You’ve probably heard the saying “the best camera is the one that’s with you.” But when it comes to your wedding photography, this isn’t always true. You or your guests might not be able to capture every moment in a way that matches your vision for your big day. Most couples would hire a professional wedding photographer to make sure they have all the precious moments captured in beautiful photographs. That’s why we decided to put together a list of questions you should ask any potential photographer before hiring them:
What is your general wedding photo style?
In addition to the obvious questions about price and what’s included, it’s important to ask your photographer about their general style of wedding photography. There are many different styles of wedding photography out there and you’ll want to make sure that their approach is something you feel comfortable with. Some photographers may be more artistic in nature while others might be more documentary, focusing on capturing the moment rather than posing or having them feel awkward. It’s also worth asking if they have a speciality—for example, if they photograph weddings at your venue often or if they’re known for shooting destination weddings abroad.
Asking these types of questions will help ensure that both parties are on the same page with what they’re looking to capture during this most special day!
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How do you fit into my budget?
Before you do anything else, you need to figure out how much money you can afford to spend on your wedding. The first thing is to discuss what your needs are with the photographer and then see if they can meet them within your budget. If there are certain elements that are important for you, like high-end equipment, a second shooter or digital copies of all images, be sure to bring those up as well.
How many weddings have you photographed?
Next, ask about the photographer’s experience and how many weddings they have photographed. Wedding photographers with more experience have a better understanding of what to expect on the day of your wedding.
The right photographer should be able to give you a rough estimate of how many weddings they photographed in the last year or so.
For example: If a photographer has photographed only 3 or 4 weddings so far then they may not be ready to shoot your big day because they will lack the necessary experience shooting such an important event.
What type of wedding albums do you provide?
Ask if they provide wedding albums and if you can choose from a variety of styles. You should be able to choose the size, colour and design. You should also have an option to choose between hardcover and soft cover, depending on what you prefer for your wedding album design and style.
Will we receive digital files of all the photos?
Some wedding photographers give you physical prints, but others only offer digital images in an online gallery or USB stick. If you’re looking to do more with your photos (print them at home, order canvases from an online retailer, etc.), knowing whether or not you’ll be able to get a digital file might make a difference for you. Digital files are also a must have if you’re wanting to share your wedding photos online on your social media profiles.
How long have you been a professional photographer?
If they’ve just started that’s not necessarily bad, but it does indicate that they may not have as much experience. If your wedding is in six months and your photographer has only started shooting recently, consider asking about their training process and how many weddings they’ve shot. Do they take any workshops or courses on a regular basis? If so, ask about them—they’ll give you a good idea of whether this person is serious about their work and also willing to invest time in maintaining their skillset.
What do you wear to a wedding?
How will a photographer dress for your wedding? You might be surprised to hear that many photographers don’t actually wear suits or formal attire to weddings. They’ll usually put on something nice and clean-cut, but it’s not required that they wear anything beyond what they’d normally be comfortable in. Some couples will want the photographer to match their wedding theme, while others may ask them not to wear anything too flashy or bright. Before booking a photographer, make sure you’ve discussed what they will wear at your ceremony so there are no surprises!
Do we need to cover your travel costs?
If you are hiring a photographer from another city, you may need to pay for their travel costs. This is usually the case if your wedding is more than two hours away from the photographer’s location. While your photographer should be willing to drive that distance, it’s good to know what the total cost will be before deciding on one.
If you want to include their travel costs in your budget, then make sure that this is stated somewhere as part of their quote or contract. If not, ask them how much they would charge for such a service before making any decisions about hiring them for your wedding photography needs!
Have you got a backup plan if you can’t attend our wedding?
It’s a good idea to discuss the possibility of a backup plan for your wedding photos. While it’s not common for photographers to have an emergency situation arise on their wedding day, it does happen from time to time. You should expect your photographer to be prepared for this and have a back up plan in place in case they are unable to attend your wedding due to illness or unexpected circumstances. Ask if they are a part of a local photographers community and if they can have someone to step up if needed.
It is also recommended to take out wedding insurance. This is an insurance policy that protects you against financial loss caused by accidents and mishaps during the course of planning, organizing and conducting your event.
Can we give you a list of specific photos we like?
If you don’t give the photographer a list of specific photos you’d like, they’ll take all the photos they think are good. This is less likely to happen if you have given them a list of specific photos that you like.
It’s safe to assume that your photographer will know what kind of shots would make for the best wedding album. At the end of the day, they are the ones that had photographed many weddings before. However if you want to be extra sure you might want to consider giving them an idea beforehand.
How long does it take to deliver our wedding photos?
The time it takes to deliver your photos will depend on the photographer. Some photographers can deliver photos within a few weeks, while others may take months. It’s important to know how long it will take to receive your photos so that there are no surprises when you get them back.
You should also bear in mind that it will take longer if you hire a photographer who is busy during the wedding season, which usually runs from late spring through fall.
Talk to your friends who have hired a wedding photographer before making a decision
Talking with people who have had their weddings photographed by a professional is one of the best ways to find out what you should look for in an experienced, knowledgeable and talented wedding photographer. You shouldn’t feel embarrassed or shy about asking these questions because it’s important that you get answers that are right for you and your special day so that everyone involved is happy with the results!
Conclusion
We hope that you had fun reading these questions and learning about some of the most important ones to ask your wedding photographer before making a decision. It’s important to take your time in finding someone who will capture all of your special moments on camera, so don’t rush into anything! If you have any more questions or comments please leave them below and we would love to help out with any advice that we can provide.
