Top 10 Questions To Ask Photographers
Choosing the right wedding photographer can be daunting, especially if you don't know what to ask. To ensure that your wedding day is beautifully captured and avoid disaster (like losing your photos to an amateur), hire a professional. Your wedding day is once-in-a-lifetime; don't risk your memories.
1.0 ASK TO SEE AT LEAST 3 FULL, REAL & RECENT GALLERIES
Don't be fooled by Instagram. Ask photographers for at least three full galleries of real weddings, preferably weddings similar to yours. This will show you how they photograph each part of the day, handle different lighting scenarios, and pose their clients. The galleries should include:
Hundreds of photos, not just a blog post
Real weddings with paying clients, not styled shoots with models
Recent photos, taken within the past two years
2.0 Read reviews from clients
Check online reviews on platforms like Google, The Knot, and Wedding Wire. Reading reviews from past clients will give you insights into the photographer's work ethic, communication style, and ability to deliver high-quality results.
If you can't find any reviews, that's a major red flag. Either the photographer is new to the industry or they've had negative reviews and deleted their listings.
3.0 How many weddings have they shot?
When choosing a wedding photographer, experience is key. Look for someone who has photographed over 30 weddings as the lead photographer, not just shot under another photographer.
While a new photographer may be cheaper, their lack of experience can be risky on your wedding day, as there are many once-in-a-lifetime moments that cannot be recreated. An experienced photographer has worked in all lighting scenarios and will ensure that your photos turn out beautifully, regardless of the setting.
4.0 What is their backup plan, and backup-backup plan?
Ask your photographer if they shoot with a dual-slot camera (which means two memory cards are inserted into each camera). This will ensure that your photos are saved to both cards as you shoot, in case one card fails.
Once they get home, how do they back up your images? We personally transfer all wedding photos to multiple hard drives and a cloud storage service, both local and off-site. We also keep the memory cards until we deliver the full gallery to you.
Your photos are too precious to risk losing!
5.0 Do they have insurance and proper equipment?
Top-of-the-line gear doesn't guarantee a great wedding photographer, but having the right tools for the job is essential. Professional wedding photographers should shoot with full-frame cameras, have flashes, and carry backup equipment and insurance.
To capture every moment of their clients' big day, wedding photographers need at least two cameras and lenses, as well as flashes for augmenting light, low light scenarios and multiple batteries and memory cards. It's also important for them to have liability insurance, as required by most venues and parks
6.0 What does their work look like when the natural light isn’t perfect?
Many moments throughout your wedding day, such as getting ready at the bridal suite or having an intimate dinner, require artificial lighting to capture beautifully. If you want night photos, make sure to look at examples from photographers' portfolios.
When reviewing photographers' galleries, pay special attention to how their low-light photos look. If the photos are blurry, grainy, or all black and white, it could be a sign that the photographer doesn't have experience lighting low-light scenes properly.
7.0 Working together?
You'll spend a significant amount of time with your wedding photographers, so it's crucial to like and trust them. Make sure you feel comfortable with them being present during your wedding day's intimate moments.
Review their about page and reviews to get a sense of their personality, and schedule a phone call to chat with them before booking.
8.0 Are they the right photographer for you?
When selecting a wedding photographer, it is important to carefully consider their work experience and style to ensure that it aligns with your vision for your wedding day. For example, if you are planning an classical ballroom wedding or fun reception, you would want to hire a photographer who specializes in that. Similarly, if you are planning an elopement wedding, you would want to hire a photographer who has experience shooting that type of event.
In addition to their style and experience, it is also important to consider hiring a local photographer. Local photographers have a deep understanding of the local area and can provide valuable guidance on everything from wedding day logistics to the best locations for portraits.
9.0 What is their word?
A legally binding contract is essential when working with a wedding photographer. If a photographer does not have a contract, this is a major red flag. The contract should outline all of the important details of your wedding day, including the date, time, location, services provided by the photographer, agreed-upon price, payment plan, final product delivery timeline, and cancellation and rescheduling policies.
A comprehensive contract is essential to ensure that you and the photographer are on the same page and that your interests are protected. The contract should also include provisions for dispute resolution in case any problems arise.
Here are some specific benefits of having a contract with your wedding photographer:
Clarity and communication: A contract clearly defines the expectations of both you and the photographer, which can help to avoid misunderstandings and disputes.
Protection: A contract protects both you and the photographer in case of unforeseen circumstances, such as illness, cancellation, or damage to equipment.
Peace of mind: Knowing that you have a legally binding agreement in place can give you peace of mind on your wedding day, allowing you to relax and enjoy your special day.
When reviewing a wedding photography contract, be sure to pay close attention to the following provisions:
Services provided: The contract should clearly outline the services that the photographer will be providing, such as the number of hours of coverage, the number of photographers, and the types of photos that will be delivered.
Pricing and payment terms: The contract should specify the total price of the photography services, as well as the payment schedule.
Final product delivery: The contract should state when and how you will receive your final photos, such as via digital download or printed album.
Cancellation and rescheduling policies: The contract should outline the photographer's cancellation and rescheduling policies, including any fees that may apply.
By carefully reviewing the contract and asking any clarifying questions, you can ensure that you are fully understanding the terms and conditions of your agreement with the photographer. This will help to protect your interests and ensure that you have a positive experience.
10.0 Do you like their work?
When choosing a wedding photographer, the most important factor is that you love their style. Consider the editing, how the couples look in the photos, and the overall feel of their images. It's important to hire a photographer whose work you admire as it is, as they are unlikely to adjust their style to meet your specific requests.
Here are some tips for evaluating a photographer's style:
Review their portfolio carefully. Pay attention to the types of weddings they have shot, the poses and angles they use, and the overall mood and tone of their photos.
Ask yourself how you feel when you look at their photos. Do they make you happy? Do they inspire you? Do they feel authentic to your own style and aesthetic?
Consider your own wedding vision. What kind of feeling do you want your wedding photos to evoke? Do you want them to be romantic and dreamy? Edgy and cool? Classic and timeless? Once you have a good understanding of your own vision, you can start to narrow down your choices to photographers whose style aligns with yours.
It's also important to remember that you may not love every single photo in a photographer's portfolio. That's okay! It's impossible to find a photographer who will perfectly capture every moment of your wedding day in exactly the way you envision it. The most important thing is to choose a photographer whose overall style you love and trust.