Below are 10 wedding photographer questions you should ask to make sure you get the images you want and you have an unforgettable day!
Selecting a wedding photographer is no easy task. It can be a significant investment and your wedding images are the one tangible thing you’ll have from your wedding day. Furthermore, you’ll be spending most of your wedding day with your photographer so you want to make sure your personalities blend well.
Let’s get started…
1. “What’s your photographic style?”
Each photographer has his/her own photographic style. Some are more documentary/photojournalistic in nature and others focus more on fashion and fine art. Any wedding photographer questions that get them to describe their style are beneficial. You want their style to blend well with what you want from your wedding images.
I love both photojournalistic photography and stylized portraits. Normally about 80% of your images are candid/photojournalistic and the other 20% are well-posed, well-lit portraits.
2. “How many weddings similar to mine have you photographed?”
While you want to know how many total weddings a photographer has shot you also want to know how many weddings similar to yours he/she has photographed. If you’re getting married in a church and all of his images are from outdoor venues you may want to ask for some additional samples.
I’ve photographed hundreds of weddings from dark conference rooms, to low-lit churches to stunning mountain top venues. If I haven’t shot a wedding at your venue previously, I will always scout it before your wedding day!
3. “Are you comfortable photographing in a variety of venues and lighting situations?”
Different venues always have different challenges with regards to light. Some have tungsten lights, others have fluorescent lights and some have a combination in addition to the ambient light. A photographer’s ability to correctly color balance the light will ensure your skin tones don’t turn out too yellow, green or blue.
I always color balance my light in camera while I shoot and will make small tweaks in post-production to make sure all your images have the same look and feel and display beautifully!
4. “What kind of photography equipment do you use and do you have back ups?
Quality wedding photographers should have professional grade camera and lighting equipment and a back ups in case something takes a tumble.
I shoot with professional Canon SLR cameras and have two bodies in case one breaks. I also bring multiple lights depending on your wedding venue.
5. “What attire do you normally wear to weddings?”
I’ve heard of wedding photographers showing up in jeans and cargo shorts! Ugghh! You should definitely ask what type of clothing the photographer normally shoots in to make sure they blend well with you and your guests.
I normally wear all black with black dress shoes, black dress pants and a short sleeve black shirt. We as wedding photographers are constantly moving, carrying gear, going up and down stairs etc. so wearing professional yet comfortable attire is essential.
6. “What happens if you get sick or injured?”
It’s rare that a photographer is ever sick or injured on a wedding date. However, it could happen. Be sure to ask your photographer and review the contract to see how it’s addressed.
My contract states that if I were to miss your wedding I would do everything in my power to find a replacement photographer. If that’s not possible you would be refunded in full. To this day, I’ve never missed a wedding!
7. “Do you have insurance?”
Professional photographers should have insurance and many venues require they have liability insurance.
I have insurance and can provide proof of coverage if a venue or another service provider requires it.
8. “Can I review a copy of your contract?”
All wedding photographers should require that you both sign their contract so you both understand the agreed upon products and services being rendered.
I’m always happy to share my wedding contract for your review as you navigate the decision making process.
9. “What type of post-production work do you do?”
Many photographers don’t offer any post-production services. They deliver images to you directly how they were captured in-camera. This is never ideal unless you’re on a real budget. Images often come alive in post-production and you want the professional eye of the photographer to edit your images.
I go through each image I deliver to you and make sure it’s perfect in regards to overall exposure, hue, saturation, cropping, color balance and more. Detailed facial retouching to remove skin blemishes or to make you appear thinner are not included but can be purchased at an additional cost.
10. “How long does it normally take you to deliver your wedding images?”
If the wedding photographer your interviewing says they will have your images to you in less than a week then I’d ask them again if they are doing any post-production work. Editing thousands of images and doing it well takes time.
I try to have your wedding images to you within two to three weeks from your wedding day. If it was a big wedding with multiple photographers it may take a bit longer.
I hope these wedding photographer questions help you find the perfect person to capture your big day. Don’t hesitate to contact me with additional questions or visit my wedding photography page for more info.
