What questions should I ask a potential wedding photographer?

1) What sort of backup do you have in place for my wedding photos just in case your camera breaks, gets stolen or your memory card fails?

2) Can you share any testimonials from happy clients with me?

3) How do you approach your wedding photography?

4) Are you insured?

5) Are you part of any professional associations?

6) How long have you been shooting for?

7) Can you show me full examples from a wedding to start to end?

8) How do you provide the images to me?

9) How long is the turnaround time for photos?

This is a very good question to ask 

A few bullet points I truly believe are important when it comes to finding the right photographer.

• BOND - I believe connection is a very important thing.
• UNIQUE - Find out what makes them stand out from the rest.
• CONNECT - Asking if you can meet in person | phone call | facetime etc.. is a great stepping stone. This gives your the confidence knowing what the are like in person with personality and proffesionalism.
• SERVICE - What can they can offer? It's it about you at the end of the day or do they just want money.                                            ( This is a big eye opener).
• COMPANY / PRESENTATION - What the company is all about when it comes to capturing your special day and how they present themselves. 
• EXPERIANCE - What sort of work have you done: eg ; show examples. What they can bring to the table.

You could ask;

How much experence do you have photographing weddings?

Are you an award winning photographer?

How can you help me plan my wedding?

Do you know the local conditions and how long have you been working as a wedding photographer in this location?

Do you have other photographers to shoot your weddings, or are you the photographer who will shoot our wedding?

How long do you archive your clients work for?

Can you show me examples of whole weddings?

Ask any questions you like.

Firstly its best to chat over the phone, feel out their energy for you as the client and ensure they are eager to make your day special and individual. 

Once you like the personality of your photographer its always wise to confirm what you actually recieve from them after the day is complete. How long is the turn around time from wedding day till you can see your competed images. How many hours of coverage you get for thier displayed price and does that include travel to and from venues and locations. 

Get clear and specific answers to ensure they're no hiccups on the day, there is enough going on on a wedding day to worry about anyone else, after all, its your day. 

Travis 

The most important question is to ask the photographer what ideas or suggestions they have for capturing your wedding in a memorable and beautiful way.

if they answer this question well, you can be sure they are eager to work with you and will do a great job.

Before you ask anything, you need to love their work and "click" with your photographer. They will be with you more than anyone else on your day so it is important to get one well with them.

* Do they back up their images

* What do you need to do to get a copy if you lose yours

* What "style" do they use - is it a set style or varied and what do you want

* Do they accept photo suggestions - if that is something you would like to do

* Is there a contract and what does it cover

* Are they insured

* Can you see a full wedding portfolio - not just what is displayed online

* How long till you recieve your images and what is the guarantee offered

* How many images will you receive

* Have they done many weddings

* Will the photographer you meet be the one on your day

* Ask to see past clients testamonials

* Has there been any cases when the Photographer did not attend

* Do they get on well with other vendors - especially the videographer as they often need to work around each other

* What will they be wearing - you don't really want large logos being advertised at your wedding

* Ask to see the quality of their products - albums - acrylics - if a part of your package

* What other services may they be able to provide

There are bound to be many things to consider but again the most important is do you like their work and if you get on well, you are at least half way there. 

Happy planning!

The two key things are do you like their images and how did you feel after you met with them.

Other things to consider are:

• How much experience do they have in shooting weddings
• Can you see examples of a full wedding shoot
• Do they have back up equipment
• Do they hold professional accreditaion and insurance
• How will the images be supplied and what is included in their collections
• Do they back up the images
• Do they gaurentee their work and delivery times
• Do they provide a contract
• Do you meet with the actual photographer who'll be shooting your wedding
• Can they help you with the timing and scheduling of the wedding day

Do you have back up equipment!

Being a photographer is not about the camera it is about people. All people are different and all couples have a their own unique wedding day, regardless of the location.

Meet your photographer, do you have a rapport with him/her? A professional photographer will spend the entire day with you, so read previous brides and grooms reviews about their personality. These are a true indication of your photographer. Are they respectful? Did you meet your photographer or does the company employ 'contractors'? Know their work look at full wedding days not just 'selected top images' But the main question is do you love their work?

Firstly, before the questions you should be confident and comfortable that you can build a good discussion with the photographer.

Some good questions will be:

What style(s) do you specialize in?

Will the photos be retouched and color balanced? Is that done before I see the proofs?

What’s your favorite part of a wedding day?

What exactly is included in your packages?

How many hours of coverage do we get? What is the charge for overtime?

Will you be my actual photographer, or will it be one of your associates?

Do you have backup equipment?

How long after the wedding do we get to see the photos?

Will you follow a shot list? Or do you prefer to have free reign to capture the festivities how you see fit?

What type of paper will you use for the prints and album?