Questions To Ask A Photographer
Before you book with a photographer, for any occasion - make sure these are the questions you are asking!
What are they doing to ensure your images are protected?
Most photographers have a system when backing up your images. When asking this, your key words to look for are “external hard drive,” and “back-up systems.” If the photographer gives you an in-depth answer, odds are, they take extra pre-caution with your photos and value your time. If the photographer gives you a half-a$$ answer, you may want to consider doing some more research.
How long will you have to wait before you get your images returned?
This is the turnaround time for your images. How long will you have to wait to see your full gallery. 2 weeks? 8 weeks? Do they do this full-time or is this a part-time gig? Take under consideration what your photographer already has on their plate and be patient when they give you a timeframe, they usually are just a one-man show!
Does your photographer release previews from your session?
Are there any sneak peeks released to get you extra excited to receive your gallery? Any photos returned the next day for you to change your profile picture on Facebook or post a review of your time with your photographer? If not, be respectful that your photographer has some sort of system in place that can give you the best results!
What is included in your package?
Things to look for when booking are: additional outfits, locations, timeframe, and number of images returned. For example, with my packages, I list a minimum of photos returned - I always seem to go over (whoops). Be sure to check off all your boxes when thinking of what can be included in your session!
Do they have ideas/locations in mind? (are you traveling to them or vice versa).
If you have a specific location or idea in mind, now is the time to speak up!! If your photographer does not allow you to have any say in your locations, remember, these are YOUR photos, you should be able to discuss the locations and vibes you are wanting to portray.
Do they have an emergency policy?
What if your photographer cannot make it? What if you cannot make it? Weather? Injury? You name it! Be prepared and always ask!
Are you the main photographer, or will there be a team? If it's a team, can we meet the specific photographer who will cover our wedding?
Now-a-days when you inquire with some photographers, they have what we call “associates,” meaning people they hire to capture photos for them. The main photographer is the one who hires their team members and the main photographer will edit and return your gallery to you - the team member is simply capturing your photos.
What do you need from me before the session?
Does the photographer need you to sign a contract? Questionnaire? Send your outfit inspo to them? A tip from me to you is to always be willing to work WITH your photographer, after all, we want you to be just as excited leading up to the event as we are!
Will there be any add-ons I can add to the session?
Rush fee? Additional outfits/locations? Mileage? All of these can be specific add-ons to your package. Be sure to ask when booking if this can cause you to refrain from certain financial obstacles.
How often will we connect before the session?
Communication is key! You don’t want to hire someone to capture your love story, your senior photos, or family memories without at least speaking to them! I mean, hello, a stranger taking your photos makes it 100x’s more awkward…
