If you are hiring a photographer for your wedding, you’ll want to make a good investment out of it. Here are seven questions you need to ask potential photographers before the wedding.
Do you have a reference I can talk to?
While many photographers have testimonials on their website, it’s nice to physically receive some comments from couples who have utilized that photographers services. You’ll have a good idea of this photographers business if you look at their Instagram, ask around and check reviews online. Overall, do your research so that there are no surprises later.
What date will you send me the photos by?
This is a small detail that can make a huge difference. Some photographers do sneak peaks the same night, others wait and send everything in the mail within weeks or more… it’s different for each photographer, so ask this question so you know what to expect. Since it’s so hard to wait (even a day!!!) for your wedding photos, have bridesmaids take pictures throughout the day while your photographer takes pictures so you have SOMETHING to tide you over till the whole album is delivered to you in all of its wedding glory.
Can you save the photos in multiple locations?
This may feel unnecessary to ask, but ultimately you want to find out what will happen if your photographer’s laptop, camera, or memory cards break/get stolen/explode leaving you without photos. That would be horrible…right?!? Life happens so make sure you feel comfortable with your photographers back up plan.
How many photographers will you have at my wedding?
These days, it’s rare for a photographer to go solo at a wedding. I commonly see two to three at the wedding. Ask your photographer and ensure you’re comfortable with the number. Two is ideal. It saves time, allows for more creativity, and gives everyone the space they need to relax knowing two photographers have everything under control. PLUS – who doesn’t love the first look pictures from the bride and groom as she’s walking down the aisle?
Anna Roussos
Can you take these types of photos?
Before your wedding, give your photographer a list of the photos you have to have. It could be you alone getting dressed, you and your brother, pictures of your rings…anything! You won’t think of all of the photos you want to take on your wedding day, and your photographer may not even think of some common photos. Don’t assume he/she will automatically think of certain photos. Give your photographer a physical list and give the exact same list to your Maid of Honor (MOH) so that in case the photographer forgets, your MOH remembers on the big day!
What happens if you’re unable to make it to my wedding to take photos?
Life happens! People get sick, cars break down, GPS sends you on the wrong turn…it’s life. Ask your photographer what the backup plan if the worst case scenario happens. You’ll want to be prepared mentally and physically in case some of his/her backup photographers need to fill in or if other arrangements need to be made. Talk about it in advance so that there are no surprises later.
How much editing will you do to the photos?
Even though your photographer commonly edits their photos in some way, that doesn’t necessarily mean your photos will be edited the exact same. Lighting can change this, and personal requests from different couples can affect the outcome of the edited photos. Discuss this in advance and tell your photographer exactly what you want so that you’re on the same page.
Having beautiful photos that last a lifetime will be an amazing thing to cherish after your wedding. Ensuring you and your photographer are on the same page before the wedding will be golden and get you through the wedding day and editing process with ease!
Style Me Pretty Contributor – Kylie Thompson is a freelance writer, blogger and marketing professional from Grand Rapids Michigan, where she resides with her husband. When she isn’t working, you will find her exploring Grand Rapids’ newest culinary establishments with her husband, or traveling up and down Lake Michigan’s coast.