QUESTIONS TO ASK WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

Choosing a wedding photographer is a big decision. You want to make sure you find someone whose style you love and who you feel comfortable with. You'll likely speak to a few wedding photographers, and you'll want to know what to ask your wedding photographer to make the most of those calls.

So, what should you ask them before you book? Here are some important questions to ask your potential photographer:

How would you describe your photography style?

Knowing a photographer's style will help you decide if they're the right fit for you. If you love candid, natural photos but the photographer's portfolio is mostly posed and formal shots, they probably aren't the right choice for you. There are lots of different wedding photography styles, from photojournalistic to fine art too traditional. Do some research to figure out what kind of style you like best, and then make sure the photographer you're considering can deliver that.

What is included in your wedding package?

Find out what's included in the wedding photography package. Will they be there for the whole day or just for a few hours? How many photographers will be working on your wedding?

Do you have a portfolio I can look at?

Of course, you want to see examples of the photographer's work before you hire them. But don't just look at their Instagram ask to see a full wedding gallery too. This will give you a good idea of their range and abilities. Ask to see a full wedding they've shot so you can get an idea of their style and quality too. I love showing my couples a full wedding galleries because my style is all about storytelling and with a full wedding gallery you can really get a sense of the day and how your photos will look.

How do you handle wedding day timelines?

You should have a pretty good idea of how you want your wedding day to flow before you talk to potential photographers. But it's still helpful to ask them how they typically handle wedding days. Find out if they're experienced with wedding timelines and if they're comfortable working with the timeline you have in mind. Personally, I love working with my couples to help them plan their day. I've been to a lot of weddings (as you can imagine!), so I'm well positioned to help you with your plans.

Do you have a backup plan in case of an emergency?

You want to make sure your photographer has a plan in place in case something goes wrong on the day of your wedding. What will they do if they get sick or their equipment breaks? Do they have a backup photographer who can step in?

Have you shot at our wedding venue before?

If your wedding is taking place at a unique or challenging venue, you'll want to make see if your photographer has experience shooting there. They'll know the best places to take pictures and how to work around any obstacles. However, a good photographer can capture amazing photos even if it's a venue they've not been to before. For example, if I'm shooting at a venue that is new for me, I do a lot of research beforehand as well as scout the venue out on the day for the best spots for photographs.

What is your turnaround time for wedding photos?

Find out how long it will take to get your wedding photos back after the big day. Most photographers will have a turnaround time of 12 weeks, but some may take longer. If you're getting married soon and don't want to wait that long to see your wedding photos, make sure to ask about the turnaround time before you book.

How do you handle payments?

When the time comes to pay your wedding photographer, find out what their policy is. Do they require a deposit? When is the final payment due? Do they offer payment plans?

What is your policy on copyright and ownership of wedding photos?

You want to make sure you understand who owns the rights to the wedding photos. In most cases, the photographer will own the copyright to the photos but you will have a print release so you can make copies for yourself. This means you can print them but you cant sell your photos to a magazine or a TV ad etc without the photographers permission. Some photographers will sell you the digital files for an additional fee. Others will include them in your wedding package. Be sure to ask about this so you know what to expect. My couples get all their photos included within my price; I don't believe in charging additional fees for the digital photos themselves but as the photographer I remain the sole owner of the photos.

What do you think makes a great wedding photo?

This is a great question to ask your potential wedding photographer. Their answer will provide insight into their style and approach. For me, a great wedding photo is one that captures the emotions of the day. It should be a candid shot that shows the joy, love, and laughter of the day.

Do you have liability insurance?

You should always make sure your wedding photographer has liability insurance in case something happens on the wedding day. This will protect you from any damages or injuries that may occur.

Asking these questions will help you get to know your wedding photographer and their style. Be sure to ask any other questions you may have as well. The more you know about your photographer, the more comfortable you'll feel on your wedding day and if you can add on an engagement shoot you should as this will ultimately give you the best insight to how your photographer will work on your day.

Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event, so be sure to choose a wedding photographer that you're confident in. With the right photographer by your side, you'll be able to relax and enjoy your wedding day knowing that your memories are being captured beautifully.

If you have any questions for me, I’d love to chat! Feel free to email me at Leah@Leahmariephotography.co.uk I'm a Luxury Destination wedding photographer from Hampshire UK. My website has been reviewed and approved by photographerlistings.org, and my website is also listed with uklistings.org.