Interviewing Wedding Photographers - What to Ask

With wedding planning season in full swing many brides are searching for that perfect photographer to capture the memories of their special day. It can be quite a daunting task trying to figure out what questions to ask when interviewing a wedding photographer. To help with that task, here's a list of what questions should be asked in the consultation and also some very important factors to consider when scheduling time for your wedding portraits.

Consider purchasing a package in which time is not a factor. Packages with full day coverage allow you to space events out comfortably and allot enough time between the wedding and reception so that your photographer isn't rushing to get your portraits done. You also won't have to worry about rushing through your reception or having to pay your photographer for additional time. You should also consider having your photographer come early to take some wedding party photos before the ceremony starts if possible. Some brides and grooms are even electing to see each other before the wedding so that photos can be taken while hair and makeup is still fresh. Not having to rush through your wedding photos will create a more relaxed and enjoyable environment.

Here are some important questions to ask when interviewing a wedding photographer:

How long have you been a professional wedding photographer?

What style of wedding photography do you offer? Traditional, Photojournalistic, Contemporary?

Will you be my actual photographer or do you contract your services out to associate photographers?

Can you show me some examples of complete weddings you have done?

What type of editing will the images receive?

Do you offer the images in black and white, sepia or other image effects such as selective coloring? If so, is there an additional charge?

How will my family and friends be able to see and order images? Do you offer online galleries with your packages?

Do you offer full day coverage with your packages? If so, are there any scheduling limitations?

Do your packages include one or two photographers and is there an extra fee for a second photographer?

Do you have backup equipment that you carry with you in case something breaks?

Do you charge a travel fee and/or how far will you travel to a wedding before charging a fee?

Do you charge a fee to take pictures in locations other than the wedding and reception locations?

Do your packages include a CD or DVD of the wedding images and what type of usage rights are allowed with them? When can I expect to receive the CD or DVD after the wedding?

Are you able to create customized packages to help keep us within our budget?

What types of albums do you offer and are they included in the packages or can they be purchased separately?

How much input would we have in our album design and approximately how many images would be used?

Do you have sample albums you can show me?

When can I expect to receive my album after the wedding?