Important Questions to ask your Wedding Photographer

Important Questions to ask your Wedding Photographer

Choosing a wedding photographer can be a tough and daunting task. When it comes to the planning of your big day, your wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions you will ever make.

The person you choose is going to be spending the entire and the most important day with you. Let’s face it, you only get one shot at your wedding photos, so you need to make sure you have the best photographer you can find to shoot your big day perfectly.

Your wedding photos are the lasting images of your special day so it is important you find someone you are compatible with, who is professional, experienced, and has an artistic vision.

Your wedding photos are going to take pride of place in your album, recreating memories for many years to come. Here is a list of important questions to ask your photographer to ensure you find the perfect one.

The Basics 

Is the wedding date I want available

A very obvious question you may think, however, photographers can get booked up 2+ years in advance. In your first email to the photographer, you could ask if the date is available – also explain where is Your Wedding – Venue/ Church. You should also double-check with the person when you meet them, just to make sure someone else hasn’t reserved the same date.

How many weddings do you shoot per year? Experience?

This is a very important question, as it will give you a real insight as to whether the photographer is very experienced and whether they work as a full-time business or a weekend job.

An experienced full-time wedding photographer will back up Your photos in few different places to be sure they are safe  – cloud storage- DROPBOX and spend a lot of time shooting weddings and are dedicated to spending time editing and shooting, making them that little bit more expensive.

How Long have you been a Wedding Photographer?

Weddings are uniquely hectic and busy events. A wedding is non-stop and the photographer you choose should have years of experience working in the wedding industry to have mastered capturing all the special and standard shots that you will want to see in your photo album.

A photographer with several years of experience will know exactly when and where to be how to organize a Family very fast etc. Now I’m not saying you don’t have to choose someone who is a relatively new photographer, however, it is important to remember you pay for what you get and experience is extremely valuable!

Can I see some previous photographs in the full wedding album? Not necessary from the same venue by the same photographer!

To really see and get a feel for the photographer’s work, it is important to view a portfolio of images through a whole wedding album.

A whole wedding album is NOT NECESSARY FROM THE SAME VENUE BY THE SAME PHOTOGRAPHER!  – Your wedding photos can look very, very different.

Every wedding day is so different even if at the same Venue!

It will give you a feel for their style, whether they can capture the day perfectly if they are consistent with their style and design, and whether you like their photos in the different lighting conditions. Ask yourself are you really happy with the photographs you see in front of you rather than on just the ones you see on their website.

Can you Print Wedding Albums, Canvas Prints or can you recommend someone who can?

The printing of a wedding album is generally included in the overall package price or can be offered as an add-on. If you have agreed with your photographer for him/her to put a printed album together for you make sure you are happy with their idea and the way the album will be presented. After all your wedding album gives you lifetime memories of your special wedding day.

Have you photographed at a similar-sized wedding to ours?

This is an important question to ask if you are not having a second stand-in photographer – if You are planning a 400+ wedding. If you are having a BIG guest list, your photographer will need experience in arranging groups of people, navigating large events, and following the action. A photographer should understand the need to blend in and be unobtrusive so as not to disturb the wedding itself.

What wedding package do you offer?

The average cost for a wedding photographer package is between €2,000 and €4,000 – you pay for what you get!

The general things you may want to know are how many hours are included in the package, is there an engagement shoot included, what photos and how long will it take to receive them after the wedding. If you are on a specific budget, it is best to speak to your photographer and try to negotiate a price but note it can take a few weeks for your images to be ready.

Do you have Full Bussiness Insurance?

Enquire with your photographer as to whether they have full public liability insurance. This is essential in the event of an accident. Your photographer will more than likely have insurance for their equipment also.

Some wedding venues do require all photographers to have proof of their insurance before they can initially work on their premises. Be sure that photographers have Full Insurance to avoid disappointment.

Wedding packages and Payment 

How much deposit do you require and when do you need it? Is the Part Payment Refundable?

The deposit that you pay is to secure the photographer for your chosen wedding date. A deposit is generally paid upfront upon booking. Once your deposit is paid, it will help you budget for the wedding. All payments should be given in writing from your photographer.  Weddings are full of unexpected situations and sometimes unexpected things happen.

There may be many reasons why you may need to cancel your wedding – check the contract if a deposit is refundable or not- as any wedding cancellation cost photographer losing income too.

Also If you change your date sadly that’s on you. If I’m available for the second date I carry the booking fee over. At the end of the day, your photographer may have turned other couples down – please understand.

How many digital photos are included in the package?

Most photographers will shoot digitally rather than film, so you can expect at least a full set of 600-800+ edited and digitally copied photos in a standard wedding package.

How long will it take for me images to be ready?

Most photographers should have all your photos back to you within 6 to 8 weeks. Some may take a bit longer, depending on how many weddings they shot in that year or they could also do a lot of work on the editing side of things.

When is the final payment required?

These days most will want the final balance payment to be made payable upon the delivery of your wedding album. But most wedding photographers and videographers would ask You to pay the full amount on a wedding day or before -Remember, if you can pay your photographer the full payment upfront when you book, they may even throw in something for free or even a discount, eh no harm in asking!

Photography Style 

What photography style do you specialise in?

Many photographers shoot their photos in several different styles, some of these can include traditional, portrait, black and white, contemporary, and documentary. The traditional style focuses more on classic and group shots, and contemporary is more editorial and fashion led. If you get the photographer to show you some of their favourite wedding images, this will give you a clear insight into the style they prefer – always look at portfolio!

Is an engagement shoot included in your package?

Having an engagement shoot is a great way to get to know your photographer and to get comfortable in front of the camera. If it isn’t included in the package price, it wouldn’t hurt to ask or pay that little bit extra for one.

On the Big Day 

What time will you arrive and finish?

You must discuss with your photographer whether or not you want them to start shooting in your home or to meet you at the ceremony at a certain time. This will all depend on your budget and how many hours you have paid for. Many couples will want all prep at the home and followed onto the ceremony as part of their special day.  A wedding can be a very long day and your photographer is only human. Most photographers will finish for the day generally after the first dance is done or after the cake is cut.

What will you be wearing? Sometimes is good to ask ;)

Discuss this with your photographer if you wish for them to blend in with the theme of your wedding. Your photographer should dress professionally, and wear something smart but very sophisticated.

Can you recommend a Videographer?

Important for the photographer and videographer to work together as a team at the Wedding!

Important Questions to ask your Wedding Photographer

by DKPHOTO PHOTOGRAPHY