10 Important Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer (before booking!)

I am sharing 10 important questions to ask your wedding photographer before booking in this blog!

Do you have experience capturing weddings like the event I am planning?

It is essential that your photographer not only has experience capturing weddings but, has experience with YOUR type of wedding. For example, if you are planning a large wedding at a destination venue, you will need a photographer that feels comfortable in that setting. They will need to have thorough experience with similar events. Just because a photographer has a lot of weddings under their belt, doesn’t necessarily mean they will be the right fit for your unique day. Be specific with this question. Make sure you find out how many years they have captured weddings like yours, ask for examples, and ask how many similar style weddings they have worked. 

Can you send me your available galleries and social media profiles?

Now you need some tangible proof and reference of their work beyond their portfolio. Ask for examples of your photographer’s recent work including galleries and social media. You need to see clear, recent examples of their art. It is also important that they have these galleries readily available for you. If a photographer is struggling to provide examples of their work, this is something you need to consider before booking. 

How would you describe your photography style?

Every photographer is different! Ask your photographer to describe their style. Would they define their work as modern and moody? Or perhaps they are warm and trendy? Tell them about the style you are looking for so you can determine if your aesthetics align. 

Can you explain your different photography packages to me?

Ask your photographer to walk through their packages in depth. Don’t be afraid to spend time going through each option, asking questions as you go. You need to have a clear understanding of what your service includes so both parties have the right expectations. This is also an opportunity to address your budget. 

Do you have a contract available? Please walk us through it.

Do not book a photographer without a contract in place. Ask your planner to review your contract so you don’t miss anything! A strong photography contract protects the photographer, their business, AND their clients. In the case of unexpected circumstances, there is a legal contract set to cover you. Here are a few examples. If you have to move your wedding date, is this possible? If not, will you receive a partial refund? After the wedding, when will you receive your gallery, and on what platform? How long are the photos available and do you have the rights to use them? 

After reading this blog, find out what to do with your wedding photos once you receive them next!

Have you captured weddings at our venue or worked with any of our vendors?

Ask your photographer if they have worked at your venue! You can also ask them if they have worked with anyone from your existing vendor team. This experience can be helpful for your big day as they are familiar with the setting and understand portions of the team they will be working alongside. 

What does your process look like from start to finish?

While you don’t need to know every detail about the photographer’s process, you do need to know their general timeline. How will your workflow logistically occur? You need to have a clear idea of how your photographer will be covering your wedding from start to finish. 

What are your expectations from your clients?

A strong photographer will appreciate this question! Ask your photographer what their expectations are for you. You need to know how you are expected to communicate and what work will be needed on your end. 

Can you tell us about your values as a business?

This is a question that is often missed! You need to enjoy the photographer you are working with. Ask your photographer about their values as a business. Do their values match what you are looking for? 

Do you work with a team?

This may be the last question on the list but it is just as important! Ask your photographer about their team. You need to know if they will be bringing an assistant onsite to your wedding. This question can also inform you if their team includes multiple lead photographers. If you know you want to work with the owner or a certain member of their team, let them know. 

If you loved this blog, you will love reading about the top photography terms engaged couples should know next!