Recently I had a friend reach out to me. She was having a destination wedding and wanted to know what she should look for when choosing a professional photographer.
I quickly shot off a few things that came to mind then did a deep dive into the photographer she was thinking about hiring. I noticed a few things right away that were interesting, style-wise, and had a few more questions after going through their website. Questions I then passed on to my friend.
This is something I’ve done for a few friends, but this time, it made me wonder… how many other people have this question?
With that in mind, here are five categories of questions to ask your potential wedding photographer. I hope this post is helpful to you and as always, feel free to share with your recently engaged friends and family!
PS. I actually really loved getting to write this post and in doing so, I realized there are a lot of questions here we want our Watson Brides to easily find the answers to! With that in mind, starting next week, we’ll be sharing an RWP Process series on the blog. So when you see this, [Coming this Winter 2024] know that it’s already on the calendar and I can’t wait to add the links as these posts come out. : )
The Nitty Gritty
Is a “print release” included so that I can print images from anywhere in the future?
Pro Tip: This is something you’ll be glad you have. While your photographer will offer professional quality prints, it’s nice to have the option to print them yourself for last minute needs.
Will my digital images be; high resolution, fully edited, and without watermarks?
What are other costs that may come up after we sign a contract with you?
Do you have liability insurance?
Want to see what this looks like at RWP? Click here!
Technical Questions
What kind of gear do you shoot with, and do you have backup equipment?
Pro Tip: A professional photographer should be using professional gear. Their camera should be full frame, and for wedding photographers, I highly recommend a dual card slot camera body so that images can be recorded onto two camera cards instantly. They probably have a couple of “L” series lenses if they’re Canon photographers, and they should also have a lighting set up for dark rooms or situations.
How do you handle light in dark rooms/situations?
Pro Tip: Photographers with different styles will have different systems. I use an “Off Camera Flash” or OCF system to help mimic the glowy natural light you love about the RWP style.
Do you shoot in RAW or .jpg?
Pro Tip: At RWP we shoot in RAW. This means we have much more flexibility when editing images after your wedding day. Think of it as the difference between trying to edit a .pdf (.jpg) versus a Word or Google doc (RAW). There is a big difference! In our opinion, RAW is the way to go.
Want to see what this looks like at RWP? Click here!
General Questions
How far in advance do you usually book?
What is my expected turnaround time to see photos and when will the final gallery be ready?
How many weddings have you shot over the years?
Pro Tip: Shooting weddings for the past 5 years could mean they’ve done 5-10 weddings or 100+ weddings. Knowing exactly how much experience your perspective photographer has, helps couples have a better understanding of the photographer the experience level.
Who will be my wedding photographer and can I talk with them before booking?
Pro Tip: I always recommend talking over the phone with your wedding photographer for a few minutes before booking. This gives you a better sense of their personality and peace of mind to know you’ve found a great fit!
How many images do you typically guarantee per hour?
Do I have to buy an album?
Want to see what this looks like at RWP? Click here!
Process Questions
We have specific shots we’re excited about, is that okay?
We’ve included an album! How does the design process work?
We feel awkward in front of the camera; do you help with posing?
Pro Tip: I always recommend finding a photographer who will help with posing. It’s not every day we’re in front of a camera and having a photographer who can give you an extra boost of confidence is really nice on your wedding day.
Is an engagement session included?
Pro Tip: At RWP we always encourage couples to use their complementary engagement session. It’s a great opportunity for us to get to know you before your wedding day and for us to teach you a few posing tips and tricks before your big day.
Can you tell us more about the first look? Do you recommend doing one or no?
Will you help us create a wedding day timeline?
These questions are questions we wanted to spend a little bit of time answering for you because their questions we get a lot from our Watson Brides! Click below to learn more about each of these questions. [Coming this Winter 2024]
Specific Photos || Legacy Bridal Albums || Help With Posing
Engagement Session Included || All About The First Look || Wedding Day Timeline
Fun Questions!
What sets you apart from other photographers?
What are some fun things you’ve seen at weddings recently?
What do you love most about what you do?
What was your favorite part of your wedding day?
This is another set of questions I wanted to dive into with you. Click here for more from Rachael. [Coming this Winter 2024]
Wrapping It Up
While there are a lot of things to consider when choosing your wedding photographer, the most important thing to remember is that your wedding photographer will be with you more than almost anyone else on your wedding day. Make sure the services they offer fit what you’re looking for, but importantly, make sure they’re someone you trust and enjoy. : )
I hope this post has been helpful to you!
Do you know someone who is engaged? Share this with them to help them as they prepare for their big day and if you have something you would like to see answered here, just let me know! I always love hearing from you.
Much Love,
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