Questions to ask a photographer?

Have you already hired this photographer?

Have they worked at your venue? What packages do they offer? How do they take payment? Can you read through a contract? Do they offer a second shooter? Do they offer prints or a print release? Do they include engagement photos? Do they charge for travel?

Ask about how they work with camera shy brides/grooms to make them relax on camera.

Ask about their process, how they approach the day and capturing the story / big moments.

Ask to see a full wedding (the end product they delivered to a couple not just a highlight real).

Ask about the logisitcs: what does the contract cover, what happens if the photographer can't make it to the wedding for some reasons (what are considered acceptable reasons), how long will it take to get photos back, who owns the final photos, how are you allowed to use the photos/how are they allowed to use the photos (ex. We adjusted our contract so they can only post pictures of me and FH on their promo pages do to some of my family’s privacy concerns/beliefs).

Agreed with all of the above. Depending on the number of hours in your package, I also suggest asking if a vendor meal is included in the contract (that’s pretty standard). I would also ask whether they have requirements around scheduled breaks throughout the wedding, and if there’s a second shooter, how do they work those breaks into the overall timeline (i.e. switching off during dinner).

Also, depending on the type of packages they offer, you could ask how flexible they are with mixing and matching certain options to reach a price point you’re looking for (e.g. adjusting the # of hours for the second shooter, negotiating add-ons like wedding album or prints, etc.). Good luck!

1. Do you have my date available? NOTE:Obviously, if the answer is NO and you're not willing or able to change your date, don't bother asking the rest of these questions.
2. How far in advance do I need to book with you?
3. How long have you been in business?
4. How many weddings have you shot? Have you done many that were similar to mine in size and style?
5. How would you describe your photography style (e.g. traditional, photojournalistic, creative)? NOTE: It's helpful to know the differences between wedding photography styles so that you can discuss your preferences with your photographer. For descriptions of the various styles, click here.
6. How would you describe your working style? NOTE: The answer should help you determine whether this is a photographer who blends into the background and shoots what unfolds naturally, or creates a more visible presence by taking charge and choreographing shots.
7. What do you think distinguishes your work from that of other photographers?
8. Do you have a portfolio I can review? Are all of the images yours, and is the work recent?
9. What type of equipment do you use?
10. Are you shooting in digital or film format or both? NOTE: The general consensus seems to be that either format yields excellent photos in the hands of an experienced professional, and that most people can't tell the difference between film and digital images anyway. However, film takes longer to process than digital.
11. Do you shoot in color and black & white? Infrared? NOTE: Photographers who shoot in a digital format can make black & white or sepia versions of color photos.
12. Can I give you a list of specific shots we would like?
13. Can you put together a slideshow of the engagement session (along with other photos the couple provides) and show it during the cocktail hour? What about an "instant" slideshow of the ceremony?
14. What information do you need from me before the wedding day?
15. Have you ever worked with my florist? DJ? Coordinator, etc.? NOTE: Great working relationships between vendors can make things go more smoothly. It's especially helpful if your videographer and photographer work well together.
16. May I have a list of references? NOTE:The photographer should not hesitate to provide this.

Here was our list of questions:

• Food - will we need to have our caterer provide a meal for you?
• Editing - do you edit the photos? All of them? Is there an extra fee for editing?
• Timeline - when to arrive, leave, how long does it take them to do (1) family photos (2) bridal party photos (3) bride groom portraits
• Specific shots - can you request specific shots if you want them?
• What happens if photographer is sick? Do they send a replacement? Who will it be?
• Form of media photos come in
• Will you have the full rights to the photos?
• When/how do you pay?
• Is there a travel fee?

This is all.super helpful I'm following! Photographer is the last big thing I need to find right now.

Whats included? Don’t just look at total price, what’s included in that price? Our photographer seemed like the most expensive, but really we got waaaayyy more ($1000 custom album credit, metal print wall hanging? Engagement shoot, second shooter) with her. I do wish I’d asked her how she utilized her second shooter. I thought they would divide and conquer, but she used her more as an assistant and it affected the flow a bit.