5 Must-Ask Questions Before Booking Your Photographer
1. What is your shooting process like? Low-key? Unposed?
This is the first question for a reason. It is likely the most important one you should ask if you can’t already tell from their work.
Some photographers like to take a backseat/journalistic approach when documenting your day and others lean toward a more posed & direct style of shooting. It’s important to know which one you prefer and to make sure your vibe matches with your photographers style.
If you feel like you and your other half want/need a bit of direction but also want to enjoy the day without seeing your photographer everywhere, you’ll want to find someone who can fit those needs!
2. Do you require a deposit/retainer and contract to secure our date?
It is essential to know what your photographer’s booking process is like so that you can:
budget accordingly for your deposit and
make sure your date is securely booked & protected
A contract is also a very important part of the booking process and something to keep in mind when choosing a photographer. Having this in place ensures that BOTH parties are protected.
If you don’t understand something, ask questions!!! It’s our job as photographers to educate our clients and clarify anything that needs to be.
3. What is the normal turnaround time for galleries?
This is a nice tidbit of information to know and keep in mind when choosing your perfect photographer.
“Busy seasons” for photographers, such as June-August, has an effect on our editing and delivery schedules.
It may not be a deal breaker, but it is nice to know when to expect your galleries depending on when your wedding day is.
4. Do you charge a rescheduling fee?
Pre pandemic, I probably wouldn’t have had this question on this list.
But here we are.
This question is now probably one of the most popular and more important questions to ask.
When booking, know your costs upfront so that if anything happens (knock on wood) you know what the process is to move your date in the event of a change in plans. That way you’re not surprised with any fees down the road.
5. Do you back-up your photos?
I know this one is unusual and I’m sure not many think to ask, but you should.
And here’s why: your wedding day is THE most important day of your life.
The time, money, and love put into your wedding isn’t something to be taken lightly. That’s why I always encourage couples to know that their photos are securely backed-up and safely kept.
After a wedding, I religiously backup ALL of the photos from the day to my main hard drive + my backup hard drive, and then those are backed up to a separate drive.
By the time I lay my head on the pillow that night, my couples photos are in FIVE different & secure places. It may seem a little (a lot) crazy, but it’s worth it. Trust me.
