The key to finding a wedding service provider you like is hunting for it. Interview them before signing the contract. This is especially true of a photographer. You’ll be spending most of the day with the photographer of your choice, so in addition to liking their style, an in-person or phone interview is a great way to ensure that you’ll be pleased with the results. They are on the side.
The first step in selecting a wedding photographer is to create a shortlist. Fortunately, we have some simple guidelines you can use to help you choose your photographer, as well as a list of questions to ask them.
The next step is to arrange a few meetings so you can explain your needs, learn more about their work, and assess whether you click with them. We’ve created detailed questions to ask your wedding photographer to ensure they’re the appropriate fit before you hire them as a service.
Some photographers always work with assistants, while others determine if they need an assistant based on the size of your event. While they don’t always work with assistants, adding a second assistant or photographer to your contract will most likely incur additional costs.
The photographer will be with you for more than eight hours on one of the most important days of your life, so how well you get along with them and communicate with them is crucial. In your initial encounter with the photographer, personality is just as important as technical proficiency.
Not sure where to start when interviewing your chosen wedding photographer? We’ve put together a list of questions to ask your photographer to help narrow down your options regarding everything you need to know.
Basic Questions:
Here are questions that you ask your wedding photographer:
How long have you been photographing weddings?
Weddings are a very frantic and stressful occasion. To capture all the conventional images and candid moments you’ll want to see while getting ready, the ceremony, reception, wedding food, cake cutting, and more, a photographer must have experience shooting weddings. A photographer who has been doing it for a few years will know exactly where to be and when because it truly is a non-stop event.
Although you can still select a photographer fresh to the wedding industry, remember that you get what you pay for in this industry.
How many weddings have you photographed?
This can assist you in determining whether it’s part-time employment or their primary source of income. Don’t discount a photographer just because they don’t do photography full-time, but do keep in mind that editing photos take time, so you might not get your images back as quickly, or they might not be as well-retouched as you’d want.
However, because of their great demand, an experienced photographer may be pickier about the weddings they picture. You may tell this by asking how long they’ve been in the field.
Is my wedding date available?
You think it is an obvious question, but photographers can be booked 12-18 months in advance. Ask your original request email if the date is available and double-check that someone has already booked it. Check with them how far you need to secure them with a deposit.
Can we see the complete gallery of some of your recent weddings?
You’ll get an idea of their style by looking at the portfolio on their website, but this will only be a snapshot. You’ll want to browse through the entire album to see if you like a photographer’s work. This will tell you if they captured the day’s story, if you liked the way they shot in different lighting conditions, and if they matched their quality and style. You’ll want the albums to be recent and see photos taken by your photographer, not someone from the same agency as them or a second photographer.
Ask yourself: Is the composition in all the photos correct? Did they take important pictures like when you first saw each other and your parent’s faces as you walked down the aisle? Do the images show the correct details, e.g. are the faces clear and the background not too distracting? Are the pictures flattering? Does everyone seem comfortable? Is there a good mix of group shots with portraits and occasional shots?
Have you ever taken wedding photos at our ceremony and party locations?
Again, not a deal breaker, but if a photographer has worked at your venue before, they’ll have experience with the lighting and the venue layout. They’ll already have scouted out where to take you off for your couple photos and the best spots to take pictures when the night draws in. Even better, you’ll be able to see a whole album’s worth of images they’ve taken there before!
Your photographer should be willing to visit the venue beforehand if they haven’t shot there before. Your venue coordinator can arrange this with them.
Have you worked with our planner before? Cameraman?
This is essential if you don’t have a second shooter. An extensive guest list means the action will be spread across multiple locations, and your photographer will need experience navigating significant events, organizing groups of people, and tracking the activity.
Likewise, if you’re just a party of 20, you’ll need a photographer who understands that they must be subtle and social, or they could disrupt the wedding dynamic.
How would you describe your photography style?
There are three main types of photography styles that you can learn about in our photography glossary. In short, it’s reporting, frankly, and telling the story of your day; traditional, with a focus on formal, pose and vintage group shots; and contemporary, more fashionable and editorial.
Ask your photographer to show you his favorite wedding photos, and you will understand his vision and style.
Can I talk to previous clients?
Any good photographer will be happy to connect you with past clients, knowing they will get great feedback on their work! If they try to stop you from talking to previous customer couples, or if the testimonials on their website don’t match the reviews on other sites, beware.
Can I give you a list of specific photos we want?
A photo list is a list a couple gives their photographer with specific photos they need to take, such as a unique photo with your grandma and grandpa. Most photographers should accept this without issue but don’t expect too much, or it can take time to capture the authentic moments of the day. If a photographer declines, the date may depend more on their vision than yours.
Do you offer interactive sessions as part of your package?
Interactive photography is a great way to get comfortable in front of the camera and get to know your photographer. You will get used to being guided and perfecting your winning smile. If an interactive session is not included in your plan, you should negotiate a session or pay extra for one.
Additional Questions:
- Are you planning on checking the premises first?
- How often do you shoot weddings of a similar size and style to what we are planning?
- How many other weddings will you shoot this weekend?
- Will you be assistant you on our wedding day?
- What would you compare your work to?
- Do you prefer to be in the background to capture authentic moments, or do you like to appear more and be in charge of the choreography?
- Do you shoot digital movies? With the cinema? Or both?
- What’s included in your standard package?
- What add-ons does the more expensive plan include?
- Can I customize the plan to suit my needs?
- Do you include engagement photos in your package?
- What about pre-wedding events like bridal showers etc?
- How many hours are included in each package?
- How much does overtime cost?
- Do you offer a photo booth?
- Do you offer retouching, colour correction or other re enhancing sservices?
- Are they included, or are there additional fees?
- Do you charge a travel fee? For what distance? What does this include?
- Can we order prints or albums directly from you?
- What kind of albums do you offer?
- Can you help with photo selection and album design?
- Are albums or prints included in your package?
- How many pages or impressions are included, and what is the turnaround time?
- How long after the wedding will we receive the pictures?
- Do we receive high-resolution digital negatives and images? Is there a fee for this? Are images accessible online? In how long?
- When will we receive the contract?
- How much deposit do you need? Because when is it due?
- Do you accept payments at establishments?
- What is your refund or cancellation policy?
- Do you have liability insurance?
- Does this also include your assistants?
- Do you carry emergency equipment?
- What’s the backup plan if you can’t shoot my wedding for some unexpected reason?
- How will you and your assistants dress?
- Can we ask for a list of specific plans we want?
- Will you post information about our wedding on your website and social media?
- Do you submit our photos to magazines or blogs?
- Will you be my wedding photographer? If not, can I meet the photographer who will be there?
Eventia 360 Event Planners is a versatile event management company. We are providing not only event management but also photography and decoration as well. Book your upcoming events with us to make them memorable.
