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Twenty questions to ask before booking a Wedding Photographer
Here are the top 20 questions you need to ask.
So, the time has come for you and your partner to choose a Wedding Photographer - how exciting! You might have a few photographers already in mind but perhaps you’re finding it difficult to choose between them all. After all, this is going to be one of the most momentous days of your life!
You’ll want your photos to capture those magical moments in the best way possible, in a style that suits you both AND in a way that you both feel comfortable and natural with by a professional who knows this field inside and out. You’ll need to be sure that they can understand your vision and can communicate with you to make it happen. You’ll want them to be approachable whilst also discreet so not to overwhelm the day. You’ll be spending between 4-8 hours with your photographer so you need to be sure that their personality fits yours whilst also offering a professional service.
There’s no doubt that you’ll want to meet the selected photographers in person to find out about their work history, to discuss how your wedding day could go and to get an overall feel as to weather you all click with each other or not. You might even want to take a list of questions that you can ask them all but perhaps you’re thinking ‘WOW - Where do I start?’
Honestly, don’t worry! Here at Darren Gritton Photography, I have a list of my top twenty questions that you can ask a wedding photographer to help you determine if they’re the right photographer for you both whilst also getting some of the vital information you need to help organise your special day.
1 How long have you been working as a Wedding Photographer?
This question can play a vital role in finding out a lot about a photographer and their overall experience within this field. Some photographers will have been doing this for a long time. Therefore, they will have a number of years experience and expertise to help your day to run smoothly. They will have the knowledge to know what shots to capture and the best way to help you both feel comfortable as, after all, having your photo taken isn’t something you do everyday! You might find that the photographer you’ve chosen is actually just starting out. Everyone has to start somewhere so this is never a bad thing. It just means that they haven’t had as much time to develop their portfolio. The plus side of this though is that their prices will have to reflect this so you might be able to find someone suitable for you if you’re on slightly more of a restricted budget.
2 Why did you get into photography?
This is always an interesting question to ask as it helps you to get a feel as to why they do what they do. A number of photographers set out to build their business within this field from a young age. For most, it’s their lifelong dream! Perhaps they were interested in Art and Design at school and they went on to develop their skill for photography whilst studying at University. Or, maybe it was just a hobby initially to begin with, which slowly progressed and developed into something more over a period of time. A lot of photographers tend to start out by running their business alongside a full time job. There’s no right or wrong answer for this question, but it’s always nice to hear where their passion stemmed from and how it’s progressed to where it is today.
3 What areas do you cover?
This question helps to determine if your photographer can meet your venue requirements. Some couples choose to get married away from their hometown so if you’ve chosen a local photographer to where you live, it’s always worth asking as to what areas they cover and as to how far they’re willing to travel. Some photographers will only stay local due to transportation issues and others just refuse to branch further afield.
4 Can I see your portfolio of work?
All professional photographers should have a portfolio happily available to you where you’re able to see some of their recent work. Be sure to check out the following:
•Are the composition of the photos along with the lighting and the angles what you’re looking for?
•Do you think the couple in the photos look comfortable and relaxed?
•Are the images in colour or black and white?
•How have the group shots been organised?
This is a great way for you both to get a feel of their style of photography and as to whether it is what you want for your special day.
5 What are your favourite shots to capture?
This question is always a good one to ask as it always helps couples to get a feel of what sort of shots work best and what the photographer has in mind. Most photographers will have some favourite shots that they like to capture; whether that’s couples walking down a staircase perhaps, a group shot of the entire wedding party or perhaps it’s the more intimate and yet ‘unposed’ shots of the day that are their speciality. It’s definitely a great way to get some ideas of what they feel could work best for you and whether their style fits with what you’re looking for. Also, if you have a clear view of some specific shots you’d like you’d photographer to capture then be sure to discuss this with them so they’re fully aware and prepared for the big day.
6 Do you have a website?
Most professional photographers will have an up and running website for you see. It should have a clear description of what services they can provide along with an online gallery for you browse at your leisure. This is always handy for couples to make a note of so you can both go away and have a good look through it in your own time.
7 Do you have any reviews from previous clients?
Most photographers will have a review section on their website with feedback and recommendations from previous clients. Whether that’s from wedding couples reviewing their special day, from business professionals who updated their headshot portfolios, from family’s who had a group shot maybe or even a baby’s first birthday/cake smash. It’s always best to have a good read through them all to get an honest idea of how their day went.
8 What is your availability?
It’s always best to be clear about the date/dates you’re looking at. Some people choose to get a selection of available dates from their selected wedding venue first and then discuss with the photographer their availability on those chosen dates. Most professional photographers will get booked up months in advice so it’s always wise to bear this in mind when it comes to booking for your wedding day.
The earlier you can book, the better!
9 Do you have any company recommendations?
Most photographers will have a list of their top companies to work with when it comes to shooting a wedding. Be sure to let them know the type of wedding you both wish to have and if you have any requirements. Most will usually be able to recommend a few for you to consider and can help put you in the right direction if you’re after something specific that they know they’ve worked alongside before.
10 What types of price packages do you have to offer?
Most photographers will have a selection of wedding packages available that can suit all budgets. Be sure to discuss what you’re after for your wedding and find out if the photographer can recommend a package that’s suitable for what you’re looking for and the type of budget you have in mind.
11 Do you offer a payment plan?
It’s always worth discussing with your photographer the different ways in which they would like to receive their payment. Most will accept cash or card but a select few will also offer couples the opportunity to spread out their payments by organising a payment plan. Each photographer is different so be sure to make sure you fully understand what the requirements are and when the payments will be due. Knowing how many instalments you need to pay and when your final deadline will be can help you budget and plan for your wedding. Sometimes, these are a great way to help spread the cost rather than having to pay it in a big lump sum.
12 Will you require a deposit?
Most photographers will require a deposit when booking for a wedding. Be sure to ask how much of a deposit is required and make sure you get a receipt when you make your payment. This is important to know where you stand and that you’re fully aware of what is expected of you as a client. Again, this will normally be outlined in your contract and your photographer will happily explain it to you in more detail, if required.
13 What services can you provide?
Again, each photographer is different so be sure to ask what services they can offer you and what will be included in your chosen package. Most photographers will include a wedding album of some description within your chosen wedding package. These can vary upon style and price so, again, be sure to discuss this with your photographer.
14 Do you offer additional prints?
Some photographers will allow you to order a selection of addition photographs; if required. These are great for those with large families and for those who would like to give a gift to relatives to help remember your special day or as a way to say thank you for their help.
15 How long will my wedding album/prints take to be ready?
The average turnaround time is usually 6-8 weeks, depending on each photographer and the services required. Be sure to discuss this in detail to make sure you’re fully aware of the timescale involved.
16 Will you require a meal on the day?
This is a very common question asked by couples and the truth is, it’s totally up to you. To be polite and to help include them in your wedding day, the nice thing would be to provide them with a meal. After all, they’ll be working 4-8 hours for you so it will be nice to know they’ve enjoyed a hot meal and can carry on with their job. Be sure to discuss the menu options with your photographer incase they have any food allergies or intolerances.
17 How does it work with regards to your travel expenses?
Some photographers will include this within their initial quote but others will add this on as an additional cost. Be sure to discuss with your photographer what it is exactly that you’ll be paying for; eg petrol/diesel or perhaps an overnight stay at a local hotel.
18 What kind of information will you need from us before the wedding day?
There are a number of requirements that your photographer will need before your big day:
•The exact time, date and place of your ceremony and reception?
•Where are you getting ready and how will you be getting to the venue?
•What time do you wish to leave on the morning?
•What time the speeches/cake cutting will be taking place?
•What time will the first dance be?
The more information you can provide your photographer with, the better.
19 What time will you stay until on the day?
Most photographers tend to leave once the cutting of the cake has taken place. Some will even stay until the end of the first dance. By then, it gives you time to enjoy the rest of your special day with all of your loved ones. Again, be sure to discuss this with your photographer and see what they recommend or perhaps ask them what they would normally do at such an occasion. If you wish for them to stay for a certain part of the day then but sure to let them know. There may be an additional cost involved should it be outside of their set hours or your package requirements.
20 Are you prepared incase of a technical fault on the day?
Most photographers will have a large array of equipment and are prepared in case an accident happens. As we know, technology of any kind can fail or break so it’s always good to check what they will do should this happen on the day. Cameras can break and lenses can smash so it’s always reassuring to know that they’ll be carrying spares of all their equipment should the unforeseen happen.
I hope this guide will help you when it comes to organising your wedding photographer. If you would like to find out more information about the wedding photography services I can offer when it comes to your big day, then please get in touch at info@darrengrittonphotography.com or give me a text on 07538 135722.
Here at Darren Gritton Photography, I pride myself on being able to offer a variety of wedding packages to suit all budgets so you can be sure to find the perfect package for you.
I would truly love to be able to be a part of your wedding day and help capture those magical moments that you’ll both remember for a lifetime!
If you like this post, you can check out a couple of my other blog posts
Sussex Venue | Long Furlong Barn
5 ways to make your wedding planning journey a memorable experience
