Top 10 Questions to Ask a Wedding Photographer

When I got engaged I had no clue where to start on planning my wedding. There are thousand of websites out there that can help and assist you in planning your wedding but it's always helpful to get some insight from someone who has been there. So I decided I would do a series on "Questions to Ask a Wedding Vendor" starting with photography, of course. :-)

Hiring a wedding photographer is easy if you ask the right questions and make sure you "click" with your photographer. Here are some questions I recommend asking when looking for a wedding photographer.

1. Describe your photography style.
Before you even meet with a wedding photographer, look them up on the web and see if you like the style of their photography. If not, move on and find a photographer that you like their photos and contact them for a consultation. Then when you meet with the photographer ask more about their style and to see more samples of their printed work. Viewing photos in print and on the web are two different things!

2. Can you walk me through your wedding process?
Each wedding photographer operates a little differently. Some use a second photographer others don't. Some use portable lighting others don't. Also, some photographers use a standard shot list like we do to ensure that we get all the shots a couple wants and some do it free form. Find a process that you feel most comfortable with and let your photographer know that up front.

3. What is included in each package?
Be sure to get crystal clear information on this question. You want to know exactly what you are getting in your package and if there will be any additional costs later on.

4. How many hours are covered for the wedding day?
Find out how many hours are covered in the wedding package you are thinking about and what is the charge for additional hours. Also, if you want additional hours, when do you need to tell the photographer by?

5. Do you do multiple weddings per day? And do you have any booked on my wedding date?
Depending on the type of wedding you are having you may want the photographer for the entire day or only for a few hours. And if they are booking multiple weddings on one day, find out the timing between yours and the other one to make sure the photographer has enough time to get from one wedding to the next.

6. Are the photo proofs retouched? Are the final images retouched?
We retouch all of our photos before the couple receives their proofs but not all photographers do. Be sure to ask before hand what the photographer standard practice is and if there is a charge for additional retouching.

7. What happens if you can't make the wedding?
Asking the dreaded questions are always hard, but it will give you peace of mind in the end. You want to know what the backup plan is if the photographer you hired can't make the wedding due to some unforeseen event.

8. What happens if the photos are damaged or lost?
Professional photographers do everything in their power to protect their photos and make sure nothing happens to them. However there are things that are sometimes outside your control, like a corrupt flash card, damage to the camera, lost film by the film developer, etc. You need to know how this will be handled in the worst case scenario.

9. How do you handle guests that are taking photos at the wedding too?
In today's world everyone has a camera on them. Whether it is their cell phone, iPhone, point and shoot camera, or even a high end camera guests will be taking photos throughout the wedding. It is always good to know how your photographer will handle any situations that may come up...and if you're lucky you might even get a funny story of something that has happened at previous weddings. ;-)

10. Does the photographer have any recommendations for other vendors?
If you are going to hire the photographer you are meeting with then ask if theycan recommend any other vendors that you still need to hire. It is likely that if you like your photographer's personality and feel comfortable with them that you will also feel comfortable with their recommendation of other vendors.

Be sure to check back for more Questions to Ask Wedding Vendors. We will have guest bloggers that will cover questions from wedding planning to catering.