12 Questions to ask before booking your Wedding Photographer.
Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!
So you're making exciting progress in your planning, with the venue secured and a clear vision for your special day, but finding the perfect photographer to capture all the beautiful moments can be a little overwhelming.
Don’t worry - we're here to help.
To get started, take some time to browse different photographers' websites and portfolios. This will give you an idea of the style and quality of their work. Look for someone whose images resonate with you and your partner.
Once you've found a few photographers whose work you love, reach out and set up a meeting. A reputable photographer will want to get to know you and your plans before booking. Consider grabbing a bottle of wine and settling in for a relaxed conversation. It's important to ask the right questions to ensure they are the right fit for you.
Here are a few topics worth bringing up:
1. How do you like to work?
A real simple opener for you! Most photographers will have some information on their website to describe their approach, but this one is a simple one to to break the ice and hear it from the person themselves!
There’s no right answer, so it’s all about finding someone you’ll be comfortable with on the wedding day.
2. Do you have experience shooting weddings in similar venues or locations. If so can I check out a full gallery?
While I think it is helpful to have experience shooting at a particular style of venue, I definitely don’t think it’s essential that your photographer has worked at a specific venue before in order to capture the magic.
By asking for a full gallery you’ll be able to get a more complete idea of the sort of images and moments a photographer looks for, and maybe gain a little more confidence in what you might receive!
3. What equipment do you use, and do you have backup equipment in case of failure?
The question here is really about using professional gear with failsafes incase something goes wrong. For example, most professional grade digital cameras shoot to two cards right now which is amazing incase a card corrupts! Equally, if you’re looking for drone shots, or underwater images then ask at the start to avoid disappointment down the line.
All the major brands are amazing right now, so unless you’re an proper expert then it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to tell the difference in the final product! If you like their portfolio, then that’s probably a good indication that the gear is fine!
4. How do you handle unexpected issues, such as weather or lighting problems?
Another question to gauge experience in the role and give some confidence. Again - there’s no right answer, but there should be an answer.
Depending on their style, most photographers will play it by ear and work out a way to get the job done.
5. Do you work with a second shooter or assistant, and what is their experience?
I often work with Abigail, and we’re usually together on all our first meet and greet calls, so this is usually covered. But if having extra coverage is important to you then bring it up and ask about the experience of the second photographer!
Many photographers starting out in the field will ‘second shoot’ for a while to build portfolio, but it can be good to know that your primary photographer has checked out their work in advance and knows they’ll be capable on your day.
6. How many hours of coverage are included in your packages, and can we add more if needed?
We would always recommend a more flexible coverage since weddings don't always follow a strict schedule. But if your budget doesn’t stretch to full day coverages, or if your photographer has timed packages, then you can ask about how they handle unexpected overruns and what additional coverage options are available.
7. Do you have liability insurance, and what happens if you can’t make it?
Similar to question 3… Anyone worth their salt should 100% be operating with appropriate liability insurances. and should have processes in place to handle worst-case scenario situations.
Whether its having a list of associates that can jump in if needed, or detailing how they handle compensation. If they’re operating professionally then these should be simple questions to answer!
8. What is your pricing and payment schedule?
Most photographers require a deposit upfront and full payment prior to the wedding day. For example: we charge 20% of the final package on booking, and full payment 28 days before the wedding.
Payment schedules can vary, so make sure to clarify when and how much you'll need to pay so you can plan it into your budget!
9. How do you deliver photos to your clients, and what is the turnaround time?
Photographers should be able to provide digital galleries for easy viewing and sharing. You can ask about turnaround times and how to access or print your images after delivery.
It’s also worth asking about image rights, watermarks, and any hidden fees after the wedding for things like downloads, prints, albums etc.
10. Can I request certain shots or poses to be captured?
Many photographers tend to avoid specific shot lists or poses as we aim to capture the unique vibe of the day. So don’t be surprised if you get some gentle pushback on this question.
At the same time, we’re also all wedding photographers so most will be happy taking formal pictures, group shots, or focusing on particular moments.
Ask about how they go about organising these images, and how much time might need to be put aside in order to get them.
11. Do you edit the photos yourself, and how do you ensure a consistent editing style throughout the wedding day?
Editing is a crucial part of the photography process and can make a big difference in the final product.
It’s worthwhile asking about the process, and whether it is outsourced to either AI or another individual. We’ve had a little play around with AI assistance, but just feel it doesn’t have that personal touch when it comes to picking certain images, or inputing a creative flair to the final gallery.
Your mileage might vary!!
12. Do you offer engagement or pre-wedding shoots?
If you don’t have many pictures of yourselves, or you’re particularly uncomfortable in front of a camera then having a pre-wedding shoot can be an fun and valuable experience.
Most photographers will be happy to offer one, but it can be worth asking about timings, availability during the wedding season, and pricing/cancellation due to bad weather.
Remember, your wedding day should be unique, and it should be captured on its own merits.
The most important things to do is to find a photographer whose style and approach align with your vision for the day. If you’d like to read a little more about how we would answer the questions above then check out our approach page for a few FAQs.
Alternatively - drop us a line and chat with us about your plans.
We’d love to hear from you!
Archie and Abigail