Questions to Ask your Photographer

Here's a list I found helpful when I was trying to select a photographer. It felt a little like I was performing a job interview, but in reality, that's essentially what I was doing! These questions were all important in helping me compare Photographer A to Photographer B, but when it comes down to it, one of the most important things in selecting a photographer is finding one with whom you are comfortable. Otherwise, all of your photos will negatively reflect your discomfort.

1. How long have you been a wedding photographer? Are weddings your specialty? Are you a full-time wedding photographer?
2. Are you the one(s) who will actually be taking our photos? Will you have an assistant (and can we meet them)?
3. How many other events will you also photograph on the day of our event?
4. How much time do you allot to our event? If the event goes over, will you stay, and what is the fee?
5. What is your primary style? (It's good to hear in their own words!)
6. Film or digital? (Very few are still film...)
7. What kind of input can we have on the shots? Can we give you a shot list to work from for formal photos?
8. How many photos do you expect to shoot?
9. What kind of camera / equipment do you use? Will anything be intrusive that we need to be aware of beforehand?
10. Have you shot at our location(s) before? Are than any caveats we need to know about?
11. Will we own the digital negatives? Will we have the right to make copies and prints? If not, how much does it cost for ownership?
12. What kind of improvements / edits will you make to the images?
13. How long after the wedding will the proofs be ready?
14. Will our photos be available online for our guests to view?
15. What kind of album options do we have?
16. What types of packages do you have? What do they include? (Engagement session? Bridal portrait?)
17. Do you belong to any industry associations?
18. Do you have insurance? Do you have backup equipment just in case?
19. What happens if you / your assistant is ill?
20. Can I see some sample albums of complete weddings?
21. Can I read through your contract?
22. What are you payment options?
23. How far in advance do we need to book your services? How much of a deposit do you require?
24. What is your cancellation policy? Is there a "return" policy if we are not satisified?
25. Do you have a list of references with contact information?