If you caught my last post on An Introverts Guide to Taking Authentic Wedding Photos , you know I highly recommend meeting your photographer in person — kinda like speed dating, but better, because we’re talking about your wedding! And girl, I could chat about weddings ALL day long! Give me alllll the details!
Don’t let the title of this post mislead you, a professional photographer will (and should) be able to lead the conversation and you won’t be put on the spot to come up with things to say. But as a photographer who has photographed over 100 couples, I wanted to share some pro tips on the most important questions that you may not have thought to ask on your own.
What’s your approach to capturing candid, lifestyle, and formal photos?
Do they prefer a photo-journalistic approach? Do they bring a styling kit for composed photos of invitation suites and accessories? You want to make sure every detail of your day is captured in a way that reflects your personal style and preferences.
Have you photographed at our venue before?
If they have, this is a bonus! But if they haven’t, that’s ok too — just make sure that they can easily transition the conversation to talking about working at similar venues, and how this affects the day and photography styles used.
Have you photographed weddings with our cultural background? Weddings are such an important milestone — whether it is a Catholic church ceremony,
an Indian wedding, or if your family is bilingual — you want to make sure your photographer knows how to communicate with everyone and capture the best shots.
Do you have insurance and do you require a contract to retain your services?
If the answer to either of these questions is “no” — this photographer is not a good fit. Most venues require photographers to provide proof of insurance and having a legally binding contract in writing protects you, the client, just as much as it protects the vendor.
How many hours of coverage are included in this pricing?
Most packages start at 8 hours, but a lot of weddings need up to 10. Make sure you know the cost of additional hours so you can accurately budget.
How many shooters are included in these packages?
Typically most weddings need two shooters in order to capture the day. If it’s a extra large 300+ invited guest, you may want three.
How are the photos delivered? Do you have to pay anything additional to download files?
This is super important! You need to know what you’re getting for your investment.
Do you offer coverage for rehearsal dinners or post-wedding brunches?
Many important memories take place at these events, you definitely want the option to add additional coverage if needed!
How do you feel directing large groups?
We’ve all experienced it at other people’s weddings — large formal photos can be #stressful! I promise — it doesn’t have to be that way! Even if you have a planner, they have other responsibilities — so you need a photographer who will take charge and get those group shots together ASAP so everyone can get to the cocktail hour ASAP for a much-needed glass of champagne!
What is your favorite part of the day to photograph?
Your photographer is going to be with you throughout the wedding day, make sure you ask some questions like this so you can get to know each other 🙂
If you’re interested in learning a little more about what my answers to these questions would be, let me know and we can set up a complimentary consultation! I’d LOVE to hear about what you’ve planned so far for your big day.
