Wedding photography is a very important part of every couple’s big day.
As a result, it’s essential to hire someone who knows their stuff. This means asking them questions about their experience, portfolio, and pricing structure.
You want to make sure they take great photos, capture the essence of your relationship, and provide value beyond price.
So, with that in mind, here are some key questions to ask your potential vendor.
Questions You Should Ask a Wedding Photographer
How Long Have You Been Shooting Weddings?
This question can be tricky because there are so many different types of photographers out there. It’s best to start with something like “How long have you been doing this full time?” or “How long have we known each other?”
If you know how long they’ve been in business, you can gauge whether they’re experienced enough for your needs.
Do You Shoot On Film Or Digital?
If you’re planning on having prints made from your images, then you need to find out what type of camera they use.
Digital cameras offer more flexibility than film cameras, but you also lose quality as you go up the chain. Make sure that you both agree on which system works best for you.
Can You Show Me Examples of Your Work?
If you don’t already have an album of your favorite shots, now is the time to get one. You want to see if they can create exactly what you envision.
Will You Travel?
Travel costs add up quickly, especially when you factor in gas, hotels, food, etc. If you’re getting married somewhere far away, you may not want to pay for a local photographer unless you absolutely must.
How Do You Charge?
There are two ways to approach this: flat rate or by the job.
Flat rate means you pay a set amount regardless of how much you spend. By the job means you pay based on the number of hours spent working.
The latter option is usually better since it allows you to control how much you spend.
How Will You Communicate With Us?
Communication is everything!
You want to know where you stand at all times. Is there anything you need to tell me before our first meeting? Are there any special instructions you need to give me?
Who Else Will Be Involved In Our Wedding?
Will there be additional people in the room besides you and your fiancé? For example, if you’re having a bridal party, will they be included in the session?
How Long Will it Take to Complete the Project?
Depending on the size of your wedding, you might expect to receive around 50-100 edited images.
That doesn’t mean you have to wait until the end of the year to view them though. You can request a few samples right after the wedding.
Do You Accept Credit Cards?
Credit card processing fees can really add up over time. If you’ll be paying by check, you’ll want to confirm that they accept checks.
What Happens If I Cancel?
It’s always good to have a backup plan in case things don’t go according to plan. Find out if you can return unused images or if you’ll receive a refund.
When Can I Expect My Final Product?
You should receive your finished product within 2 weeks of your wedding date. However, if you’d prefer to order prints online, you can often have them ready sooner.
What Kind of Insurance Do You Carry?
You never know what could happen during a photo shoot, so make sure that you’re covered.
Do You Provide Proofs?
This is another important thing to discuss prior to booking.
Some photographers will send you a proof gallery while others will email you links to their website.
Either way, you’ll need to decide whether you like what you see.
Do You Offer Packages?
A package deal is a great way to save money. It gives you access to several services such as editing, printing, albums, etc.
Why is it Important to Have a Wedding Photographer?
Wedding photography isn’t easy. There are many moving parts and details to consider.
A professional photographer knows how to handle each situation and has experience taking photos at weddings.
They also understand how to capture the most memorable moments.
While some couples hire a friend or family member to take pictures, hiring a pro ensures that the quality of the shots will be high and consistent. This makes it easier to choose which ones you love the best later on.
Another benefit of hiring a professional is that they’ve likely taken hundreds of weddings. This means they’ve seen every type of pose, expression, background, etc., and can anticipate the unexpected.
How Much Does it Cost for a Wedding Photography Session?
The cost of a wedding photography session depends on who you hire, but typically ranges from $1,000-$5,000.
The average price tag includes:
Editing (if applicable)
Most photographers charge an hourly rate for this service. Depending on the amount of work involved, you may pay anywhere from $50-$350 per hour.
Prints
The number of prints you get varies depending on the style and level of customization you desire. Prices start at $150 per image and can reach into the thousands.
Albums
These come in different sizes and styles. For example, you can opt for a traditional hardcover album ($200), a leather bound album ($500), or even a custom designed album ($2,000).
Other Services
You may also want to include other services such as videography, engagement sessions, etc.
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning a big day, you owe it to yourself to find a reputable wedding photographer. Hiring one will ensure that all of your memories are captured beautifully.
It also means that you can be rest assured that a person who knows how to take great wedding photos is taking control of that area of the event.
So, before you commit, make sure you have asked them the questions above so you can be sure you have chosen the right person for the job.
Thanks for reading, we hope this information has helped!
