Picking a photographer for your wedding day can be a long, daunting process.  There are so many wonderful photographers to choose from and finding the right photographer for your special day is no easy task.

While most photographers include things like price, hours of coverage and if there is a second shooter or an engagement session included in their packages in their pricing guide, there are some questions that many brides wouldn’t think to ask and the answers to the questions could very well help them decide on the perfect photographer.  I have compiled some not so common questions for you to add to your list when talking to a potential photographer!

How long have you been shooting weddings?

Some photographers have been shooting weddings for years, part time on the weekends and others have been shooting them exclusively for 6 months.

What is your style?

This can range from lifestyle to photojournalistic and having a sense of how they will capture your day will give you an idea of the types of images you will receive at the end.

Do you use natural light or artificial light?

Some photographers use only natural light and others use a speedlight attached to their camera, still others use Off Camera Flash.  This will vary with the photographic style of the photographer.

Do you work from a shot list?

Some photographers will come to your wedding with a list of images they want and need to photograph.  Others will have that list mentally or curate the poses and images as they go.

Can I request certain shots at my wedding?

Some photographers will be open to certain photo requests.  This generally happens in formals of the bridal party or family.

Do you bring a second shooter?

This is a great question.  You will want to know how many people will be with your photographer.  Are they working in a team? Will they have a second or third shooter and an assistant? Will they be solo?

How many images should I expect?

Generally speaking weddings typically produce 50-70 edited images per hour of coverage the day of the wedding.  However, this may vary with the size of the wedding party, the size of the venue and the amount of time the photographer was hired for.

When is the retainer due? Balance?

This information is SO important.  Most photographers require that the retainer be paid along with a signed copy for the wedding date to be booked.  The balance is usually due anywhere from 30 day to two weeks prior to the wedding.

What is your cancelation policy?

Most of the time the retainer is forfeited in the event the wedding is canceled or if the date is changed and the photographer is already booked on that date.

What happens if the photographer is ill or hospitalized and cannot make it to the wedding?

God forbid this should happen, you will want to know just in case if the photographer has a back up plan or another photographer that will act in their place if they cannot make it to the wedding in the case of a medical reason.

What will you wear to the wedding?

Some photographers will wear all black and others will dress to the formality of the wedding.  If you would prefer your photographer wear something specific you will want to bring that up to them in your initial meeting.

Do you have liability insurance?

This is very important.  Liability insurance not only covers them in case their equipment gets broken or stolen at your wedding.  It also covers them if your great aunt trips on their bag and breaks her leg.  If they do not have insurance this should be cause for concern.

If you have any questions please feel free to drop a line, I would love to hear from you!