What to ask your Wedding Photographer
So you’ve done your research and have being the savvy bride that you are have read through the advice on how to find the perfect photographer for you. Now you need to find the right questions to ask your wedding photographer in your interview (well potentially your photographer)
Remember there is no such thing as a stupid question, only a stupid answer. I’ve been asked a ton of questions that may seem obvious to some people but not to others, so don’t be afraid of asking anything. Most photographers would prefer that you ask rather than worry! There are many questions that suit you as a couple, so remember to make a note of your own questions too.
What do I need to ask during my wedding photographer interview?
1. How long is ‘all day wedding photography’?
I’m frequently asked ‘how come you’re still here?’ which leads me to believe a lot of wedding photographers leave as soon as the first dance is over, if you’re ok with that then obviously that’s fine but I love to stay because you get some awesome photos of dance floor antics! I’ve noticed a lot of photographers set hours for their ‘all day package’ usually around 10 hours, so you’re better off asking.
2. How will you get your images?
Some packages offer digital downloads, usb’s or both with a selection of prints (see below!).
3. What are their print options?
Prints are a pretty important part of your wedding photography. Are any included? Not a lot of couples know this but there are quite a few printing labs that will only print for photographers. Photographers can calibrate their screens so that the prints are the exact same colours as the editing screen. These specialist labs use paper and dye’s that don’t exist in basic printers, giving them not only a much better quality and sharpness but extra longevity.
4. Image turnaround
How long will it take to get your photos back from your photographer? That’s the million dollar question! So this usually depends on a few things, are they a full time wedding photographer, how much time they spend editing and just how busy they are. Just as an example I’m a full time wedding photographer, I spend a ton of time editing and I’m always pretty packed out, so my turnaround is 1 month or less. I get asked this question at almost every interview, which is cool, I love that they’re excited!
5. Contracts to sign
Read the contract and read it again, if there’s something in there you don’t understand then ask. A contract should be fair to you too. It may also stipulate that you feed them or any extra charges they may have.
6. Videographers they recommend
This also works the other way round, if you’ve already book your videographer see who they recommend. I always get on with the videographers and some of them produce some pretty breathtaking work, these are the ones I recommend. I know they’ll produce great work for you and won’t interrupt the flow of your day.
8. Are there any extra costs
Ask this question outright. That way you won’t be surprised when they add a couple of hundred for travel expenses!
9. What’s their payment policy
When do you need to pay by and what the preferred payment method is. Don’t be surprised when they won’t accept paypal for the final payment as their charges are incredibly high.
10. What if’s
The dreaded what if my photographer can’t shoot my wedding. They should have a robust plan in place for the worst case scenario.
BONUS QUESTION: How many weddings have they shot
This isn’t the most important question but a heck of a lot of wedding photographers don’t make it past their first few weddings due to disasters that could have been avoided. If they’re charging the national average of £1500 then you should expect a fair few weddings under their belt. The same goes for the extremely cheap photographers, you could even be their first wedding
