10 questions that you REALLY need to be asking your potential wedding photographer
Lets admit it. Choosing a wedding photographer in the bay area can be a big task.
There are hundred of them in each zip code. Even if you have chosen a photographer because you love so much the work, make sure you can work with them and understanding their personality is key.
So you must be prepared and ask the following important questions.
1) Do you have my wedding date available?
This is the very first question to ask before inquiring any further. Nothing else matters unless the answer is “Yes”.
2) WHAT IS YOUR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY STYLE?
This is the most important question. Each wedding photographer has a style.
Is it traditional, classical, photojournalistic, artistic or mix of all?
The key is to find a photographer who can match and deliver the style you have in mind.
If you are interested about our wedding style photography, check our wedding page !
3) Do you have a second shooter?
Lot of uncontrollable events might happen during long day wedding. Such as The bride getting ready in a room while the groom does the same thing next door. Second shooter is mandatory for big wedding. The main photographer always focus on the bride/groom. Another shooter needs to take photos of other family group. Most photographers do offer a assistant one, so be sure to clarify this.
4) What are your favorite moments of the wedding?
Not a silly question to ask. Try to know which parts of the wedding the photographers like the least because these parts could be essential to you. You want to make sure the photographer loves to shoot the moments that are important to you.
5) Is there a contract?
Contract protects the client just as much as they protect the photographer. Agreements items lists pricing, extra hours, understandings and cancellation terms.
Make sure the contract states exactly what will happen if the photographer is suddenly unavailable on your day. You must ask for one!
6) DO YOU HAVE PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY INSURANCE?
Wedding planner would not even agreed with you to hire a photographer who does not have an insurance.
Professional wedding photographers must have insurance that protects them, you, your guests and the venue in case of an accident.
7) How much photos will be posed versus candid photography?
We talked about the photographer style. Make sure again how the photographers works. Do you want to pose for 3 hours?
Would you prefer to have a good balance of posing versus candid shots where the photographers blend into the background and capture photos as they unfold naturally?
8) Are you the actual photographer that will shoot my wedding?
Wedding photography companies hire freelance photographers.
Therefore, the person you have been talking to might not be the photographer of your wedding.
If possible, ask to meet the person who will be your actual photographer.
9) Do you carry back up equipment?
Don’t assume all photographer are professional.
As cameras become more and more cheaper, photographers are now all over the place stating to be professionals, If there is only one photographer at your wedding, it does not hurt to ask the photographer if he or she will bring backup equipment.
10) How soon does it take to get my photos?
Professional Photographer knows how long it takes to deliver your wedding images. Would it be online download delivery or USB drive?
So there it is: 10 questions we think you should discuss with your wedding photographer.
Wedding planning takes time and without careful preparation, you might end up choosing a wedding photographer that is not a good match for you.
if you have additional tip or feedback, feel free to leave a comment below !
About the Author:
TerrificShot Photography is a Premiere Bay Area Wedding Photographer in Sunnyvale, CA. Many clients in the entire San Francisco Bay Area have entrusted us with capturing their wedding days.