How to Choose a Local Wedding Photographer: 41 Questions You Have to Ask Your Wedding Photographer
Choosing a local wedding photographer can be difficult. You want to find someone who will provide you with high-quality photos and capture the most important moments on your wedding day? But where do you start? After all, many local photographers are available, but not all of them live in the same area as you! This article has compiled questions for you to ask when looking for a local wedding photographer. I hope that these questions help make finding a wedding photographer easier and less stressful. Allowing you to achieve those beautiful wedding photos!
Considerations you need to make as a couple
What’s your style of photography? Are you looking for fun, different photos? Or are you looking for more a traditional set of wedding pictures?
What do you like about the wedding pictures you’ve researched?
What do you like about their wedding pictures?
What to ask a local wedding photographer
What type of wedding photography do you offer?
How does the photographer's work compare to our style?
What kind of equipment will be used during the photography session and for what purpose (example: camera, lighting)?
When do you usually start taking photos at weddings and how long does it take for us to receive our final edited images from your company after the wedding day has concluded?
How do I know that the photographs will be ready on time for my wedding day?
Do you provide editing services for raw photos after they're taken?
Does the wedding photographer offer any services that are outside of what you're looking for (example: wedding videography)? If so, how much would those cost?
Will time-lapse video footage be included in my wedding package?
How many wedding photos do they offer?
How many photographers will be taken at the wedding? Is there a limit?
How many hours of coverage do they offer for their packages so that I can make a more educated decision about what to buy and not have regrets later on down the road when it's too late?
Will there be a time limit on how long I get to take photos with my family during our reception or cocktail hour?
If necessary: Do you offer extra shooting?
How far in advance should we book you for our wedding date and how do I confirm the booking before it is finalised?
How long does the photographer usually take to edit a photo from your shoot?
Does the photographer require any backup staff members or assistants who are already booked on my date in case something goes wrong with their schedule that day? If so, how much would it cost me if this happens before I book your services?
What, if anything should we bring to our consultation meeting with the wedding photographer before signing the contract and making a deposit?
Does the photographer typically work alone or with an assistant/second shooter?
How soon should I start looking for a photographer, and what is your availability like this year/next few months?
Are there any restrictions on getting my images back from our wedding ceremony and reception?
Can you show me some examples of recent projects you've done based on the wedding style we're looking for?
What are some options for album cover styles and sizes available? Can you show us examples of what these albums look like so that we can see them first-hand before choosing which one we want from your company?
What guarantees and insurances should be considered?
What kind of warranty is available for my photography investment?- I want peace of mind that if anything happens during the production process (example: equipment failure), there's some kind of backup plan so that I won't lose all these important memories forever! Where can I find more information about what options exist for me?
What is your cancellation policy?
Does the photographer have insurance coverage/liability protection against third party injury or property damage while shooting at our wedding venue or event location and is there an additional charge for this service?
Do you offer any type of guarantee or warranty on your photography services to make sure that if something happens with my photos, they get fixed right away without asking me to pay more money upfront?
The negotiation and payment questions
Do they offer a free consultation as part of their service package or is that something we have to pay extra for to schedule with them now?
Are there any other costs associated with hiring them besides just photographing our wedding?
Do you have any discounts available during certain times of the year or for wedding couples who are getting married during the week?
Do you have any package deals or discounts available now that would be beneficial to me? How about if I book an event with you in the next six months-do we get any extra perks?
Does it make any difference in what package or price they offer me based on whether or not I want just photos, prints only, both print and digital images, etc.? How much does each additional service typically cost per hour/person?
How much will your wedding photography packages cost per person?
Do you have any package deals, discounts, offers that are available now? What about if I decide to book an event this year; what type of specials can I expect?
What is included in your prices, i.e., how much time will we get before and after our wedding ceremony, group shots, etc.? How long does each package last before having to order additional photographs either at set intervals or as needed during my wedding day?
When do you start taking down payments/deposits and when is full payment required before booking final appointments?
What types of payment methods do you accept (cash, check, credit card)? How much cash should I bring as a backup in case one doesn't work out for some reason?
What are your payment terms and how much cash should I bring as backup (in case one doesn't work out)?
Will there be an extra charge for travelling off-site (example: destination weddings)? If not, which wedding photography package includes travel expenses such as airfare, hotel, food, etc.?
… and that’s 41 Questions You Have to Ask your wedding photographer!
To summarise this guide for you, here are the key points:
Always ask about availability, as this is a very important factor, but definitely chat to your photographer before you book! Get to know them a little and let them get to know you too ;)
Choose wisely because it's such an emotional time for yourself and those around you.
Ask to see examples of wedding albums if you're unsure what style suits you best. Make sure that there aren’t any hidden costs like printing or album fees before signing anything! When booking always look into packages as they can offer great value. You don't need every single photo from your wedding day.
Hope you found this article helpful, and speak soon if you think I’m a great fit for your wedding.
- Brigitta
