Photographer

How many hours are included?
one photographer or two?

Do you get all digital copies and the rights to all photos, engagement shoot included or extra, do you have a professional portfolio to review, have you shot our venue before (to know how to shoot in the lighting - particular If it’s dark or you’re planning different up lighting), agree with 1 or 2 shooters (2 was very important to me), what are your packages or do you price things al la cart?

Also how long will it take to get your photos back after the wedding

Definitely ask how many hours and number of photographers. Also, ask what their backup plan is if for whatever reason one of the photographers can’t make it.

Ask if they give any directions for posing/portraits or not! As an example, our photographer took ALL of the guys' pre-ceremony portraits in a parking lot beside our rental car bc that's just where they happened to be standing! (instead of asking them to move over a few feet to have the ocean, marina, boats, and beautiful sunrise in the background). Some photographers pride themselves on "honest photography" so they will not give any direction. The background can really make or break a photo.

I feel like most of my make or breaks were decided without having to ask. Their previous work had to be my vision which I could see before I even inquired. After I inquired, if it took them more than a week to respond I was over it. I wanted someone that was dependable and easy to reach. After that, pricing based on time was important because I knew I wanted photos from the beginning of the day getting ready, to the end of the day at the grand exit.

Make sure to ask if they have backup equipment and how the images are backed up. If they have ever been to your venue before. Photographers that have will know where to get the best shots. Also as how they will be dressed. If you have a formal wedding you don't want him showing up in shorts and a T-shirt.

Hey Melissa! This WeddingWire has some great suggestion of questions to ask a photographer - 14 Questions Every Couple Must Ask a Wedding Photographer.

Do you have an upcoming meeitng with a photographer? Or are you still on the hunt for one you like?

View Quoted Comment I’m still on the hunt, I feel overwhelmed because I’ve been in contact with so may that they’re all running together and I’m mixing everything up

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I totally get you. Have you considered using the WeddingWire vendor manager, and reaching out to them via WeddingWire so you can manage all the responses in app? You can also favorite anyone you like or have already reached out to. This may help streamline the communication for you

Budget and more importantly their quality and style. Also what's in the package. I would ask to look at their most recent work they've done at a wedding (not just social media where they pick and choose). As some mentioned above, see what their rules are on your rights for the prints, how many edited photos, etc.

View Quoted Comment I have contacted several vendors but I had no idea you could favorite them I have pages so it’s been hard to try and go back and find them. Thank for the tip!

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It's no problem. That should help you keep a better track on them all

Do you have a photography style in mind for your wedding photos?

View Quoted Comment No I actually didn’t really know of different styles. I do know I want candid shots as well as a photographer who has an eye for good surroundings and will give me direction and not only let me do what I think would look good

View Quoted Comment 100% agree on the response time. I didn’t hire a single vendor that didn’t get back to me immediately. If they’re hard to get ahold of when they’re trying to win your business, you’ll never get ahold of them once they have it.