When searching for your wedding photographer, consider asking the following questions to ensure they are the right fit for your big day:
1. Availability: of course, if you have a set date, this should be your first question, before you get too attached! Always ask " is this date currently available?"
2. Experience: How long have you been doing wedding photography? (NOW - please keep in mind, skill does not have everything to do with years. Yes, it can be scary hiring someone newer as a client, but as a photographer, I can tell you, I have seen 2 year photogs out shoot 10 year. so though important, this is not exactly a deal breaker. BUT your photographer being comfortable at weddings is important. The next questions determins on wether or not you will consider moving forward.
3. Portfolio: Can we see a full gallery of a recent wedding you’ve shot, not just highlights? This is incredibly important, in my opinion. Seeing start to finish of the day is going to give you a good idea on what you like and dont like in style, etc.
4. Photography Style: Collect photos on pinterest to see where your heart lies (light and airy / true to color / dark and moody / journalistic ) look these all up and decide what is best for you, then start your search with photographers that specialize in that style. its really important you figure out what you want before you go scouting!
5. Packages and Prices: What packages do you offer, and what is included in each?
6. Second Shooter: Do you have a second shooter? If so, who would it be? NOW this is something I really hope everyone who is searching for a photographer reads. It is completely normal in the wedding world for a photographer to not know yet who our second is going to be. And truly, if you decide your lead photographer, you should trust them enough to make this decision. This does not need to be an added worry on your part. I have set seconds, but it completely common and normal for photographers to reach out to a handful of people they know as they get closer and see who is available. I strongly feel that some poeple on platforms who know nothing about wedding vendors have given this very weird, uneducated list of what to ask your photographer and half of it never pertains to you / nothing you really care about! stick to the core questions that directly pertain to you in ensuring you have someone perfect for your day.
7. Timeline: Will you help us build a timeline for the day of? It's entirely common for your photographer to help you with this and discuss it either with you or your planner to make the day entirely smooth.
8. Editing Process: How long will it take to receive the edited images after the wedding? (average is 4-8 weeks. so when you are asking around, that is completely normal turn around!)
9. Rights and Usage: Will we have rights to the images? Can we print and share them freely?
10. Travel Expenses: Are there any additional travel fees for our venue?
11. Payment and Deposit: What is the payment structure? When is the deposit due, and what is your cancellation policy? (most deposits are due to book, FYI!)
12. Comfort with Couples: How do you handle nervous couples, and what can we do to feel more comfortable in front of the camera?
13. Engagement Session: Do you offer engagement sessions, and if so, is it included in any packages?
14. Backup Plan: What is your backup plan if you’re unable to make it to the wedding due to unforeseen circumstances? (Usually, we have someone appointed to cover that we completely entrust, and we still edit, everyone is different)
15. IMAGES: Is there a limit to the photos you give us? how many images do you average, are they included in the digital gallery or do you charge per image?
These questions can help you gauge the photographer's
