10 Crucial Questions To Ask Wedding A Photographer

by | May 15, 2020 | 0 comments

Unsure What Questions to Ask a Wedding Photographer?

So you want to know what questions to ask a wedding photographer? You’ve started the wedding planning journey, you’ve got your date and venue secured. You know the next step is choosing a photographer. 

You’ve had a look at some websites, you might’ve even chosen a select few you’d like to contact. You want to set up a meeting and get in touch but you have no idea what questions to ask a wedding photographer!

From here you’re not sure what to them to determine which one is the right one to capture your day. 

Couple holding hands during wedding ceremony

10 Questions to Ask a Wedding Photographer

A good photographer should make you feel like they’ve answered all your questions. But you’re unsure what to ask. I completely get it, so stay tuned for my top 10 questions to ask a wedding photographer.

Cute natural image of bride and groom walking away from camera towards the sea

1. Do You Have Insurance?

Okay, so number one on my list of questions to ask your wedding photographer. It’s the one that separates the professionals from the hobbyists.

Insurance. Wedding photographers should have insurance. Not only equipment insurance for their gear, but also public liability insurance. This ensures they’re covered in case of an accident.

Some venues will actually request to see this insurance from your wedding photographer. I’m more than happy to show my insurance certificates to any venues that wish to see it.

2. What Happens If You’re Ill On The Day?

This can be a tough question to ask your wedding photographer, but don’t be scared to. A great photographer will have plans and measures put in place if they can’t cover your day for any reason.
 
It’s worth knowing what that plan and or measure is, in case it were to become a reality. This is an important question to ask a wedding photographer.
 
For example, I have a list of back-up photographers who I can contact if I’m so ill I can’t make your wedding. (I’d have to be pretty ill!)

3. Do we Need to Sign A Contract?

A photography contract is an essential part of booking a wedding photographer. It’s there to protect both of you in case of any disputes.
 
It’s another one that separates the professionals from the hobbyists. And makes sure the service agreed is the service you receive. Read your contract, and ask any questions if you’re unsure of something.

4. What’s Included?

Seems obvious this one doesn’t it? But you want to make sure you know exactly what you’re getting. I’ve heard too many horror stories to skip questions that seem simple!
 
A good photographer will be upfront about what’s included in your package. And should help you choose the best package for you.

5. How Long Does It Take To Receive Our Photos?

The answer to this varies from photographer to photographer. I’ve heard of photographers delivering images anywhere between 2-8 weeks after wedding.
 
It’s worth knowing ahead of time what any lead times might be. So you aren’t left waiting for your precious wedding photographs. My lead time is 4 weeks for your wedding images but 6-8 weeks for wedding albums (once we confirm the design).
Bride and groom walking down the steps while guest throw confetti

6. How Does the Album Design process Work?

If your package includes an album, this is a definite must ask. Not all wedding photographers these days provide albums though. So be sure to consult question four and make sure you know what you’re getting.
 
Again this one varies, but you want to know how it works for you. Some photographers will design your album for you. They’ll choose the images they think best represent your day. While others will let you choose the images and design based off of your choices.
 
I do the latter. There are arguments for both, but you want to be aware of how the process works. And make sure that you’re happy with whatever that may be.

7. Can You Help Us With X?

This is another question which seems a bit weird, doesn’t it? If your photographer is passionate about weddings and there’s something troubling you. Ask them!
 
More often then not they want to help you have the best day. So make the most of their knowledge, because they’ve attended lots of weddings!
 
They’ll often have a list of recommended suppliers they’ve worked with as well. And that might save you a lot of time on Google!

8. Are There Any Extra Costs?

You’ve had this right, when you have your mind set on something and you’re about to checkout. Then VAT gets added, or import tax, or some other fee! Nothing hurts more than being stung by extra fees, so it doesn’t hurt to ask this question.
 
As you can imagine from above, I hate when this happens, and I’m sure you do too. My prices are what they say they are. You may want to add more things (a second shooter for example). But I’m always upfront and the cost is the cost, without any unforeseen extras.

9. How Do we Book?

This question is worth asking if you’re starting the get the feels that this photographer is the one for you. You want to know how you proceed from here! A booking process shouldn’t be over complicated but you’ll want to make sure you know the right steps.
 
For example, I send all my couples a link to a client portal where all their documents live. To book you need to sign a contract and pay a booking fee (25% of their chosen package price.) Which is all done online with their preferred method of payment.
 
The client portal stores their contract and invoice. It tells them when future payments are due, and can be accessed at any point. Super simple, right?

10. Why Do You Photograph Weddings?

This might sound like a strange one, but I’m sure you’re curious! And not only does it give you the chance to get to know them a bit better, you’ll also find out what motivates them.

A great way to make sure you both get on and ensure that they’ll fit into your wedding day.

Bride and Groom share natural moment as they walk towards the camera

Final Tip On Questions To Ask A Wedding Photographer

A good wedding photographer should make you feel at ease and cover most of this organically. But it can’t hurt to be prepared. It pays to feel confident at the end of a meeting that you got all the information you needed. 

Photographing a wedding is about more than great photographs. It’s about being covered professionally, with insurance and contracts. But also getting on with the person you’re going to be spending time with on one of your best days.

You want to feel comfortable and confident knowing you’ll not have amazing photos. But that your day will be more enjoyable AND covered professionally. 

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