So you’ve stalked your favorite photographers on Instagram, read so many reviews your head is spinning, and have asked everyone you know about their wedding photographer, but now that you are getting ready to meet with our potential photographer, you have no ideas what to ask them. We’re here to help. Here are our Top 10 Questions to Ask a Wedding Photographer:
1. What separates you from other photographers?
Your photographer should be able to articulate what their strengths are. Are they great with people? Is their lighting killer? Do they offer cool extras that you can’t get elsewhere. If they mention things that are important to you, you are probably a good match. Learn some of things that make us unique in our highlight video.
2. What do your packages include?
Typically, photographers offer two to four packages that vary by price and included services. We always recommend that you select a package that includes engagement photos so you get a chance to work with your photographer before the wedding. Also look for offerings that set that photographer apart from the rest. Another thing to consider is how much is the photographer willing to customize things to meet your specific needs. At Elevate, we customize are packages for almost every wedding so you get exactly what you want and nothing more or less.
3. Can we see two or three full weddings you have shot recently?
Seeing an entire wedding from beginning to end will show you what kind of storyteller your photographer is. It will also allow you to see how they shoot in different settings and how they handle difficult lighting situations.
4. Do you have a backup plan if you are unable to shoot my wedding for some reason?
A professional photographer should have an established plan for unexpected illnesses or emergencies. Since Elevate has a team of photographers, you can be sure that we always have an established, experienced photographer available to jump in should it be necessary.
5. How do you like to schedule a wedding day?
It is essential that your photographer has good time management skills and a customizable schedule. You want to be sure the schedule allow for downtime for you and your fiance along with a buffer for the unexpected. We always meet with our clients a month before the wedding to put together a final timeline for the day.
6. What kind of communication can we expect during the wedding process?
You should expect communication from your photographer throughout the planning process. A phone call or meeting 6 weeks to a month before the wedding is especially important to nail down details so the wedding day itself will be less stressful.
7. When can I expect to receive my wedding photos – how will they be delivered? Will we get hi res images from the wedding?
You should expect to receive your photos one to three months after your wedding. Make sure that the photographer guarantees a timeline in writing. At Elevate, we deliver a gallery of hi -es photos that your can download within one month of your wedding.
8. How long have you been in business?
Experience matters, both situational and technical. A newbie photographer or friend may not be able to adjust to a high sun or handle a drunk groomsman. Make sure that your photographer has photographed a minimum of 50 weddings as a lead photographer. Being a second shooter is a great way to get shooting experience, but doesn’t mean you can manage directing people and handling situations that may arise during the wedding day.
9. Do you carry backup equipment?
To ensure that your photographer captures the important moments from your day, ask about equipment including cameras, batteries and lighting. Every Elevate photographer is required to have a full set of backup equipment for every wedding they shoot.
10. What do you love most about photographing weddings?
This question will reveal a lot about the photographer’s personality and desire to capture your story. Do they talk about great experiences? Make sure the photography is genuinely excited to be a part of your day.
Elevate Photography is a team of Colorado wedding photographers who are passionate about what they do – taking great photos, every time. Elevate’s creative and photojournalistic style combined with commitment to customer service ensure amazing images of the most important day of your life. We are based in Denver, Colorado, but are happy to travel to beaches, mountain tops or ice castles to photograph your wedding.