Guide
25 questions to ask a wedding photographer.
Bring these to the discovery call. The right photographer will have quick, confident answers; the wrong one will hedge.
Coverage and package
Nail down what the day actually includes.
- How many hours of coverage are included?
- Is a second shooter included, or an add-on?
- Do you cover getting-ready, ceremony, and reception, or specific hours?
- What's the overtime rate?
- How do travel fees work for our venue?
Kit owners: log every answer under the photographer's row on the vendor sheet. See the vendor sheet →
Style and approach
Make sure their eye matches your day.
- Can we see two or three full galleries from real weddings, not just highlights?
- How would you describe your editing style — light and airy, moody, true-to-color?
- How much do you direct versus document?
- How do you handle family formals — a shot list, or on the fly?
- Have you shot at our venue? If not, will you scout it?
Kit owners: log every answer under the photographer's row on the vendor sheet. See the vendor sheet →
Deliverables and timeline
Set expectations for what you get and when.
- How many edited images should we expect?
- When do we get sneak peeks? When do we get the full gallery?
- How is the gallery delivered — online, USB, prints?
- Do we get print rights?
- Do you offer an album, and is it in a package?
Kit owners: log every answer under the photographer's row on the vendor sheet. See the vendor sheet →
Back-ups and back-up plans
The scary but essential ones.
- What happens if you're sick or unable to shoot on the day?
- Do you shoot to two cards simultaneously?
- How do you back up files after the wedding?
- Do you carry liability insurance? Our venue may require proof.
Kit owners: log every answer under the photographer's row on the vendor sheet. See the vendor sheet →
Contract and payment
Where the fine print lives.
- What's the deposit, and when is the balance due?
- What's the cancellation and postponement policy?
- Are meals for you and the second shooter required?
- Who owns the copyright, and what usage rights do we have?
- Do you allow guest photography during formal portraits?
- Can we add hours or a second shooter later if we want?
Kit owners: log every answer under the photographer's row on the vendor sheet. See the vendor sheet →
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