10 THINGS YOU SHOULD ACTUALLY ASK YOUR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
10 THINGS YOU SHOULD ACTUALLY ASK YOUR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
I always enjoy meeting up with clients to see if we’re a good fit for each other. I love to see who I’ll be working with and how they interact with each other. It’s a great time to casually get to know one another and for them to ask any questions they may have prior to booking! Many times during a meeting I’ll ask if clients have questions for me and out comes a list. Sometimes it’s questions from parents or maybe things they want clarification on after reviewing all my info. Many times it’s a list from a wedding website. Or sometimes they’ve forgotten all the questions they wanted to ask lol.
I’m always glad to answer anything you want to know. Before the wedding is the time to ask! BUT! What most couples don’t know about these lists is that some of them are outdated. A few of them have questions that really don’t matter. I’ve seen some with weird technical questions most clients wouldn’t know or think to ask anyway unless they’re a photographer themselves. And actually some of them have questions that can be a little bit insulting. So here’s a list to take with you the next time you interview a wedding photographer. Questions that matter! Questions that prove you did some research before making such a big decision. Questions that can save you from making a bad decision because you didn’t know what to ask!
What happens if you have an emergency and can’t come?
Always find out your photographers backup plan if they can’t make it. Do they have a second shooter? A network of photographer friends. Is their backup guaranteed to be the same skill level? Granted if it truly is a day of emergency they might not have as much control on who can cover for them but they should at least have a reasonable plan in place.
My Answer: I will be honest here. If I’m not there you can assume I died. But rest assured my second photographer will carry the torch. Seriously though it would take a life altering emergency for me to not make it and my second shooter would then become your main photographer.
When is payment due and what do I owe?
This question should be asked early in the booking process and you should always verify that it is clearly written in your contract. Not asking this questions clearly and early in the process can lead to negative feelings if conditions are unexpected, so ask!
What time do you recommend having our outdoor ceremony?
The answer to this question leads to what time allows for the best outdoor lighting. If you are booking a fall or spring wedding it gets dark earlier. Giving your photographer the ability to control or strongly suggest your outdoor ceremony time will let them help you plan for the best photo opportunities . Keep in mind that once that sun sets, a lot of your photos will then be dependent on your venue lighting and your photographers skill with camera flash.
Can I see a whole wedding gallery?
This question is very fair and usually stems from clients wanting to know a photographers experience. Rather than asking how long a photographer has been shooting as many lists suggest, ask to see several finished weddings from earlier in the year. This will give you an accurate idea of their portfolio and skill level hopefully in many different lighting scenarios.
What constitutes good lighting and when should I schedule my photo session?
Different clients have different expectations when it comes to how they want their photos to turn out. Don't be afraid to ask for a wedding shot in harsh midday light, ask for an outdoor ceremony, ask for an indoor one, ask for one where they had to use flash. Ask for one where they needed flash but weren’t allowed to have it. Your photographer can help you plan and set reasonable expectations for different lighting situations.
Do you have a back up plan?
The answer to this should always be yes, especially if you are planning an outdoor event. Ask for a best case scenario photograph that reflects what is planned but also ask for an example of a wedding where they needed to improvise or use their backup plan.
What do you actually get with your wedding collection?
Do you get prints? A print release? A USB? If your quoted price does not clearly state what is included in your package, please ASK. Nothing is worse than getting to the end of a contract and realizing you wanted more or less than you agreed upon.
Can I read over your contract?
PLEASE DO! It always amazes me how many people don't read through their contract before signing and returning it. Your contract is yours and you should know what is in it.
How long will it take for us to get our pictures back?
Always ask this question! PLEASE! It varies from photographer to photographer and can even depend on the time of year. Most photographers have an editing window where they review and make changes to photos. Know what to expect when it comes to a time frame. Waiting sucks so find out how much of it you’ll have to do.
What is included in editing?
Ask this questions even if you have never had photos taken by a professional photographer before. If body modification is something that concerns you or something you think you’ll want, ask before you hire them. Many photographers either won’t do it because they are already choosing flattering angles or editing is too time consuming or they may do it but at an extra cost. This is totally different from saying “ I have a lazy eye please shoot on my other side” or “I have a scar, please turn me so it does not show” Those things you should always make us aware of.
Remember when I said there were a couple of things that are kinda insulting to be asked?
Do NOT ask why should we pick you.
While this IS a very important “interview” don’t ask why you should pick that photographer or what makes them different from every other photographer IN THE WORLD. I promise your photographer has spent HOURS trying to set themselves apart from the pack. If you liked their work enough to contact them, have even met with them for an hour or so and feel the need to ask that question, you already have your answer. It’s important to CLICK. We are going to be with you All. Day. Long. If you don't click with them, can’t vibe with them, think they’re weird in a not cool way or flat out don't like them, DON’T HIRE THEM. Doesn’t matter how much you liked their work. Chances are they didn’t click with you either and their sensitive little artist soul may find it hard to create on your wedding day. That’s definitely the last thing you want! You have the final say even after your initial interaction with the photographer and even if you initially liked their work.
Do NOT ask if you can choose the second shooter or offer up a family member or friend as a second shooter.
For me my second photographers are the designated person who should be able to step in and cover the wedding if for any reason I can’t make it, I have an emergency and have to leave or I die on site. This is the person who will say "shame she’s dead" and continue to shoot the wedding. My point is, they are experienced and can handle anything I would. In most cases they probably have been shooting with me for years or I’ve trained them from when they first started shooting.They are equal to me in skill can handle the day on their own if necessary. They’re your second me!
In most cases the second photographer is someone the primary photographer picks because they work well together and they trust this person to have the right equipment and accurately capture the day in a similar style to their own.
Photography is a big investment! You deserve to know what your investment includes and how it will be delivered. I hope these questions help the when that special time in your life comes!