Questions to ask Wedding Photographer
- The Barn at Blackstone
- Nov 11, 2024
- 3 min read
When choosing a wedding photographer, it’s important to ask questions to ensure they align with your vision and expectations. Your wedding day is one of the biggest days to celebrate, and only a photo will hold the memory forever!
Use this checklist to identify a professional fit fast: confirm date availability, style alignment, full gallery quality, backup plans, coverage hours, editing timeline, usage rights, and total cost with add-ons. Shortlist coachable communicators who explain lighting, posing for camera-shy couples, and venue logistics in clear terms.
The Essential 10 Questions
Start here for what questions to ask wedding photographer prospects in your first call.
Are you available on our date, and will you personally photograph the event?
How many hours of coverage and what is included in each package?
How would you describe your photography style and how much direction you give?
Can we see two full galleries from recent weddings, ideally in similar lighting?
What is the editing timeline, and how many edited images will we receive?
How you handle low light, indoor spaces, and mixed lighting.
What is the total price with taxes, travel, second shooter, and overtime?
What is the contract structure, payment schedule, and reschedule policy?
What is your backup plan for gear failure and unexpected weather?
What usage rights we get for printing, sharing, and albums?
Here are other questions to ask:
General Experience and Style
What is your photography style? (e.g., traditional, photojournalistic, artistic)
How long have you been photographing weddings?
Have you shot at our wedding venue before? What are some examples of shots you'd recommend for the space?
Portfolio and References
Can we see a full gallery of a recent wedding?
Do you have references or reviews from past clients?
Can we see examples of shots taken in similar lighting conditions to our event?
Packages and Pricing
What is included in your standard package?
Do you offer customizable packages?
Are there additional fees for travel or overtime?
Availability and Logistics
Are you available on our wedding date?
How many weddings do you book per day/weekend?
Do you have backup equipment?
Preparation and Planning
How do you handle pre-wedding consultations and planning?
Will you be the one shooting our wedding, or will it be an associate?
Do you scout the venue ahead of time?
On the Day of the Wedding
Will you have an assistant or second shooter?
How do you manage group shots and coordinate with the wedding party?
What is your plan if there’s bad weather or unexpected lighting issues?
Post-Production and Deliverables
How long after the wedding will we receive our photos?
How many edited photos can we expect?
What is your process for editing and retouching?
Will we receive both color and black-and-white versions of our photos?
Rights and Permissions
Will we have printing rights to the photos?
Will you use our photos for promotional purposes or share them on social media?
Do you offer an online gallery or USB drive with the final images?
Additional Services
Do you offer engagement or pre-wedding photo shoots?
Do you provide albums or printed photos, and what are the costs?
Do you offer videography services or partner with a videographer?
These questions will help you understand the photographer’s experience, ensure their style matches your vision, and clarify the details of what you will receive.
