20 Questions to Ask Your Potential Wedding Photographer Before You Book

Choosing a wedding photographer for your big day is a huge decision. Remember, not many things from your wedding day last beyond the celebration itself, except your photos. Planning a wedding involves making a lot of decisions, and with so many options, it can sometimes feel overwhelming. The upside is that having many options means you can find a photographer who truly fits your style and vision. It’s perfectly okay—and encouraged—to ask questions when meeting with your potential wedding photographer. Moreover, the more questions you ask, the better you’ll understand if you’ll make the perfect team together. So, If you’re unsure where to start, here are 20 questions to ask your potential wedding photographer:

Questions to ask..

1. Are they available on your date?
2. Ask if you can see a couple recent full wedding galleries from previous weddings they’ve shot.
   (Here you’ll also get to see how they deliver galleries and what you can expect yours would look like from them.)
3. What to expect? How involved do they get? Do they plan a photo timeline, have a shot list?
4. What packages do they offer and what do they include?
5. How much is the retainer to book?
6. Have they ever shot at your venue?
7. Do they work well with videographers, wedding planners, coordinators, etc.?
   (If so, do they have any they recommend?)
8. Do they have backup cameras or equipment? Heaven forbid something were to happen, but if it did, would they be prepared?
9. Do they charge travel?
10. Can you print your photos where you like or do you order prints through them/your gallery?
11. How long after the wedding will your receive your images?
12. Do they have insurance? (some venues require that the photographer has insurance to shoot at their location!)
13. Do they include or recommend a second photographer on the day of the wedding?
    If so, who do they use for a second photographer?
14. Can we request specific shots or poses?
15. How do they take photos? Do they use poses or prompts? Is it more candid or directed?
16. Do they have a backup plan? Someone that can shoot the day if the original photographer is unable? Obviously we don’t want to think of all the worst case scenarios but we want to make sure everyone is prepared incase something were to happen!
17. Can you read the contract?
18. What is their favorite part of a wedding day? What is their favorite thing to capture?
19. How much do you edit or retouch photos?
20. Are they comfortable directing large groups of people? (Or whatever is relevant to your wedding. Are they comfortable hiking for an elopement or being in a more intimate setting, trying to get your family of 40+ people to pose in a group photo, etc.)
    
    

So, never be afraid of asking too many questions. Remember, this is your wedding day, one of the most important days of your life, and you want to make sure it’s captured exactly as you envision it. Because of that, set up a consultation call or meeting with your potential photographer before booking to get to know them better. Don’t blind book! Additionally, make sure you read that contract and are fully comfortable so your vision for your day truly comes to life.