10 Questions You Should Ask Before Booking Your Wedding Photographer
Congratulations on your engagement! With that sparkly new ring on your finger and a beautiful wedding planning binder waiting to be filled, it’s time to start choosing vendors! I know you’re tempted to start wildly checking things off your to-do list, but before you do, consider this your friendly reminder to slow down, take a deep breath, and ask a few questions.
Booking a wedding photographer is a HUGE deal! This is the person you’re entrusting your most precious memories to. This is the person whose art will hang in your home, fill your albums, and become the family heirlooms generations will treasure. So, not to get too heavy, but let’s make sure you’re choosing the perfect photographer before you go signing on any dotted lines, okay?
Don’t let the pressure get to you though! In just ten questions, you can determine if a photographer is ideal for you. So, if you love a photographer’s work, ask them these questions before booking to ensure you’re in good hands!
- What is included in my photography package?
Every photographer builds their own unique wedding collections, so it’s important you know exactly what is included in yours! Ask how many hours of coverage are included, if they have an image minimum, and if they include a second photographer. Some photographers also include perks that extend beyond just your wedding day, like engagement sessions, vendor recommendations, timeline planning assistance, and prints! So, make sure you know exactly what you’re getting in your package before you book.
- Can I customize my payment schedule?
Photographers often require a retainer to secure a booking and set a date for the final payment. However, some are more flexible on their payment schedules than others. If budget is a concern, just ask your photographer to share what they offer as far as payment plans or adjustments to better fit your finances. After signing a contract is NOT the time to have this conversation. So, check with your potential photographer very clearly in advance.
- What happens if you can’t make it to my wedding?
Things happen! From family emergencies to flat tires, sometimes a photographer is simply unable to make it to a wedding day. But what happens next? Does your photographer have back up photographers on standby? Will they offer a refund? The key is to book a photographer who is ready and willing to share their backup plans with you so you don’t have to stress in the lead up to your wedding day.
- When will I receive my photos?
You’re excited to see your images, and rightly so! Your photographer should be immediately ready to answer this question with either a range (“6-8 weeks after your wedding day”) or a hard deadline (“no later than two months after your wedding day”). If their estimate is too long for your preference or they aren’t equipped to give you an answer, they may not be a great fit.
- How will I receive my photos?
Will they be sending you an online gallery via e-mail? Do they create a custom jump drive? Do they burn all of your images to a CD collection? Will they deliver your photos via carrier pigeon? Whatever a photographer’s method, they should be ready to share it with you, so you can decide if it matches your expectations.
- How many images will be in my final gallery?
While photographers can’t guarantee a hard and fast image count, they should be able to offer either an hourly estimate (“about 50 images per hour”) or a gallery minimum (“no fewer than 450 photos). It’s also best to clear up right away whether or not they will send you all of the images from your wedding day. I can assure you, you do not WANT all of the images complete with endless duplicates, derp faces, and blurry test shots. But it’s vital to know upfront what to expect from your gallery to avoid disappointment.
- What if I need to cancel?
It’s not fun to talk about, but sometimes, weddings get canceled. If you experience a breakup, the last thing you’ll want to do is get snarled up in a battle with your photographer over refunds. Or maybe the stress of wedding planning inspires you to leave it all behind and elope! What happens then? What if you cancel just because? Or what if — lord have mercy on us all — something like COVID strikes again? It’s just best to know before booking what your options are in case something unforeseen arises.
- What if I need to reschedule?
In the same vein as question number seven, it’s best to discuss the possibility of a reschedule, too. Ask a potential photographer how they handle changes in wedding dates, especially if they are already booked for another wedding on your new date.
- Do you offer retouching?
Some photographers prefer a very natural look while others offer to airbrush an image like it’s the cover of Vogue. The most important thing here is to ensure their opinion on editing aligns with your own. Will they remove blemishes or stray hairs? Will they give you a digitally added spray tan? Will they gift you with your ideal body type? Whatever you hope to see, it’s just important to make sure it matches what your photographer offers.
- Are there any additional fees I should know about?
It’s best to confirm upfront if there are any cases in which additional fees may come into the picture. Consider scenarios like asking them to stay later on your wedding day or if there’s a fee for downloading your images late. They should be able to share with you any and all instances of added fees so you can plan accordingly.
And that should do it! Equipped with these 10 questions, you’ll be ready to meet with potential photographers and book the one who best matches your needs! By aligning on expectations, you’ll ensure an experience you’ll treasure and images you’ll adore long after the last dance on your wedding day!
Are there any other questions you feel are helpful for couples to ask potential photographers? We can’t wait to hear them! Share your wisdom in the comments below!
