Things to consider to find the perfect fit for your wedding!

Questions To Ask Before Hiring a Wedding Photographer

Finding the perfect photographer is one of the most important steps in planning your wedding! Photographs are one of the few tangible items you will have after your wedding day, so making the right choice is key! If you are like most couples planning a wedding you have probably not needed to book vendors before – and that’s ok! As a Boston wedding photographer, I want you to feel prepared to invest in someone you are compatible with and trust to deliver amazing images to you after your big day!

I have compiled a list of questions to ask before hiring a wedding photographer. This list is not meant to be like a formal interview, but more of things to consider when getting ready to select someone. After all, you will spend as much time (if not more) with your photographer on your wedding day than your partner! Here’s a helpful guide with essential questions to ask your wedding photographer to make the best choice for your wedding day.

First Step In Booking a Wedding Photographer

The first step with most photographers is to inquire and ask them if they are available on your wedding date. Once your photographer has confirmed their availability, the next step is to ensure you both are a good fit. I always recommend scheduling a phone call or Zoom Call before moving forward with anything.

Questions To Ask Your Wedding Photographer: Their Experience

Tell me more about you:
- How long have you been in business?
- About how many weddings have you photographed?
- Have you done many weddings similar to mine in size and style?
- Where are you located?
How would you describe your photography and editing style?
How would you describe your working style?
- Will I get formal, posed portraits if your style is mostly candid (and vice versa)?
- What is your approach to posing and capturing a wedding?
Can we see an updated portfolio and wedding galleries from real weddings you have photographed?
- This should include both indoor and outdoor settings with different lighting scenarios.

Key Takeaways: Just get to know your photographer & see if you have a connection! Understanding the photographer’s years in business and the number of weddings they’ve photographed helps gauge their expertise. Clarifying their photography and editing style ensures it aligns with your vision, whether you prefer formal portraits or more candid shots or want light and airy photos vs dark and moody ones. Review their current portfolio by asking to see 1-2 full wedding galleries.

Wedding party at Granite Links in Boston, MA

Handling Logistics of the Wedding Day

Can I provide a list of specific shots we would like?
- Do we need a shot list or timeline? Can you help with a timeline?
Will you be the photographer at my wedding?
- Will you have assistants or second-shooters?
What type of equipment do you use?
- Do you have backup equipment?
- Do you shoot in digital, offer film, or both?
What is your backup plan if you cannot shoot my wedding?
- This is crucial to ensure you are covered in case of an emergency.
Have you worked at my wedding venue before?
- If not, do you plan to check it out in advance?
Do you have liability insurance?

Key Takeaways: Every photographer will handle things differently! There is no right or wrong way, just what works best for you & the vision you have for photos. Get a sense of their confidence in ensuring no key moments will not be missed. It is also a good idea to make sure they have an emergency backup plan just in case.

Image Delivery

How long after the wedding will I receive my images and how are they delivered?
- Do you provide sneak peeks immediately after our wedding?
- Approximately how many final images should I expect to receive?
- Can I order prints or albums? Are they included or an additional cost?
Do you release RAW images?
- Note: RAW images are unprocessed and most photographers will not give you RAW images or offer them.
What rights do clients have with the photos?
- This includes printing, sharing, etc.

Key Takeaways – These questions will ensure everyone is on the same page about editing and how to use and share your images! Ask about the timeframe for receiving your images and the delivery method.

Pricing and Packages Questions to Ask Before Hiring Your Wedding Photographer

Can you customize a package to fit our needs?
- Do you include engagements or add-on other events like welcome parties or rehearsal dinner coverage?
- How many hours of coverage do we expect we should need?
- Can we add extra coverage if needed?

Key Takeaways – It is important to understand if a photographer is within your budget. If you are hiring a very experienced photographer, you can expect them to be more expensive than a brand-new photographer. Again, there is no right or wrong. I believe there is a photographer for everyone, but asking these questions can help you get the most out of your budget and expectations for your gallery.

Boston wedding photographer at Graite Links

Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer Before Booking

What is the booking process?
- How far in advance should I book with you?
- How much is the deposit, and when is the final payment due?
- Do we need to sign a contract? (the answer is yes!)
- Do you charge a travel fee and what does it cover?
- Do you offer payment plans?
- What is your refund/cancellation policy?

Key Takeaways – Most photographers will let you know this during the call, but be sure to ask questions. The photographer should send something in writing after the call that outlines what is included and the payment plan. Never hire someone without a contract in place!

Post-Consultation Reflection

After your consultation, it’s essential to ask yourself the following questions:

Do we have a good rapport with the photographer?
Do we trust them to capture our wedding day?
Will we feel comfortable with them throughout the day?
Is their level of service/expertise what we expect?
Is their editing and style what we are looking for?

Consider these questions before hiring a wedding photographer. They will help you feel well-equipped to select someone who not only meets your needs but also enhances your wedding day with beautiful and memorable photos. Selecting a photographer is not something to take lightly! I hope these questions help you feel prepared and ready to begin inquiring!

Looking for a Boston or New England wedding photographer? I would love to capture your big day and share more about my process! Inquire here to get started!