You should always conduct extensive research before narrowing it down to a few wedding photographers you adore. In order to determine whether a wedding photographer will be a good fit for your wedding, you will then move on to the interview phase. We recently sat down with a photographer to talk about questions couples should ask before signing a photo contract. Here are the questions to ask your photographer which will ensure you find the perfect one.
Are you available on our wedding date?
Before you start asking questions, find out if the photographer is available on your wedding day. This will save you time and prevent disappointment if they are already booked. Experienced photographers are in high demand, they may be more selective with their weddings, so you may need to consider being flexible with your wedding date if the photographer you love only shoots a limited number of weddings per year.
How long have you been a wedding photographer?
You can be certain that your memories are being properly preserved when working with skilled photographers. They possess the expertise and skills necessary to take the best pictures, guaranteeing that every moment is documented in the most favorable light. You can unwind and savor your special moments knowing that they are being expertly captured thanks to their expertise. It is important to know how many weddings they’ve shot as a lead photographer, as well as how many total years of experience they have under their belt.
Now, I’m not saying you shouldn’t pick a photographer who is still fairly new; however, it’s important to keep in mind that experience is extremely valuable and that you pay for what you get.
Can we see a full wedding gallery?
Pictures, as they say, speak louder than words. You should request to see the wedding photographer’s previous work in addition to hearing about their experience and client testimonials.
Instagram feeds and websites usually only show the best of the best shots they have. This can create a false sense of reality and can lead to feelings of inadequacy or comparison. It’s important to remember that what is shown online is often curated and edited, and not a complete representation of someone’s work.
You should browse an entire album of a photographer’s work to determine whether you truly like their style. Then, ask yourself, are you really happy with the photographs you see in front of you rather than just the ones you see on their website?
Do you have a backup plan?
If something unexpected occurs and the wedding photographer is unable to photograph your wedding, it’s comforting to know that they have a backup plan in place. Having a backup plan can give you peace of mind and ensure that your special day is captured even in unexpected circumstances. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to important events like weddings.
The same goes for photography logistics and backup equipment. Having a well-organized photography logistics plan and backup equipment is crucial for any photographer, as it ensures that they are prepared for any unexpected situations that may arise during a shoot. Additionally, having backup equipment can save the day in case of any technical malfunctions or failures. Even with the best-laid plans, getting wedding insurance is always advised to cover any unforeseen mishaps.
What are included in your wedding packages?
It is essential to discuss pricing and package options. This will help you determine the best value for your budget and ensure that you are getting the services and features that meet your needs. Additionally, it can also provide an opportunity to negotiate and customize a package that fits your specific requirements.
Make sure you talk it over with the photographer so you understand what’s involved as wedding photography pricing and packages will vary from photographer to photographer for a variety of reasons.
Most wedding photographers will provide various packages that include a set number of hours, engagement photos, a second photographer, prints, and albums. It’s important to carefully review each package and make sure it meets your specific needs and budget. Don’t be afraid to ask for customization or negotiate pricing.
What is your cancellation and/or refund policy?
Even though none of us like to consider the worst-case scenario, it is prudent to prepare for it, so find out what would happen if you had to break your contract with your wedding photographer. How much advance notice is required? If you cancel, will you forfeit your deposit? If you reschedule, will you lose it? It depends on the cancellation policy of the company or service provider. Some may allow you to reschedule without losing your deposit, while others may require you to forfeit it if you cancel or reschedule within a certain time-frame. It is best to review the specific policy regarding your deposit before making any changes to your reservation.
How long until we receive our photos?
After the wedding, the anticipation of seeing your wedding photos grows. Before sending you all of the photos from your wedding, the photographer will probably take their time editing them. This process can take a few weeks or even months depending on the photographer’s workload. However, it’s worth the wait to have beautifully edited photos that capture your special day.
Remember that if you order a physical printed album, the time-frames will increase significantly, up to three months in some cases, but you will most likely receive soft copies of the images before that. Please note that the delivery time-frames may also depend on your location and the shipping method you choose. Additionally, keep in mind that the quality of the printed album may vary depending on the resolution and quality of the original images.
Ask in what format you will receive the final files as well. Will it be on a disk, flash drive, a sizable download, all of them? Additionally, it is important to clarify if there are any additional costs associated with receiving the files in a certain format.
Can we share the photos online?
Check your contract to make sure you can share your images online. Some good etiquette when sharing photos includes crediting or tagging your photographer where appropriate; they will love you forever for doing that.
Happy Planning!
