come across in your wedding photos.
Do you charge a travel fee or any additional fees on top of your normal rates?
If so, what are they and how much are the extra charges? You’ll want to know if the wedding photographer’s quoted price will be fixed or subject to extra charges.
What is your cancelation policy?
Life happens, and sometimes plans change. It’s important to know what the photographer’s policy is in case you need to cancel or reschedule.
Cancelation policies vary from photographer to photographer, but most will require some sort of fee if you cancel within a certain timeframe before the wedding date.
Some photographers may even require a non-refundable deposit in order to secure their services. Be sure to ask about the cancellation policy so that you know what to expect should something come up.
How do you handle group shots?
Group shots are always a bit of a challenge, so it’s important to know how your wedding photographer plans on handling them.
Do they take a “shot list” from you beforehand and run through it as a script for the day?
Do they direct people during the shoot, or do they let everyone do their own thing?
Group shots can be a bit of a juggling act, so it’s good to know how your wedding photographer plans on handling them.
What is your policy on retouching?
Some wedding photographers are very heavy-handed when it comes to retouching, so you want to make sure you’re on the same page.
Do they charge extra to retouch wedding pictures or is this all part of the package?
Do they retouch every photo?
Do they charge extra for extensive retouching?
What is their policy on “Photoshop requests”?
It’s important to know how your photographer feels about retouching, as this can give you a good idea of their overall editing style.
Do you have a second photographer?
A second shooter can be really helpful in getting all the angles covered, so this is something to consider.
Do they charge extra for a second shooter?
If so, how much do they charge?
Not all photographers offer second shooters, so this is something to ask about if it’s something you’re interested in.
What is your turnaround time?
This is important to know so that you can plan accordingly. Some photographers have a quicker turnaround time than others, so this is something to consider if you’re working with a tight timeline.
How long will it take to receive the final edited photos?
Do you offer a “sneak peek” of the wedding photos?
Do you provide all the original digital files? This is something you’ll want to clarify so that there are no surprises later on.
Do you provide all the edited digital files?
Do you offer prints and/or albums?
What is your policy on copyright and reproduction?
Make sure you know what exactly you’re getting when you book a photographer, so that there are no surprises later on.
How do you deliver the final photos? Will they be digital or print?
If digital, will they be delivered via a download link, USB drive, or some other method?
How many photos will you receive?
Do you offer an online gallery?
Do you have insurance?
Do you have liability insurance?
Do you have equipment insurance?
Make sure you ask about this so that you can be covered in case of any accidents.
Do you have any recommendations for wedding vendors?
This is always a good question to ask, as the photographer may have worked with other vendors in the past and can give you some good recommendations. Obviously, you may already have found suppliers for other parts of your wedding but as wedding photographers are involved in just about every part of the big day, they can be an invaluable source of information on wedding cars, wedding caterers, wedding venues, wedding rings etc etc
And finally,
Do you have any advice for couples planning their wedding?
Wedding photographers will typically have been to literally hundreds of weddings and can be the best source of inspiration for things to include in your wedding, or just as important, things you should avoid. The idea of taking your pristine white wedding dress with a 20 foot long train into the middle of a forest for the perfect picture may seem like a good idea, but the reality may prove otherwise.
Asking these questions of a prospective wedding photographer will help you narrow down your search and find the one that’s right for you!
Do some research on at least three or four wedding photographers in your area before making a decision. When you find the one you are happy with, make sure you get a written agreement of all of the things you have discussed including overall costs and timescales as well as making sure the date is set in the diary!
