36 Questions to ask your wedding photographer

1. Do you have my date available?

2. How far in advance do I need to book with you?

3. How would you describe your photography style?**(Creative, photojournalistic, traditional, high fashion, illustrative, natural light, Portraiture)

4. How many weddings have you shot? Were any of them similar to mine in size and style?

5. Do you have a portfolio I can review? Are all the images yours? Is the work recent? 

6. How long have you been established?

7. What distinguishes your work from the work of other photographers?

8. How much of a deposit is required and when is it due? Do you offer a payment plan?

9. What is your refund/cancellation policy?

10. When will I receive my written contract? (NOTE: All wedding professionals should provide you with a contract)

11. What type of equipment do you use?

12. Are you shooting in digital or film format or both? (NOTE: Both formats yield excellent photos in the hands of experienced professionals, you generally can’t tell the difference between film and digital images, however film takes longer to process)

13. Do you shoot in colour and black & white? Infrared? (NOTE: Photographers who shoot in a digital format can make black and white or sepia versions of colour photo’s.)

14. Can I give you a list of specific shots we’d like taken?

15. Would you be able to play a slideshow of the engagement shoot (along with any other photo’s we might like to add) and show it during the reception? Or perhaps an “instant slideshow of the ceremony?

16. What information do you need from me before the wedding day?

17. Do you offer videography as well? (NOTE: If not ask your photographer to refer you)

18. May I have a list of references of please? (NOTE:Check out wedding photographer reviews when you view the vendor showcase)

19. Are you the photographer that will be shooting at my wedding? If yes will you have any assistants working with you on that day? If not, when can I meet the person that will be taking my wedding photos?

20. Do you have backup equipment?

21. Do you have a backup plan if you (or my scheduled photographer) are unable to shoot at my wedding for any reason?

22. If my wedding venue is out of your area, do you charge a travel fee? And what does that cover?

23. Are you photographing any other events on the same day as mine?

24. Will you and your assistants be dressed professionally?

25. Is it ok for other people to take photographs while you are taking photo’s?

26. Have you ever worked at my wedding venue before? If not do you plan you check it out before my wedding day? (NOTE: This is important, so photographers can incorporate lighting and architectural ​elements into your photographs.)

27. What time will you arrive at the site and how long will you shoot for?

28. If my wedding lasts longer than anticipated, will you stay? Is there an additional charge, if so how much?

29. What packages do you offer?

30. Can I customize a package based on my needs?

31. Do you include an engagement shoot in your package?

32. Do you offer assistance with creating an album? What designs do you offer?

33. Do you offer colour adjustments, retouching or other corrective services?

34. How long after the wedding will I get the proofs? Will they be available online? Do I get a cd?

35. What is your ordering process?

36. How long after I’ve ordered my photo’s/album will I receive them?

37. Will you give me the negatives/digital images as well? Is there an additional fee?

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