Top 10 Questions to ask your Wedding Photographer
In an effort to do some more blog posts about tips and hints for wedding planning here are the top 10 questions to ask your wedding photographer, and how I would answer them.
It’s really important to have a good relationship with your photographer and these questions are some of the most crucial, but as with anything weddings make sure you ask all the questions you need so you get exactly what you want from the day.
Let’s get into it…
1. Do you have insurance?
This is the number one question for a good reason, it’s super important. Not only does your photographer need to have insurance to work at most wedding venues, and to be sure that you’re covered if something goes wrong from them, but most importantly this one question can help sort the legit photographers from the ones just getting into it, or doing a bit on the side. If they don’t have insurance then it’s a red flag.
As for me, I do indeed have insurance: public liability, professional indemnity, and equipment coverage.
2. What happens if you are ill, or there is an emergency?
Another key question, and any photographer worth their salt will be in constant fear of this / have a go-to plan in the event it does happen.
For me, it’s either I can shoot the wedding, but I’m not able to give 100% (due to illness, a broken arm, or something like that) in which event I’ll hire a second photographer to make up the slack.
Or, total catastrophe has struck (hospitalisation, broken leg, etc) and I can’t do the wedding at all, in which case it’s a call around my local photographer group to see who’s free, and then onto a national group to find a replacement of a similar style and have them attend on my behalf. Either way communication with the couple is key here.
When asking your photographer this the main thing you want to hear is that they have a plan if this does happen, and a decent-sounding plan at that. If they say it won’t happen, then it’s a red flag, shit happens and a plan is crucial if it does.
3. Can I view some full galleries?
A photographer’s online portfolio is a great place to start with seeing how they work, but remember this is the cream of the crop and their best work (this includes my portfolio of course)
If you can ask to see a full gallery, so you can see how a full day looks and what you can expect. Ideally what you’re looking for is a decent size gallery that when you look through you really get a sense of being there having never known these people before.
As for me I’m more than happy to share a few full galleries with my couples so they know what to expect.
4. What do you love about weddings and what you do?
This question can help get an idea of how your photographer is going to be on the day and throughout the process.
You want someone who does this because they truly love it and not just for the money, it will show in the photos and on the day. If you find someone who does this because it’s their passion then they will be much better to work with on the day.
As for me, I do weddings because of the buzz it gives me, seeing people at their most happy, with their friends and family, at an event that will happen once is incredible, and beig able to capture that for people is a true honour.
5. How long after the wedding till I get my photos?
This is a good one to know and can help you out when looking for a photographer.
For me, it’s within 6 weeks for delivery of the full gallery, I never let it go longer and where possible will deliver before this.
In the industry this is about average I think, and then up to 10 weeks is reasonable. I’d say anywhere after 10 weeks raises a few questions and if they won’t give you an idea of time then it’s a red flag, you don’t want to be chasing for photos or waiting 6 months to get them back.
6. How will I receive my images and can I print them?
Knowing exactly what you will get and how you will get it is useful. There’s a few different ways of delivering client images but you want to be sure of a couple of things:
How do they get delivered? Online gallery, USB etc?
Are they high res? So large, printable files, not tiny pixilated ones.
Are they watermarked? So do they have the photographer’s logo on?
Do you have full printing rights? Can you make prints and share online?
Any extra hidden costs? Things like more money for the high res etc, this is a little old school now so you shouldn’t see any of this.
For me, I send an online gallery (which stays online forever) a USB of images and a few prints. They are all high res, without any watermarks, and with full printing and sharing rights. Everything above is included in the fee.
7. Have you ever shot at my venue before?
This is a nice one to ask and can help see if you’re going to be a good fit with your photographer.
Now, it’s in no way crucial that they have shot at your venue before, but if they have they might be able to offer up some ideas for photos on the day. Also, if they have shot there before then they will be familiar with how weddings go there and can help the day flow a little better.
8. Can I request certain images be taken?
This is a good one to gauge flexibility and style. For me, I shoot 99% documentary, so fly-on-the-wall as-it-happens kind of photography. But I also shoot couples portraits and group shots, and if someone asks for photos of certain things then I’m more than happy to oblige.
What you’re looking for here is someone who is easygoing and happy to fit within what you need, everyone has a different idea of what they want, and it’s good to get on the same page.
9. How much is a second shooter / wedding album / extras?
Knowing how much everything will cost is ideal for budgeting, and then knowing how much extras are and if they are available.
A second shooter can help with bigger weddings (200+ people). Wedding albums are nice to have as an option, and things like longer coverage is good for weddings with a little extra to the day.
For me I tend not to have a second shooter for standard size weddings (around 100 people) as I like to be low key. I do offer albums but I give people full printing rights so they can make their own.
10. How much is the deposit and how do I book?
Once you’re happy with your choice it’s good to know how to book and what comes next.
Ideally, you want a contract (again, it’s a red flag if there is no contract) along with a deposit for the photographer to secure the date as yours. It’s standard to pay in full before the wedding but having an idea of when this is can help with the budget.
For me I require a signed contract and a £250 deposit to secure the date, the remaining balance is then due 28 days before the wedding.
…and we are done!
So that was a lot more writing that I had planned, but I hope you find it useful if you’re planning a wedding, or if you’re an upcoming wedding photographer and are keen to know what people might ask you!
Let me know if you have any questions below and I’ll do my best to get back to you!
Cheers,
Col-