Questions to Ask Your Photographer

Finding the right photographer can be a daunting task. In a time where everyone has a camera in their pocket, it can be challenging to decipher who will best represent you for years to come. I hope these questions and answers will give you an insight into the photography business, so you can feel confident in your investment!

How many photos will be in our final gallery?

In a typical hour session, a professional photographer should have around 150-300 images. After your photographer weeds out the repeats and spends hours editing, a full album may include 30-50 (for large families or ones with young children) to 50-100 (for couples) images.

If your photographer is only going to deliver 5 edited images for a paid hour of your time, that might be a red flag.

Also ask: Will I receive edited images? If your photographer isn’t going to edit the images, they should cost a fraction of the price a full service photographer. Make sure you are also receiving the rights to print and share your photos as well.

How will I receive my photos?

Having your images delivered to you is a vital step! Answers like “I’ll text them you” is a major red flag. Google photos and drop box are quick and easy for a casual shoot or if you work with a photographer frequently. However for headshots, couples, or family sessions it’s not professional.

Photo delivery sites like PixieSet or PicTime will keep a higher resolution of your albums. Wedding photos should be delivered by these websites with no exceptions, and some wedding photographers also mail you a flashdrive of your backed up photos.

Also ask: How long will you keep back ups of my photos, just in case something goes wrong?

When will I receive a contract?

In any business transaction, you should always receive a contract! I send one to everyone, even to friends I know and trust. Having a tight contract will protect both you as a client and the photographer.

The contract should include your agreed upon price, amount of guaranteed photos, time and location, and a refund or cancellation policy. If you don’t want images of your session posted on social media (Families might be concerned about online security, a maternity session couple might be waiting to tell some people they are pregnant, etc.) be sure to have your photographer write it into your contract beforehand.

If you’re getting married and you still have more questions about wedding contracts, Brides.com has an excellent guide that you can find here!

Feeling Secure with your Wedding Photographer

Ultimately, your wedding photos are the only thing you get to keep from your big day. Your bouquet will dry out, and your dress may not fit down the road, but your photos will hang in your home forever. When it comes to your big day you need to pick vendors who will not only be reliable but also be enthusiastic about your vision! Here are some additional questions you can ask your photographer to feel secure in their artistic process.

Will you be the one photographing my wedding?

Some photographers work with associates. If the lead photographer is unavailable for a specific date, they may send an associate photographer from their studio in their stead. In my experience, I trust any associate photographer to represent the lead, however clear communication is necessary when it comes to a wedding day. Additionally, a photographer might bring an assistant or second shooter, depending on your wedding size, to help with the work. Ask how many people might be accompanying your photographer so you can plan around their meals.

Do you include engagement sessions?

I highly recommend scheduling an engagement session with your wedding photographer. Not only will it help break the ice, but it will give you a great feel for their professionalism and style! Understanding the way they work will make you feel like a pro on your big day, and it helps us learn all your best angles and how you interact as a couple. Some photographers include engagement sessions in their wedding packages or offer additional sessions at a discount. Your photographer should make you feel comfortable, confident, and excited for your wedding day!

Have you photographed my venue before?

Oftentimes photographers will take an opportunity to scout a location they are shooting at, to get a feel for the layout and optimize their time. It’s not a deal breaker if they haven’t- a great photographer will be able to make any space look amazing, but if they’re already familiar with your venue that’s a major plus. If not, I highly recommend inviting them to the rehearsal or set up so they can get a feel for the location.

You can also ask if they are bringing backup equipment. If a photographer shows up with only one camera, that’s a red flag.

Do you have any preferred vendors?

Some photographers have a team of people they love to work with! (Everyone loves working with their friends, haha!) Asking the first set of people you hire for referrals will help cut down your time searching. Of course if you have a wedding planning one of their jobs will be finding people for you, but it never hurts to ask. There are some Videographers whose style I love but have been challenging to work with. Teams that work well together will truly be able to bring your vision to life, and help bring extra smooth sailing on your day.

How can I help with your planning?

Every couple who has ever asked me this is a winner. Your photographer will be so relieved to know you care about their efforts. Keeping an open dialogue and trusting your vendors will be all the more helpful in making your day run smooth. Key them in on important details like dress code, the other vendors you are working with, and the parts of the day you feel are most important to photograph.

I hope this helps navigating the searching phase! Photographers, like any business, aren’t one size fits all. There is the right photographer for every style, budget, and personality. Years will go by, your children will grow up, and maybe home is a new address, however the photos you take today will still be there. My hope is that everyone has beautiful memories captured in a perfect, meaningful way!

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