What questions should you ask a potential wedding photographer?
Hiring a wedding photographer is one of the most important parts of your wedding planning process. The flowers, the cake, the DJ; those things help make up the story, but they’ll be gone at the end of the night. The photos? You’ll have those for a lifetime. Making sure you have a photographer who can best capture your day will help you keep your memories alive for years to come.
When it comes to hiring a wedding photographer, there are SO many to choose from, especially in New York City. The options might seem over whelming, and once you found a few that you like, how do you actually make the best choice?
I’ve spoken to tons of couples over the years. I find that some come to meetings with pages of questions prepared and others just hope for the best and I’m able to guide them through the process as well. No matter what, I figured it’s always helpful to have a baseline of questions to ask wedding photographer you’re thinking of hiring, and knowing what I know about the business, here are a few you should always ask.
Can I see a full gallery or two?
Why is this question important? Of all the things you ask, I’d say this one is one of the most important. When a photographer puts together a portfolio for a website, they’re going to pick and choose their best shots. A lot of folks can get lucky and get a few good shots from a wedding. However, being able to make the whole day look good? From great lighting in portraits to low lit dance floor? That takes a professional and you should know what to expect from a full day of wedding coverage from whoever you plan to hire.
Rather than have you worked at my venue before, have you photographed anywhere similar?
Just because a photographer hasn’t worked at your venue before, doesn’t mean they won’t be able to make awesome photos. If you’re at a venue that has something that might make it difficult or some other concern, you can always ask if they’ve worked somewhere similar and can share those photos so you know what to expect.
Do you have experience with the type of wedding we’re having?
Related to the above… this doesn’t mean a photographer won’t take great photos if they haven’t, but if you’re having a wedding with lots of cultural traditions, someone familiar with said traditions might ease your mind in that they know what to expect. However, it’s worth noting, photographers are often artists who thrive in capturing new experiences they have never had before.
How do you back-up your work after a wedding? Do you bring extra equipment to weddings?
If your photographer doesn’t have your wedding backed up in multiple locations and isn’t photographing it on two memory cards to start with, they are not worth your time. End of story. Similarly, make sure they have extra back-up gear with them. Every photographer should have extra bodies, memory cards, etc. You can never be too careful.
What happens in case of emergency?
In the same vein as above… what happens if they can’t make your day? What networks do they have in place to call on in case of emergency?
Do you have the proper insurance?
Does your venue require a certificate of insurance? Make sure your photographer has it. I carry a one million dollar policy, if your venue needs a copy just ask.
How soon will receive our images?
This is a big one. There is a LOT of variation around what to expect here. Some folks are much quicker than others, but good work takes time. A month or two is a very reasonable expectation for photography, especially in busy season, six months is not. Make sure their delivery deadlines are in your contract.
Do you have any vendors you’d recommend?
If you’re looking for a vendor team that works well together, it’s always great to ask who folks recommend. Also, many vendors like to surround themselves with people who have a similar vibe to theirs. So it can even help you get a better feel for the work they do.
What rights do we have with our images?
Different photographers have different policies with their images. If it’s important to you how you can use your images afterwards, it’s always good to clarify with the photographer what their policies are.
What kind of editing do you do?
It’s good to know what to expect going in. If you’re expecting a photographer to fully airbrush every image you should know what their policy is. Some photographers do a lot of retouching others barely touch an image after it’s taken. There’s nothing wrong with either, but if you have expectations, you should know what you’re getting. On the same token, it’s good to know how many color vs black and white you can expect.
How many images will we receive?
Another one that is very important to make sure you’re on the same page to know what to expect. If you’re thinking you’ll receive thousands of images and you only get 300, you’ll be disappointed. However, if you know what to expect going in, everyone will be happier. Thousands aren’t always better either, wading through that many images can be work!
What kind of presence do you have on a wedding day?
It’s good to know if you want a photographer taking charge, someone who blends in, or something in between. Ask them about their working style during different parts of the day to see if it matches what you’re looking for.
Do you have a contract? And how does payment work?
If your photographer is a pro, they will absolutely have a contract. You need one to protect you and them. Find out how payment is handled and when payments will be due. Do you need a payment plan? Ask. Some photographers can work with you to make your budget work.
Lastly, overall, do you LIKE them?
Can you see yourselves hanging out with this person for a day? Whether this means you have shared interests, or you just think they could make you laugh or calm your nerves on a wedding day, if you think you’d enjoy hanging out, it’s a good sign. Whether an hour elopement or multi day event, if you enjoy hanging out with your photographer, the photos will be that much better!
