Choosing the right photographer can be a daunting task, so the questions to ask your wedding photographer before hiring them are very important. Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and you want to make sure it’s captured perfectly! It’s important to ask the right questions to ensure you’re making the best decision. As a photographer, I actually appreciate it when my future clients ask me these questions. It shows that they are dedicated to the process and want to understand my methods, style, and process. Them knowing this before hand makes everything run much more smooth. Below I’ve compiled a list of what I believe are some the most important questions to ask. So, without further ado….here are some of the most important questions to ask your wedding photographer before hiring them:
1. Can I see a whole album from a past wedding session?
Seeing a completed wedding album that they’ve shot will actually tell you a lot! Your wedding day can last up to 8-10 hours which means there will be a lot of lighting changes over the course of the day. This will show you if they can work with any lighting situations that may arise. On another note, it also shows typical posing that they do and specific shots they get. You can then discuss what you may want to do or not do for your day. Plus, it also shows in greater depth their editing style and allows you to decide if you truly like their style.
2. How many photos can I expect to receive / how will I receive them?
Every photographer is different with their process, some limit the amount of pictures per hour. But some set a total limit for the day. As an example, I personally do anywhere from 60-80 per hour. It really depends on a lot of different factors of the wedding… like how many guests, venue, and timing. Whatever their answer, just make sure that you are happy with the amount they offer. Additionally, knowing the way they get the pictures to you is important to know. Ask if they offer digital copies, prints, albums, or any other services.
3. What’s your backup plan?
Accidents happen! You need to know that they have backup plans ready for anything that can go wrong! Whether that be a technological issue or a personal one, you want to know that they are prepared. Ask them what kind of digital backups they will have and what their policy is if anything happens to the pictures before you receive them. Also you should ask what their refund policy is. Especially if something happens to prevent them from being able to show up on the actual wedding day.
4. What’s included in your packages / are there any additional fees?
This is super important, you should have a firm grasp on what to expect and what you’re paying for. Start by asking what’s included in the package in its entirety. Have them go over everything you will receive and what the TOTAL price will be, and if they require a deposit. Ask if there’s anything that costs extra, things you should be adding on, or if you have additional requests can the package be customized.
5. How long is the delivery time for the pictures?
This is an absolute must to ask! The last thing you want is to be waiting forever on your pictures and not having a clue as to when you’ll get them. Typically, it should take anywhere from 6-8 weeks. There’s a lot of factors involved in this, if they have a lot of other sessions going on it could take longer. It’s good to ask what their editing process looks like to give you a clearer idea of how long it takes.
Hopefully this will help you in the process of hiring your wedding photographer! If you’d like to see more of my work, click here. If you’re interested in hiring me for your wedding day, click here, and let’s chat!
Kind Words
“Where do I possibly begin? For anyone who doesn’t read reviews, here’s the message: Amanda (and her amazing right hand Linda) are your best bet. They are the best, full stop. Consider booking them even if you aren’t an SF Local. I am an LA local and this was a decision that proved to be wildly fortuitous. Amanda has kept in touch, as well and Linda. Asking about our wedding journey, sharing parts of their own lives, and just really being a part of our story in a way I will never forget. I am so humbled by her kindness and knowledge. I hope to shoot with her again one day.” – Shah + Charles
