Okay, another list!

I know wedding planning websites have all sorts of advice and lists for questions, but maybe you want to hear from a wedding photographer who has been around weddings for fifteen years. So, I’m going to list out some questions - why they are important, or not so important - and what you should be looking for in a wedding photographer.

How many weddings have you photographed on your own?

This is more of a question if you are hiring a photographer who is just starting out, or building their portfolio. Many photographers start out second shooting (or assisting at a wedding), and haven’t handled a full wedding from start to finish on their own. That’s not to say don’t hire them! We all have to start somewhere. Just know what you’re getting into.

Do you have liability insurance?

Some venues require vendors to have this. Definitely not all, and hopefully your venue will let you know if they do before you start hiring your vendors.

Have you shot any weddings at the venue we’re getting married at?

I could go either way on this one. Of course it’s great if your photographer/other vendors have experience at your venue. However, most professionals can easily think on their feet and find the best spots on the fly.

Do you have a contract we can see?

This is a definite MUST. Look at the contract, read it and understand it.

What type of equipment do you use?

This is not really a helpful question for most clients. Unless you are a photographer or fellow camera geek, this probably is not going to mean anything to you. A more important question is:

Do you have backup equipment for all the things you use?

For photographers, this means backup camera bodies, lenses, batteries, flashes, tripods (if they use them), etc. After photographing weddings for fifteen years, I can say that I have had a couple of times when my camera decided to up and die during a wedding. Thankfully I had it covered with a backup, and I always shoot with two cameras on me at all times.

What is your style?

Well, I can tell you up and down that my style is “x, y and z.” Do the words really matter, or the photos? A better question is:

Can I see a full wedding gallery?

That way you can see all 800 photos (at least for me) a typical wedding consists of.

What do you wear on a wedding day?

This is a funny one. I mean, I would assume most people show up in professional attire, that they can move around in. But I have heard some stories.

How will you light our barn wedding?

With the popularity of barn weddings here in New England (yay! I love barn weddings :)), it comes as a bit of a difficult surprise when you get there and realize that you can’t bounce flash to light the dance floor (I mean, I guess most people wouldn’t be surprised that a barn is all wood, right?). Here is a very basic description of how lots of photographers use their flash - say we’re in a tent - I tilt my flash up and bounce it off the nice white tent, which gives an even lighting all around (rather than pointing the flash right at you and getting the “deer in the headlights” look). So, with barn weddings (or any venue that has a dark ceiling), this is pretty much impossible. Here comes off-camera-flash - taking the flash off the camera and onto tripods on the side to light the dance floor. If you are having a wedding in a venue such as this - please please please ask your photographer if they do off-camera flash. Maybe they will say they are “natural light” photographers - which is fine for some of the reception. Not using flash at all is usually fine during toasts, or other events without much action. However, once the dancing starts, they’re gonna need some light.

Can we talk to a couple of former clients?

Sure, why not! If you want to contact someone directly to ask specific questions, this is a great idea.

If any album/canvas/prints aren’t included in the package, can we order those after the wedding?

Just a note you might not think of when you’re in the midst of planning your wedding. But what do you really want to do with all those photos after the wedding? (And for me, the answer is “yes!” You can always order products after the wedding, even for your ten year anniversary!) And on that note:

Will we get the high-resolution files with printing rights?

Basically digital negatives, you will need both the files and printing rights if you want make prints/albums on your own after the wedding. Some photographers give the files, but they are basically good for a 4x6 or for web sharing. (I give high-resolution JPEGs with printing rights so you are able to make larger prints/canvas, etc).

What is the process for ordering an album? Do we get to decide what photos are in it? Are there extra charges if we want to make changes to the album design?

I don’t charge for changes, and I ask my clients to choose the images for their album (unless they specifically ask me to choose them).

Speaking of charges, do you have a travel fee, or any other fees that are not included in the pricing?

I personally have a travel range (generally about 100 miles from my home), that I do not charge for travel. And I have no other fees (for example, shipping). But best to ask so you’re not surprised later.

I think that’s it! I hope this was helpful to you as you’re planning your wedding!

While you’re here, check out these other helpful posts on wedding planning:

Seven reasons to consider a first look at your wedding

Do we need a second photographer?