Photographer Meeting Questions i Must Ask???

Hi, this is a great question! When meeting with vendors it can be a little tough trying to figure out what to ask and making sure you don't miss anything. One of the most important things to ask about is there photography style and any examples that they have. You may have a vision in mind for the photos and it's key that your photographer lines up with that vision! We have an awesome article with more questions to ask a wedding photographer that I think you'll find very helpful!

14 Questions Every Couple Must Ask a Wedding Photographer

- Ask to see pictures and inquire about any products they offer such as prints, albums, etc.

- what kind of camera and flash they use and if they bring backup batteries and/or a backup camera

- why they like doing wedding photography and how long they have done it, you also may want to ask if they are familiar with the venue

- let them know which shots are most important to you

- let them know if you have any special photos you'd like taken (ex: I have a huge family and we ALWAYS do a big group photo at weddings, all of which which my grandmother has in her house)

- ask them what the package prices are and how much it is to add an hour or a second photographer

- what do they do in event of rain, strong wind, etc.

Https://www.brides.com/story/questions-to-ask-your-photographer-before-booking

I used this website, but my photographer answered half of the questions i already was going to ask before I even had the chance. Most know what the concerns are and their job is to set you at ease! just have an idea of what your idea is and what you want captured on your special day! good luck! so exciting!

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I agree! I've looked through their best shots album, but I think it would probably be helpful to see a whole album of one wedding to see a beginning-to-end progression of one day

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Thank you all of these are helpful! I thought about rain, but didn't consider strong wind! I also have a HUGE family (the town is my family) and they will all need to get their shots with us for sure

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Oh great! Yes I hope this photographer answers some on her own as well. I feel like there is so much information I need to know but reading a questions sheet feels awkward haha

Photography is so important to me it would be such a relief to not have the stress about worrying if the photos are done right!

One my friend who worked in photojournalism told me to ask was if their cameras used 2 SD cards so all photos are backed up.

I also asked for full galleries. That way I wasn't just seeing the best of the best. I saw 1000's of real pictures from a few real weddings. I skimmed a couple of galleries and looked more closely at the one at my venue lol. I also saw some full galleries of epics.

For me it was important to have a photographer that gave me direction. I’ve been in weddings where the photographer was like do whatever you want or wasn’t telling people to get in a shot so the bride ended up being upset when she got her pictures back. So I wanted someone that wasn’t afraid to tell me to change my pose to look better or hurry up so we can get the shot!

Super important to ask to see several "full galleries" -- everything the photographer gave a couple from their wedding (each should include several hundred to a thousand+ images). Look at them closely. Do you love the photos? Is the lighting right? Have they done a great job composing the shots & posing or capturing the subjects? Are they the type of pictures you'll want of your wedding?

One of the "preferred photographers" for daughter's venue had beautiful sample shots, but when we looked at his full galleries??? They were NOT good. All the bridal party & gamily shots were against a beige wall (at a venue with dozens of beautiful options!), etc. Also, we looked at 2 galleries for weddings at D's venue, and they were practically identical -- and NOT in a good way. It was like the guy was "phoning it in...." They were NOT good, but based on his sample galleries on his website, you wouldn't have known that. Luckily, daughter found someone else who gave her access to a dozen+ full galleries that were each stunning & unique -- based on his work, he seems much more invested in what he's doing.

Also, ask (and get in writing) how long it will take to get your sneak peeks and full gallery after the wedding, and if you will have full print rights to all your photos. There have been posts from brides who didn't realize they'd have to pay the photographer for each digital and/or print image -- which adds up really quick. Ask about ALL costs, but be cautious about anyone whose prices seem "too good to be true!"

If getting printing rights is important to you make sure you ask that. Also if you have to order prints through the. What happens if that photographer can't shoot your wedding (sick, emergency, etc) and make sure it's in the contract. Those were the big ones for me.
Also as others have mentioned make sure they bring back up equipment and shoot with 2 memory cards.

What thier photography style is

have they ever shot at your venue before

do they have a second shooter

how many photos they usually shoot and how many do they edit and how many will they send you

do they include a copyright or digital release

what type of books or packages of prints are included

how long do they store the photos were something to happyto your copies

how many hours you will have them for

what a sample timeline looks like

are engagement photos included or extra

do they bring their own lighting.

Thats all all I can think of right now

What their rates are? What the rate includes - engagement pictures, bridal pictures, how many pictures, how many hours? How long they expect photos to take at your wedding (staged photos)? How they take payment? What the deposit is? What is included in their contract? How long they take to get photos back to you? If they charge for travel or require a vendor meal? If you get a print release? If they come with an assistant?