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What To Ask Your Wedding Photographer

Over the years we have heard of disappointed couples who, after their wedding, realized that the fee charged by their wedding photographer only covered his attendance and a disk of proof images when they thought they paid for a disk of print ready images.

Before booking your wedding photographer it is therefore important that you are clear on exactly what you are paying. A professional photographer will provide you with a written contract setting out all their terms and conditions; be sure to read the small print!

When You Meet With A Wedding Photographer, Here Are Some Questions To Ask:

What packages are offered and how many photos are included in each package?
Are all wedding photos included in print ready format or must you purchase them?
What is the cost for additional time or photos?
How much is the deposit and when is it due?
When is the balance due?
Is there a travel charge?
Are the images available for family/friends to purchase, and if so, do you have to wait a specified time before you can purchase them?

Can you think of other questions that a bride and groom should ask prospective wedding photographers? Or do you know of any important facts that brides and grooms should consider or find out from a wedding photographer when deciding which photographer to book? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

The Kent Wedding Photographer offers transparent pricing - there will be no hidden costs, you will receive a disk of all your images for your personal use and although we do offer bespoke wedding albums you will not be forced into buying them.

Comment by Vicky Jackson on January 22, 2012 at 11:20am: Excellent tips and questions to ask, thanks for sharing this blog post with us brides planning our weddings.

Comment by Parkwin Photography on January 30, 2012 at 11:44am: These are great questions to ask your photographer but don't forget the following:-
a)Can you meet your photographer before your wedding day to talk through your plans in detail and perhaps have a pre- wedding shoot so that you can you can get used to your photographer? I like to meet couples at the venue, so that they can show me all their favourite places.
b)Will they attend any rehearsals you may be having?
c)What equipment do they use? Is it professional equipment. Do they bring spares of everything? What other items do they bring? White umbrella, ladder, etc.?
d)Are they insured for Public Liability, Proffessional Indemnity?
e)Is this their full time job, are they qualified or belong to any professional Trade bodies?
f)How long do they spend on the images after the wedding day and when will they be ready?
g)If ordering an album or coffee table book, will you be able to see a proof and make any changes?
h)Do you choose the images that go into the album?
i)When will the album be ready?
i)If you are to receive the images on disc, check that they are in High Resolution and come with a License to store, print and share. Can you share them online and email them to friends?
j)Does this disc include all the images from the day or will you have to choose your favourites from a proof book, which will then be provided on disc?
k)Will the images be checked, colour corrected if necessary, cropped, or any photoshop work included.?
l)Does the price include VAT?
m)What happens if the photographer is ill and cannot attend on the day?
n)How do they backup and archive the images and for how long? If you lost your images would you be able to receive another set from your photographer?
o)Are the examples they show you from a full wedding day or cherry picked favourites from different weddings? Ask to see a full wedding.
p)Can they provide references from at least three couples?
q) PLUS - make sure that their style is right for you. Do you want traditional, contemporary or reportage/documentary style photography,?
r)MOST IMPORTANTLY. Do you feel comfortable with your photograher,especially if they are to be with you whilst you are getting ready in the morning?

This is all I can think of for now. Best wishes to all of you planning your wedding and I hope you find an amazing photographer that is right for you.
Karen www.parkwinphotography.co.uk

Comment by Nicola Blackledge on January 30, 2012 at 5:28pm: Great additions Karen.

Regards,
Nicola
www.thekentweddingphotographer.co.uk

Comment by Scott Painter on May 21, 2012 at 5:17pm: The bigger question is how do you define "print ready images." Every image on the delivered CD is printable. Is it a little too light or too dark for your tastes? Is it not at a high res large enough for poster printing? Are you expecting the photographer to photoshop in a cloudy blue sky when the day was dreary?

I am one who will regularly take "exit" signs out of the doorways of the pictures which are ordered from. But if I were to retouch 900 photos you'd start creating a backlog in which your first child will be born before your wedding photos will be finished. Better Image Photography Moments Video