What to Ask a Wedding Photographer?

Choosing a photographer for your wedding day can be stressful. We suggest First, figure out how much you can afford to spend on a wedding photographer before you start looking. With your shortlist of prospective wedding photographers in hand, it’s time to bring up the following set of questions and see if you click with each individual.

We can’t stress the significance of this enough; it’s almost as vital as their technical abilities as filmmakers. You’ll be spending the entirety of your wedding day with this individual; if you feel comfortable around them, you’ll have a better time and they’ll be able to capture that in their photos.

The secret to locating reliable wedding service providers? Conducting an interview before finalising a deal. That holds truer than usual for a photographer. Aside from being a fan of the photographer’s aesthetic, an in-person or over-the-phone interview is a wonderful approach to ensure that you’ll be comfortable spending nearly the whole day with them.

Feeling lost as to how to initiate the interview process with your prospective wedding photographer? For your convenience, we have included a list of questions to ask your photographer that should help you limit down your search.

Availability

• Is the date I want to get married free?
• Are you going to be the one to take pictures during my wedding? If not, is there a chance we may meet the photographer there?
• Can you tell me how many more weddings you have scheduled for that weekend?
• On our big day, will you be accompanied by any helpers?
• While some photographers will always have an assistance on hand, others may evaluate the scale of your event and decide whether or not they will require one. If they don’t routinely employ one, adding a second shooter to your contract will probably cost you more money.

Verifying

• For what length of time have you been a wedding photographer? Have you photographed a lot of weddings?
• Have you shot many weddings like the one we’re planning?
• If you have recently photographed a wedding, would you mind sharing the full photo galleries with us?
• How about shooting a wedding at one of our reception halls? Do you plan on checking out the media in advance?
• Is our planner anything you’ve ever used before? Videographer? Florist? DJ?

Style

• What would you say defines your approach to photography? In what ways are you similar to / different from / what else do you see out
• In what way would you say that you work best? To get those perfect candid shots, do you want to stay out of the way and out of sight, or do you prefer to be front and centre and in charge?
• Do you use a digital camera? Through the use of film? Maybe both?

Prices and Bundles

• What exactly does your base plan consist of? What extras might we expect to see in the more priced plans?
• Is it possible to tailor a plan to my specific requirements?
• Do your packages consist of engagement shoots? Do you have any plans for the pre-wedding celebrations, such the rehearsal dinner?
• What is the breakdown of time for each plan? To what extent do overtime charges apply?
• I was wondering whether you had a picture booth that guests could use.
• Do you edit photos, fix colours, or give any other fixes? If not, how much do you charge for them?
• I was wondering whether there was a price for mileage. To what extent? When does that kick in?

Photographers typically have a minimum travel cost outside of a certain radius. If your shoot is going to take place more than a reasonable distance from their home, you may have to cover their hotel costs as well.

Albums and prints

• Is it possible to purchase prints or albums from you?
• To begin, please describe the albums that you carry. Do you help choose out pictures and create the album layout?
• Do you offer photo albums or prints with your packages? What is the turnaround time, and how many pages/prints are included?
• After the wedding, how long will it be before we get the photos? Just how shall we receive them?
• Are we guaranteed ownership of the photographs?
• Will we get to keep the originals and a high-resolution digital copy? I was wondering whether there was going to be a cost involved.
• Will there be a way to view the photos online? How much longer will this go on?

Logistics

• The contract is due as soon as possible.
• What is the required down payment amount? As of what date must it be paid?
• Can I make a down payment and then make monthly instalments?
• Can I get a refund if I change my mind?
• Can I check if you have insurance covering potential lawsuits? Would your helpers be included as well?
• Do you have a backup system on hand?
• If for whatever reason you are unable to photograph my wedding, what contingency plans do you have in place?
• I was wondering what sort of attire you and your helpers would be wearing.
• Is it possible to submit a list of desired shots?
• Do you plan to write about our wedding on your website and social media? Do you plan on sending our pictures to periodicals or online journals?

Essential Questions to Ask Wedding Photographers Before You Book

How many genres do you play?

The answer to this question may be the most important one to ask when hiring a wedding photographer. Most photographers use a range of techniques, but if you particularly value portraiture, be sure to ask if they offer it. You wouldn’t commision a Monet to create a Picasso, would you? The best results can be expected if you follow the photographer’s prefered shooting style (the one in which they have the most experience).

Photos retouched and color-balanced? Are the Proofs Ready?

Your curiosity stems from the fact that some photographers will touch up all of your shots, while others will offer you updated proofs and only edit the photos you specifically request them to fix.

Do you shoot films in colour and black-and-white?

To answer your question, most modern photographers will use a combination of colour and black & white. If you enquire what kind of equilibrium they often opt for, you can get a feel for their taste and how your album might turn out.

What’s in the packages?

Comparing prices, make sure to ask if optional extras like engagement shoots and photo books are included. All of these factors have the potential to dramatically affect overall expenditures. Your album’s exclusion isn’t a dealbreaker, but you should compare equivalents to ensure you’re getting the best deal. Make sure you enquire about the price of film and any associated processing fees if your shooter plans to utilise film. Our comprehensive directory of Melbourne wedding photographers is at your disposal.

What’s our coverage? Who pays overtime?

If you know how much overtime will set you back, you can adjust their schedules accordingly. You might want to have the photographer leave before the last dance rather than in the middle of it if the hourly rate is high. To avoid the higher hourly overtime rate in the future, you could also pay a bit more up front for a longer service plan.

Are You My Photographer or an Associate?

You probably want to be sure that Bruce from Bruce Photography won’t be the one capturing your pictures. Bruce’s business partner Frank is not necessarily inferior, but you should evaluate him in person (and through photographs) before making any commitments.

Have You Got a Team of Photographers Standing By?

Because of this, you should find out if the company you’re thinking about has a dedicated photography staff. But if it’s just you and the gunman, make sure they have backup.

Is there a second cameraperson or any other helpers on set? Why it’s important to know: Having a second photographer means more shots of more important moments and more photos overall. However, additional fees could apply.

Do You Have a Preference for Album Printing Paper?

The correct answer is archival-quality, acid-free paper because it will last much longer.

Is It Expected That You Bring In Your Own Light Fixtures?

The reason this is important is twofold: first, you’ll want to know if you need to offer more lighting, and second, you’ll want to make sure the equipment they bring isn’t going to get in the way of the event.

How Will You Dress?

The reason you’re inquiring: Your photographer will be able to better capture the essence of the wedding if you discuss the attire of the bridal party in advance. Most people prefer to disappear into their surroundings.

Can We See a Full Wedding Gallery?

After viewing the full collection, you will know exactly what to expect from your photos and if they are a suitable fit for you, therefore this is the most crucial question you could ask! For instance, if you want to capture the joy and spontaneity of the day as it unfolds, you should look for a photographer whose portfolio features many photographs of smiles and guffaws.

How do you pose?

You can see their posing style for yourself on their website, so instead, enquire about their posing procedure. You can tell a lot about the amount of posing and guidance they give by answering this free-form question. If they say the couple is responsible for a lot of the planning, but you want a lot of input, look elsewhere for a photographer.

Do You Offer Albums?

Let’s say you can’t wait to have a beautiful photo album loaded with memories from your wedding day, and you adore the tactile experience of holding physical images in your hands. You might be shocked to hear that not all photographers supply albums, so if this is a must-have for you, be sure to enquire with potential photographers beforehand. If that’s the case, we may send you a free sample album and some possible cover art designs. That manner, you can anticipate the type of wedding book that will be given to you.

What Vendors Do You Recommend?

Professionals other than planners may also suggest excellent service providers for you to contact. Photographers spend a lot of time assessing the quality of others’ work by looking at their photographs. Photographers have fantastic suggestions for suppliers whose work shoots well because they pay attention to the details. In light of this, even if you have a planner, it’s beneficial to hear their input.

How Can We Help You?

If you’re a firm believer in clients working alongside their photographers, you might enquire as to how you can aid in the creation of stunning wedding photographs. Photos of you getting ready in a room with lots of natural light and neutral walls will turn out beautifully. There will be no distracting elements in the backdrop while your photographer gets the perfect portrait of your mother assisting you in putting on your dress. If your photoshoot location is well-lit and uncluttered, your photographer won’t have to spend as much time setting up the shot (repositioning furniture, removing clutter, etc.) and more time focusing on capturing the precious moments between you and your loved ones. As photographers, we know how important it is to capture the bride’s first moments in her dress on her wedding day.

What Would You Like to Know About Us?

If the photographer has already asked a lot of questions about the two of you, you probably don’t need to ask this one, but it’s something to think about. This demonstrates that they value you as an individual and wish to develop a strong bond with you.

For your personalities to mesh and for you to feel at ease with your wedding photographer on the big day, it’s crucial that they have an equal amount of interest in you as you do in them. You’ll be spending the better part of the day, possibly eight hours, with them, therefore it’s important that you get along famously.

How Do We Book You?

Although it may seem obvious, knowing how to arrange for a photographer for your date is crucial. If you’re really into them, you should probably make reservations before another pair gets there first. Towards the end of the conversation, enquire as to what steps are still necessary (such as a signed contract and a retainer) to finalise the booking.

FAQs About Wedding Photographer

What are the two main types of wedding photography?

There are two different types of “Style”. There’s editing style, meaning which colors the photos turn out to be, and capturing style, which is more about what goes into taking the photo. A photographer can draw inspiration from many of these different styles and mix them to create their own unique style.

What is wedding photography called?

One of the most popular and authentic wedding photography styles is editorial. This approach, almost like photojournalistic wedding photography, captures the couple exactly as they are, and the day as it happened. This can mean candid, sweet looks between the bride and groom.

Do photographers give unedited photos?

Most professional photographers don’t give out their unedited photos. I expect it’s because, like me, they consider photos straight out of camera to be like half painted paintings.

What is the role of a wedding photographer?

Editing photos using software programs and providing prints of the edited photos for clients. Shooting photos of the bride and groom at the wedding ceremony and reception. Shooting candid photos of guests during the reception or other events leading up to the wedding.

Why are wedding photos important?

Having an experienced wedding photographer puts you at ease knowing that your memories are being captured by someone who knows what they’re doing, and being at ease allows you to be fully immersed on your wedding day and focused on celebrating with the ones you love.

Conclusion

The cost of a wedding photographer is a major expense. First, you should meet with them in person or talk to them on the phone to make sure you’re comfortable spending nearly an entire day with them. You’ll have a better time and better photos if you’re relaxed around the photographer. Which plans have how much time invested? Is there a cap on the amount of overtime that can be worked without being paid?

Where can I find prints or albums to buy? Is there a way to see the pictures online? Please specify the turnaround time and the number of pages/prints that will be provided. As a rule, today’s photographers combine colour and black and white in their work.

Some photographers will edit every one of your shots, while others will provide you with revised proofs. Ask about the cost of film and processing before you take pictures. The company’s availability of a photography team is an important factor to consider. For instance, if you want candid, happy shots of the day as it happens, you should hire a photographer who has lots of shots of people smiling and laughing in their portfolio. Talk to photographers if you want a wedding album.

Photographers are able to recommend excellent vendors whose work photographs well because of the care they take with the smallest of details. If you already have a planner, you should still listen to what they have to say. Your photographer will save time and effort if they don’t have to spend a lot of time setting up the shot because the location is well-lit and clutter-free. While the photographer captures the perfect shot of your mother helping you into your dress, there won’t be anything in the background to detract from the moment.

Content Summary

• Choosing a photographer for your wedding day can be stressful.
• Figure out how much you can afford to spend on a wedding photographer before you start looking.
• A phone or in-person interview is a great way to ensure you’ll be comfortable spending the day with the photographer.
• What exactly does your base plan consist of?
• What extras might we expect to see in the more priced plans?
• Is it possible to tailor a plan to my specific requirements?
• Do your packages consist of engagement shoots?
• Do you have any plans for the pre-wedding celebrations, such the rehearsal dinner?What is the breakdown of time for each plan?
• If your shoot is going to take place more than a reasonable distance from their home, you may have to cover their hotel costs as well.
• Do you plan to write about our wedding on your website and social media?
• Make sure you enquire about the price of film and any associated processing fees if your shooter plans to utilise film.
• Because of this, you should find out if the company you’re thinking about has a dedicated photography staff.
• But if it’s just you and the gunman, make sure they have backup.
• Is there a second cameraperson or any other helpers on set?
• Having a second photographer means more shots of more important moments and more photos overall.
• The reason you’re inquiring: Your photographer will be able to better capture the essence of the wedding if you discuss the attire of the bridal party in advance.
• After viewing the full collection, you will know exactly what to expect from your photos and if they are a suitable fit for you, therefore this is the most crucial question you could ask!
• You can see their posing style for yourself on their website, so instead, enquire about their posing procedure.
• If they say the couple is responsible for a lot of the planning, but you want a lot of input, look elsewhere for a photographer.
• Let’s say you can’t wait to have a beautiful photo album loaded with memories from your wedding day, and you adore the tactile experience of holding physical images in your hands.
• You might be shocked to hear that not all photographers supply albums, so if this is a must-have for you, be sure to enquire with potential photographers beforehand.
• If that’s the case, we may send you a free sample album and some possible cover art designs.
• That manner, you can anticipate the type of wedding book that will be given to you.
• Professionals other than planners may also suggest excellent service providers for you to contact.
• In light of this, even if you have a planner, it’s beneficial to hear their input.
• If you’re a firm believer in clients working alongside their photographers, you might enquire as to how you can aid in the creation of stunning wedding photographs.
• If your photoshoot location is well-lit and uncluttered, your photographer won’t have to spend as much time setting up the shot.
• and more time focusing on capturing the precious moments between you and your loved ones.
• As photographers, we know how important it is to capture the bride’s first moments in her dress on her wedding day.
• If the photographer has already asked a lot of questions about the two of you, you probably don’t need to ask this one, but it’s something to think about.
• For your personalities to mesh and for you to feel at ease with your wedding photographer on the big day, it’s crucial that they have an equal amount of interest in you as you do in them.
• You’ll be spending the better part of the day, possibly eight hours, with them, therefore it’s important that you get along famously.
• Although it may seem obvious, knowing how to arrange for a photographer for your date is crucial.