important questions to ask your wedding photographer
Important Questions to ask your Wedding Photographer
Over the past 5 years, I have met with some wonderful brides and grooms regarding wedding day services. Some are certain and others are in the "looking around" phase. We sit down and chat...and at some point I ask "what questions do you have for me?" I have had some with a notepad in hand, ready to ask their burning questions...while others are not sure what to ask.
So you may be looking for a wedding photographer. Perhaps you have found the perfect one, you love their style, you have followed them on Instagram and looked through many pictures and blog posts of their weddings. You have even confirmed that they are available on your date! What's the next step?
Well here are a few things questions to ask (ones I get and ones I wished I asked mine) before booking. Getting these questions answered will ensure you know exactly what to expect and avoid any hidden surprises (except for the good ones, of course). If you are still looking, feel free to download the "Important Questions Checklist" by clicking here and take it with you when you meet any photographer. If you have a photographer booked, hopefully they have covered most of this, but just incase they haven’t, here are a few things to think ask.
Important Questions to Ask your Wedding Photographer
1. Have you ever shot at the venue I will be using?
By no means is it bad if they say they haven't. There are plenty of venues that I have been to...but plenty I haven't. If they have shot at your venue, then they may have prints, canvases or even a wedding album they can show you of photos taken there. This will give you an idea of the style of photos you will have. I have had couples ask to see some digital galleries from weddings I have done at their location. I can quickly take them to the JB Favorites or my blog to show them their venue. If I haven't been there, I most likely will go and check it out ahead of time (unless I would have to fly to get there...if that is the case, I would arrive super early to check it out:).
2. Do you shoot with a second shooter? If you have a team of shooters, will you be one of the shooters at my wedding?
I have spoken with photographers that may have a team of 7-10 photographers contracted under one main person. If you are expecting the main photographer, be sure to ask. I make sure my clients know that I will be there and one of two second shooters I work with and trust.
3. How comfortable are you with low lighting during receptions, in churches, or getting ready areas.
This is a big one in my book! There are many locations that have low lighting. I have shot in dark cathedrals, barns with minimal window, basements, etc. It is important to feel confident that your photographer can capture the images you love, even if the lighting isn't optimal. Does their camera work well in low lighting...if not, there may be lots of grain or noise in your images.
Now I LOVE natural light! AH! That glow! That romantic feel! But I have learned to love the light I can bring in order to create the light and airy, the beautiful and back light, and to capture all of the moments using off camera flash. When light isn't there, we bring the light!
4. How many hours are included in your package? Can I add more if needed?
You may not be certain of the number of hours needed. I often talk through this with my clients and let them know they can adjust any package. It's important to make sure you are getting everything captured that you want. Ask the photographer if they have any recommendations or what is the typical amount of hours covered. I have captured the fully day to include 3 hours of dancing and other times, we have done a faux exit so more people can participate in the send off (then go back and dance the night away).
5. Can I request certain images to be taken?
If you want any particular shots, be sure to ask. Have a shot list well in advance of the wedding day. It does not have to be an all encompassing list, your photographer has years of experience and is full of creativity. Just be sure to make a list of the special shots and family pictures that you need.
6. How many digital images come with the packages?
Throughout the course of a day, a photographer could take over a 2000 images (plus the images from the second shooter). From there, your photographer will sort through, edit, and deliver the best images. So it's important to find out how many you should expect to receive once edited. I average at least 100 high quality images per hour of photography. If there are more that I edit, I will deliver those as well. So for 8 hours of coverage, my clients will receive a minimum of 800 edited and high resolution images.
7. How long until I receive the final edited images?
So the day has finally come...and then in the blink of an eye, it is over and you and your husband are off to an amazing destination on your honeymoon. Well that is when the magic happens...yes there will be plenty of honeymoon magic...but I am talking more about what the photographer does once the wedding day is over. This is when much of the work is done. They will take thousands of photos of your day, choose the best images, and get to editing. Some will be removed (no one needs to see aunt Laura with her mouth full of cake). You will be given the best photos that tell the perfect story of your wedding day. Depending on the photographer, this can take anywhere between 2-8 weeks. Ask your photographer. They will usually tell you a range depending on the season you are getting married in and the number of weddings they have. I tell my clients to expect their images in 2-4 weeks and edit all images myself (even my second shooter's).
8. How will I receive my images?
Is it through a link where you can download them? Is it a USB? When you hire your wedding photographer, they should explain the process for image delivery. Are they high resolution images or web sized (please make sure they are high resolution)? If it is an on-line gallery, can others view it as well? Do you have to order prints through them or do you have print rights? I keep all of my galleries on a host call Pass Plus. They guarantee storage for up to 10 years...I tell my clients to consider it their own cloud storage. I also emphasize to download them shortly after getting the link just in case...I also keep copies of all my weddings in my safe at home (LOL!).
9. Do you offer albums?
If so, ask to see one to make sure you are happy with it, if not then is there something they recommend. If you have agreed for your photographer to put an album together for you ask to view a completed album, ensure you are happy with the quality of albums they are using and the way the photos are presented.
10. What happens if you are ill, or there is an emergency?
Having a back up plan is oh so important. So feel free to ask your photographer if they have one. Experienced photographers will have a plan. I have a group of photographers I trust in the event of an emergency. So for peace-of-mind, it's a good question to ask.
11. May I have a list of references?
Get in touch with other couples that have used this photographer to make sure they were happy with their photos, the photographer on the day, our website has a review section on their profile page where you can read feedback and quotes from couples.
12. How much of a deposit do you require and when is it due?
Find out the payment terms and how much you require to pay to book them. Wedding photographers can be booked up to 2 years in advance, so ensure you get your photographer booked as soon as you can.
Remember that anyone you choose for your wedding day should be able to answer your questions and you should feel good about their answers. You should feel confident in their work, comfortable with them personally, and trust they will capture the biggest day of your life. If you love their work and feel comfortable with them, then get them booked!
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Jennifer Beeman
Jennifer B. Photography.
Wedding and Portrait Photographer of the Carolinas