Sneak Peek #7: Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer

Part 7 of Hitch Studio’s Wedding Day Designer Sneak Peek series!

This series includes sneak peeks of sections directly from the Wedding Day Designer! The Wedding Day Designer is our 148-page all-inclusive wedding planner, including checklists, timelines, tips, and more. Buy the full wedding planner HERE!

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER:

The Basics

•    Is our wedding date available? How far in advance do we need to reserve the date?

•    How long have you been photographing weddings? How many have you photographed?

•    Have you photographed weddings of a similar size and style?

•    Have you worked at the ceremony and reception venues before? If not, will you visit beforehand?

•    Have you worked with our planner? Videographer? Florist? DJ?

•    Will you be the primary photographer on the day? If not, can we meet the photographer(s) that will be on site?

•    What information do you need from us before the wedding day?

•    How many other weddings will you photograph that weekend?

•    May I have a list of references or a link to reviews?

Pricing or Packages

•    What packages do you offer and what do they include? Can we customize a package to fit our needs? How many hours are included in each package? How much do extra hours cost?

 •    Do you include engagement photos in the packages?

•    How much is it to photograph extra events like the rehearsal dinner?

•    If you offer unlimited coverage, how long are you usually at the event?

•    Can you put together slideshows to be shown during the cocktail hour/reception?

•    Do you offer a photo booth? What are the costs?

•    Can we get a few images early for our save-the-date cards or thank you notes?

•    Do you charge a travel fee? For what distance? What does that cover? Overtime Fees?

•    Do you carry liability insurance?

•    What is the deposit and final payment plan for the entire bill? What forms of payment do you accept?

•    What is your cancelation/refund policy?

•    When will we receive the contract? (Make sure to get everything in writing in the final contract.)

Style

•    What is your style? (Contemporary, modern, traditional, moody, candid, a mix?)

•    What filters do you use?

•    Do you have an updated portfolio I can review with examples of full recent weddings?

•    What type of equipment do you use? Do you have backup equipment? Do you shoot digitally?

•    Do you use lighting or off camera flash? Will you check with the church for photo and flash rules?

•    Do you specialize in indoor or outdoor events, or both?

•    Can we give you a list of specific shots we would like?

•    Do you have a second shooter or assistant? Is this an additional cost?

Prints, Albums, and Galleries

•    Can we see your online portfolio as well as some full galleries and wedding album designs you have done?

•    Are albums or prints included in your packages? How many pages or prints are included?

•    Do you offer retouching, color adjustment, or other corrective services? Are those services included?  

•    How long does it typically take before we see edited images? Will the images be accessible online?

 •    What is the ordering process, and how long after I order my photos/album will I get them?

•    What are your photo release/copyright rules? Can we reproduce the images, post them online? Do you need a photo credit when posted? Is there a fee?

•    Will we receive high resolution digital images with a copyright release?

•    How long will the digital images be retained?

•    Will we receive digital copies of all images? How many final images should I expect to receive?

•    Will you be posting about our wedding on your website and social media? Will you be submitting our photos to magazines or blogs?

Logistics

•    How will you and your assistants be dressed?

•    What time will you arrive at the site?

•    What is the backup plan if you are unable to shoot my wedding for an unexpected reason?

•    Is it okay if other people take photos while you’re taking photos?

•    If my event lasts longer than expected, will you stay? Is there an additional charge?

•    If working through a lunch or dinner hour, would you like/require meals for your staff?

What to prepare for your photographer

• Make a timeline of your entire day. Share that timeline with the wedding party and any vendors. Your wedding planner can help you make this timeline. The more people that have the timeline the better chance you have of sticking to it!

• Make a list of the major important moments you want captured (like your ceremony, first dance, toasts, first look, vows, cake cutting, etc. and when you plan on doing formal portraits). All found on pages 79-83.

• Provide contact information for you, your partner, and a wedding planner or personal attendant.

• Provide the names of your wedding party and the members of your family who will be in formal portraits.

• Make a list of all combinations of formal family portraits, with each person you’d like in them.

Want to see example photography timelines and a shot list to give to your photographer? You can find it in the Wedding Day Designer, which can be bought here!