9 Questions To Ask Your Photographer.
Firstly the photographer is one of the most important elements of your wedding day. These 9 questions to ask your photographer were originally posted by Alicia D’Amore, in the Facebook Group “Wedding Planning Tips, Tricks and To-Do’s”.
I am here to help you ask the right questions when booking a Photographer. First and foremost CHECK OUT THEIR WEBSITE OR SOCIAL MEDIA LINK. You should understand that most links are their best work. They are showing you what they can do. This is not their entirety of work. If their portfolio draws you in then move on to this list of questions.
DO NOT book any photographer without going through this questionnaire FIRST.
1. Are you licensed AND insured?
This should be your #1 question. It should be a huge red flag if the answer to both these questions is “NO”. Any PROFESSIONAL will be insured. Furthermore, some venues will ask for proof of liability insurance from the photographer. If they are not insured they cannot provide services for your wedding at that venue! Do not take the chance of hiring a photographer without insurance AT your wedding!
Also, for backyard and Airbnb weddings, you are protecting the homeowners and guests when a photographer is insured. There are so many hobbyist photographers that might be “cheaper” but, is it really worth the stress, quality, and experience limitations?
2. What packages do you offer? What is your deposit to book our date? and when is the rest due?
Make sure the photographer is within your budget or close to what you want to spend for professional photography. Some photographers request all monies upfront. Further still, some require 50% to book and others require 50% due by a certain date. Also, there are photographers who do a down and then allow payment plans up to a certain point before your wedding.
A high price doesn’t mean they are great, nor does a low price mean they aren’t great. Some photographers would say if they charge under $1000 they can’t be any good. THIS IS NOT TRUE.
However, you do get what you pay for. This is why I suggested you look at their portfolio. If they don’t think they can charge $1000 for a wedding, then they lack the confidence or skill to do a wedding for that price, and that reflects in the photos.
3. Are the photos on your portfolio mainly styled shoots or real weddings?
Firstly, something lots of couples don’t know is that photographers often pump up their web pages with “fake” weddings called “styled shoots”. Why? It keeps web pages fresh, and it gives them a chance to try new poses, lighting, and photography techniques. This is actually a great thing because it means the photographer cares about trying something new things and continuing their education.
However, for example, if all they have on their web page is 2 real weddings and a bunch of styled shoots, then you can not get a fair representation of what YOUR wedding photos will look like.
4. Can you share real weddings that you’ve done?
You can ask if they can share with you at least 3 full galleries or a good mix of weddings, (not just the posed/magazine-worthy photos) they have done within the last 24 months. This needs to be at least 100 photos if it’s mixed “highlights” to show galleries mixed of the ceremony, reception, dances, posed, candid, getting ready, etc.
This question will help you in another way. It will show you how consistent they are and what you can expect. Also, it will show how many pictures they will finally deliver (keep in mind each bride has a different package). Furthermore, it will show you they have done several weddings within the past year (you want a representation of their most recent weddings). Finally, it will show you different types of lighting situations. For instance, indoor vs outdoor situations are very different.
5. What equipment do you use?
Some may argue that this isn’t an important question, but I am here to tell you why it is. Most digital cameras can take great photos. Therefore, with a good lens and knowledge, it’s not really about the camera as much as it is about the capability to shoot in harsh conditions. An entry-level camera can have a limiting ISO (for dark situations/blurry photos in low light) but honestly, the camera itself isn’t the deal breaker.
Most importantly, it’s about the lens. If the photographer shoots with an 18-55 lens, then your photos are just not going to be what you want, I promise. If they only have one lens, then working with your photos might be limited, due to space constraints and the stress of that lens breaking or having an issue. You don’t need to know anything about lenses, just knowing they have more than one lens, is helpful.
Furthermore, if the photographer is in a venue that does not allow flash photography (some churches) then they should have continuous lighting or a camera that works smoothly in dark or harsh conditions. The same applies to outdoor night photography or dark indoor reception facilities with low lighting. All this means, that the photographer must have the right gear to fill in lighting, as needed for those First Dance or Parent Dance photos.
6. How many people are on your team?
Are you very limited on space? A two-photographer team and videographer with an assistant might not be in your best interest, plus you need to feed them all. Will a photographer and video team be shooting at the same time or are they sharing the cameras (Redflag – If so they shouldn’t be charging for the video if they are sharing equipment or using a phone to record – this is not professional)? Is a two-photographer team both male or female, for the “getting ready photos”? This may or may not matter to you, but it is something you have to think about.
A one-photographer team is competent if they are professional. I know plenty of solo wedding photographers who capture all the important things just fine, however most hire a 2nd if they are able to because it’s good to be in two places at the same time.
7. Are they available to meet/zoom call?
This is the only vendor you will be spending ALL DAY with. You need to vibe with them. Also, they need to fit in with your idea of professionalism. Scenario: You have a very conservative family, and your photographer shows up with face tattoos, several face piercings, rainbow hair, and a foul mouth. They could be an amazing photographer but their appearance now alters how your family reacts to photos.
Fundamentally, you may not care but the photos will show how THEY feel. Personality is the biggest thing, not looks! However, keep this in mind when hiring.
I have a cross tattoo on my hand and have personally been asked if I am against same-sex marriage. So, even Christian tattoos can be offensive to some. I had no idea that a cross tattoo could paint me as judgy!
8. What is your turnaround time for delivery?
THIS IS IN YOUR CONTRACT, however, I am asked this after every wedding. So, just ask it from the get-go. The average time is 4-12 weeks for photographers depending on how many weddings/shoots they have stacked up.
9. Is there a contract?
DO NOT hire any vendor without contracts. Ever. This protects you and them. Contracts literally lay it all out. READ YOUR CONTRACT and ask for clarification if you have questions before signing it. It is very important that you understand what you are signing and your rights. If you feel something needs to be added to a contract, you can request it to be added. However, most professional wedding vendor contracts are pretty complete.
Finally, remember this is YOUR day! You want it documented in the best way that fits your vision. Do not settle for someone’s work you don’t like. Check their page mentions and ask for a reference. If they are traveling ask for a reference for someone else they have traveled to. If you want bright and airy then don’t hire someone who primarily does moody. Alternatively, if you want moody/dark romantic don’t hire someone who is bright and true color.
The photographer and DJ can make or break your wedding!
Edited for context. Originally posted by Alicia D’Amore in the Facebook Group “Wedding Planning Tips, Tricks and To-Do’s”.
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