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.

  1. How many hours of coverage are included?
  2. Is a second shooter included, or an add-on?
  3. Do you cover getting-ready, ceremony, and reception, or specific hours?
  4. What's the overtime rate?
  5. 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.

  1. Can we see two or three full galleries from real weddings, not just highlights?
  2. How would you describe your editing style — light and airy, moody, true-to-color?
  3. How much do you direct versus document?
  4. How do you handle family formals — a shot list, or on the fly?
  5. 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.

  1. How many edited images should we expect?
  2. When do we get sneak peeks? When do we get the full gallery?
  3. How is the gallery delivered — online, USB, prints?
  4. Do we get print rights?
  5. 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.

  1. What happens if you're sick or unable to shoot on the day?
  2. Do you shoot to two cards simultaneously?
  3. How do you back up files after the wedding?
  4. 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.

  1. What's the deposit, and when is the balance due?
  2. What's the cancellation and postponement policy?
  3. Are meals for you and the second shooter required?
  4. Who owns the copyright, and what usage rights do we have?
  5. Do you allow guest photography during formal portraits?
  6. 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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