Questions to ask a Photographer – what you need to be aware of
So there are a lot of little details when it comes to wedding photography that will make the difference to how everything feels and flows and also to avoid hidden surprises.
The below is a few questions I recommend you ask your chosen photographer prior to signing on the dotted line.
For clarity my personal answers are there and linked to the relevant page on my website should you want more information from me.
Have you shot at my venue? What do you know about it?
Well it depends on which it is. Regardless of whether it’s a yes or a no it’s always best to go and take a look together so you can share ideas and visions.
Personally (and you’ve probably already gathered this) I’m a tad OCD and therefore will always research the venue before we visit it, look at sun and sightlines and local beauty spots that could come in handy.
Can I request specific important photos?
Of course you can! As part of the prep we go through the “general” list of photos and adapt it to make it most suitable for you.
How many hours are included in the package?
It depends on your timeline, but normally from Hair and makeup start to an hour after first dance.
How many photos will I get?
Normally around 500, but realistically it is normally more. I won’t delete photos with a meaning to make a round number.
How long does editing take?
These are all supplied online via both my website and a smartdevice (ipad, iphone, android etc) application. This way you can never lose them (which has happened numerous times before with USB). If do still you want a USB as well just ask.
For the album how do you chose the photos and layout?
This is very much a collaborative approach: as I’m editing I’ll see the photos that have the most visual impact and those with the strongest message. I make a list of my favourites, you make a list of your favourites and then we put them together to make the album. We’ll go through several versions as we perfect it, and then finish together with a sign off evening with supper.
What information do you need from me?
You’ll get a mini questionnaire to get us started. This creates a starting point for the paperwork and gives me some ideas to get started with. The paperwork is all hosted online so we can both make changes as we go to information which may change, and also so we’ve both got access 100% of the time.
May I have a list of references?
Of course. Simply ask and you can either choose at random or I can send over the details for the last 3 weddings.
Don't Ask, Don't Know!
So this list of questions is of course not exhaustive, but it’s a starting point! The most important thing I’d say is that the only stupid question is one you’re too scared to ask. So ask away, whatever it may be, it’s better to know than always wonder!