13 Questions You Should Consider Asking Your Wedding Photographer
Whenever I meet a prospective client for the first time, I always ask if they have any specific questions or concerns they’d like to discuss initially. In my experience, most people prioritize two main concerns: the cost and the services they expect to receive for their investment. Of course, this is understandable, but beyond these initial considerations, people often lack clarity on what questions they should be asking potential wedding photographers. In some cases, they even seek my guidance on what questions they should be asking. In light of this, here are thirteen questions you might consider asking your potential wedding photographer.
1. Why are you a wedding photographer?
Or why do you enjoy shooting weddings?
Some photographers don’t address this on their websites, so I think it’s always good measure to get a verbal response for two reasons. First, it’s a great way to quickly break the ice with your photographer and second, you’ll get a great sense of how much the photographer values what they do. You would be surprised at how many photographers cannot put into words why they have chosen to photograph weddings.
2. Can we view a full gallery of a specific wedding?
Hint: The answer should always be yes...
Wedding photographers, including myself, feature the best work to attract clients who might be seeking a similar aesthetic for their weddings. However, it’s important to remember that you’re not just getting a few exceptional images; you’re receiving a comprehensive collection of images that narrates the entire day of your wedding. When hiring a photographer, it’s crucial to review examples of full takes to gain a clearer understanding of what to expect. If the photographer hesitates to share a full gallery, it’s a red flag, and it’s best to move on.
3. What was your favorite wedding to shoot and why?
This question will help further break the ice and you get a sense of what the photographer is looking for in a couple. It might help you determine whether or not you are a good match.
4. Can I customize a package to fit my needs?
Photographers can usually customize a collection of coverage time, albums, and other deliverables beyond their standard packages. So, don’t hesitate to specify your preferences and budget to your photographer.
5. Have you ever shot at my wedding venue?
If it’s important that you see examples weddings at your venue, then this question might be worth asking. However, if your photographer hasn’t photographed a wedding at your venue, don’t immediately dismiss them. Most photographers, including myself, are always happy to scout a venue beforehand so that we know exactly what to expect.
6. Will we own the rights to the images?
Most photographers (myself included) will retain the rights to their own photographs and will license the work out to you for virtually any personal usage online or by print, or on any of the social media networks. The photographer will also likely reserve the right to use their images on their own website as well as on any social media outlet. Usually any further usage would require permission from either the clients or the photographer. This is completely normal.
7. Do we have a say on which photos we can use for our album?
Some photographers insist on selecting photos, creating the layout and delivering the final product straight to the client. Other photographers may ask for your input. Ask this question so you know how involved you will be when putting together your wedding album. Personally, I think collaboration is best.
8. Will we receive the negatives and/or high resolution digital images?
While these days it is very uncommon for a photographer to withhold high-resolution edits. The photographers that do are hoping you will either pay an additional fee for them or purchase prints from their online gallery. This approach is largely based on a pre-digital business model where the photographer would retain the physical film negatives (now jpeg files) and the clients would select images to be printed from a proof sheet (now an online gallery). When photographers used film, selling prints was a huge moneymaker for photographers.
To keep your life simple, I would strongly recommend just going with a photographer who will share the images with you for a single rate. No couple should be forced to pay more simply to access their wedding photos after all is said and done.
9. Do you carry backup equipment?
While it is very rare for equipment to malfunction, it does happen so it is good to ask for a little peace of mind, so this is definitely worth asking.
10. What is your refund or cancellation policy?
Photographers generally won’t refund your deposit unless there is an emergency per the terms of their agreement. Ask to see a sample agreement for details.
You can access mine below:
11. Can we request a list of specific shots we would like?
Most photographers will request a list of family members that you would like photographed for family portraits, so this is certainly a fair question to ask your photographer.
12. What is the backup plan if you are unable to shoot my wedding for an unexpected reason?
Accidents and emergencies can happen that might prevent your photographer from being present at your wedding. Make sure your photographer has a section in the contract that ensures you will get a full refund should there be an unexpected emergency. While your photographer should try to arrange an alternative shooter if possible, you must accept that in some cases that might not always be a possibility, especially if it is last minute.
13. Will you be posting about our wedding on your website and social media or to magazines and blogs?
Most photographers will retain ownership of all images taken. This should be indicated in their agreement. As such, they reserve the right to publish on their website, social media accounts as well as magazines and wedding blogs as they depend on these marketing outlets to grow and promote their businesses.
If you prefer discretion and want your wedding photos to be kept private from the world, of course this is okay, but expect to pay a pretty hefty additional fee for this.
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