8 Important Questions To Ask Your Wedding Photographer Before Booking

Post Created: 11.01.2021 - Posted in Ideas

So you’re getting married? Congratulations! You’ve met that special someone, fallen in love, gone through some ups and downs, and now decided you’re in it together for the long haul. That’s the easy part sorted, right? Now for the details. But don’t worry! We’re here to help.

Let’s start with something fun: your wedding photographer. Of course, you could just book our photography service, receive amazing photos, and walk off into the sunset. However, it’s still best to know exactly what you are booking.

Here are eight important questions you absolutely must ask your photographer before you book, and why you need to ask them.

Is our wedding date available?

This is definitely the first question you need to ask. And the easiest!

Why am I asking?

Do we even need to answer this? Great wedding photographers can be booked months or even years in advance. If they aren’t available, cross them off the list and move on.

Can I meet the photographer before the big day?

Once you’ve ascertained your dream photographer is available, you’ll want to make sure that you like them! Meeting up with your photographer before your big day is a great way to ensure this.

Why am I asking?

There would be nothing worse than spending the bulk of your special day with a person who just doesn’t get you. You want to know that you’ll feel comfortable with them telling you to smile or tilt your head to the left or right. If you are uncomfortable in front of the camera, an engagement shoot might be something to consider. This is an awesome way to familiarise yourself with being in front of a camera while getting to know your photographer at the same time. It’s also a sneaky way to get to know your good side and perfect the most important photo of the day – your wedding kiss!

Can I see a sample album?

Photographers don’t generally need degrees, but they do need loads of skill and talent.

Why am I asking?

You’ve already checked out their website, but with an investment like this, you’ll want to dig deeper. Viewing completed albums are the best way to ensure you are getting what you want. Not just the photos of the first dance, but the story of the whole day, from dad bursting into tears to sleepy kids being carried to the car. A good wedding photographer isn’t just taking photos, they are telling a story that you’ll want to reread for the rest of your life.

Do you have business insurance?

This is vital, and some venues will actually require this before they allow photographers on-site.

Why am I asking?

Weddings are hectic days and accidents happen. You need to be safe in the knowledge that if expensive camera equipment is damaged, or if Auntie Edna trips over a tripod, you’ll be covered. Public Liability Insurance is what you need to ask for. Read the fine print.

Have you worked at the venue before?

This isn’t a deal-breaker, but it could help if you are choosing between more than one photographer.

Why am I asking?

We’ve already said it, weddings are big, busy events. If your photographer knows the venue and has worked there before, this is going to remove a huge learning curve from the day. They’ll be familiar with the layout, the lighting, and they may even know the staff. They’ll already know the best places to take photos, and best of all, you might even be able to see photos taken at your venue from their previous shoots.

If your photographer doesn’t know the venue, don’t be afraid to ask if they are willing to visit beforehand. A good wedding photographer who is in it for the long haul will recognize the value in this.

Can you send your rate card? What is included in the package?

Many wedding photographers will offer a range of packages and these should be clearly outlined with exactly what you’re getting.

Why am I asking?

Because everyone has a budget. Wedding packages are not cheap, so it’s best to know beforehand what you’ll be getting for your money. Generally what you want to know is how many hours your photographer will be with you on the day, what photos you’ll be getting, and what form you’ll get them in. Photographers will have packages to choose from, so make sure you are getting the right one for you. This is also an area where you can budget; if money is a concern (and when isn’t it?!), consider asking for a package tailored to you. And think about what is really essential. After all, does the wedding album really need to be bound in crocodile leather?

How long before my photos are edited?

You’ve gotten married, you’ve had your honeymoon, and now you want to do it all again! Make sure to ask your photographer for a time frame for when you’ll receive your photos.

Why am I asking?

Because editing takes time. Your photographer will have taken hundreds of photos and will need to sort through them all to find the real gems that tell the story of your perfect day. If you do need some photos a little earlier, you might ask if your photographer can sneak you a pic or two before handing over the whole album.

Do you take special requests?

A great wedding photographer will know what they are doing, so you do want to let them be free to be their creative and professional selves. Having said that, you’ll probably have a few ideas of your own.

Why am I asking?

You’ll already them pictured in your head, but your photographer isn’t a mind reader so don’t assume they know what you want. If there are photos you know you’d like in advance, you definitely need to let your photographer know. Do you want a record of your last moments of singledom? Do you want photos of the happy couple with the family pet? You know what you want, so don’t spring it on your photographer! Make a list and show it to your photographer to ensure you are all on the same page.