What should you ask a wedding photographer?
What should we be asking our potential wedding photographer?
Firstly i’m going to start by saying the title is definitely a bit of click bait… I’m of the opinion of there are no real biggies that you should/shouldn’t ask a photographer. There are SO many lists online that say ask this, ask that, march in with a huge list and tick things off but in reality most don’t apply!
There are a LOT of ‘associations’ and online qualifications that are relatively easy to go online and apply for - this doesn’t make anyone more worthy of being a good wedding photographer. I actually think a lot of it is bullshit (no offence anyone reading that’s on this list, I have a degree in photography but I don’t think that makes me any better or more qualified to shoot weddings)
The biggest thing that’s at the top of that list for me is connection. It’s not necessarily something you can ask a wedding photographer, but if you meet/Skype them then the biggest thing to look out for is a connection. I think it’s SO important that you get on with the person, who lets be honest, will spend most of the day with you! So whilst it’s all good asking questions and checking price etc. you need to make sure the person you book gets your vision for the day.
Another thing that often crops up on these lists is “ask to see a portfolio” this is a kinda obvious one? I’d hope that you had been onto a website and seen good selection of images, if there isn’t then thats red flag alert for me! But before you meet or Skype them ask to see some full online galleries just to see what a day looks like start to finish, you may only be able to see couple shots in their portfolio but if you take a look at an online gallery and theres a LOT of posed or group shots when you’re looking for natural candid photography, then they’re probably not a good fit and there’s no point meeting/Skyping just because they may be a cheaper option.
Obviously there ARE some things that are important to check with them though;
Insurance - When booking someone please, please make sure they have sufficient insurance. This is to cover both of your backs.
Will you get a contract to sign? - if they don’t then serious alarm bells should be ringing right now.
What happens if you are ill on the day? - You want to make sure that someone trusted will be covering the day in case of emergencies, also make sure this is highlighted in a contract too.
When do we pay balances? - This varies between photographers, for example I ask for the £500 deposit upon signing a contract and the balance 28 days before, other photographers will be different.
What are we getting for our money? - What’s included in the package basically, just confirm hours, roughly how many photos, is their an album/USB?
When I meet couples I’d say about 90% of the meeting is getting to know you and 10% is wedding Q&A. Here are a few examples of things we usually chat about at meetings!
Whats your favourite film? - This tells a LOT about a person, mine’s impossible to pick one but obvs Harry Potter is up there, you like Harry Potter too then BINGO we’re a good match!
What music will be on your wedding playlist? - Again getting to know your interest’s and what your party is gonna be like (as i’ll deffo be up their dancing with my cameras!)
Do you have any pets? - If i’m honest find most of my couples either have pets (bonus points for showing me photos) or like me spend a lot of time watching cat/dog videos online wishing they had one!
If so are they coming to the wedding!? - I’m A OK with pets at weddings! (just make sure someone looks after them/feeds/gives them water regularly!)
Do you collect anything? - Tattoos, Funko pops, pins, thimbles etc etc. I just find what people collect really interesting!
What do you do in your spare time/for fun/what are your hobbies?
Hopefully that actually does help, especially if you’re meeting a potential photographer and have NO idea what to even ask them, or what to expect - Fear not, you don’t need to ask anything and as photographers (or any supplier really!) We’ve met lots of couples so will fill you in on all the important info as we talk anyway!
Do let me know if you think i’ve missed anything super important off the list in the comments though!