What questions should I ask a potential wedding photographer?

The lists above cover the practical questions well, so I will not repeat them. The one I would push you on hardest is who actually edits your photos after the wedding. Plenty of studios shoot beautifully but send the editing offshore to a third party, which means the final look can drift from what drew you to them in the first place. We edit every photo and video in-house ourselves, so the work you fall in love with in the portfolio is the work you get back. Ask any photographer that question directly and listen for a clear answer.

The other thing I would dig into is how they handle the parts of the day that are out of everyone's control. Ask what they do when the ceremony runs late and you lose your golden hour, or when it buckets down, which it absolutely can here in South East Queensland, even in the dry months. A summer wedding at four in the afternoon is brutal, harsh light, and a good shooter will already have a plan for shade and timing before you have to ask. Their answer tells you whether they are genuinely experienced or just hoping for an easy run.

Beyond that, get them to walk you through one full wedding from start to finish, not a highlights reel of single frames from a dozen different days. Anyone can pull ten lovely images together. Seeing one wedding end to end shows you they are consistent through the messy, in-between moments too.

And honestly, trust the connection. You will spend more of your wedding day with us than with almost anyone else, so meet in person or jump on a call first. If you feel relaxed and yourself around them, the photos will show it, and that matters more than any single line on a checklist.

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?