Nervous for your consultation with a potential wedding photographer?
Here is a list of the best questions to ask before you commit to hiring them. I also threw in some answers so you can get to know me a little better along the way. Enjoy!
xx, Z (@zinadichoso.photos)
01 | WHAT'S YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY STYLE?
Hearing how photographers describe their own work will help you understand their perspective and approach to the wedding day.
Zina’s Answer: My photography style is romantic, elegant, detail-oriented, and full of tender moments (candid + purposely posed).
02 | TELL ME A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY BACKGROUND.
Feel free to ask questions that allow you to get to know the photographer on a more personal level. Where are you from? How did you get into wedding photography? What’s your favorite thing to shoot? And what is your expertise?
03 | WILL YOU BE THE PHOTOGRAPHER ON MY WEDDING DAY?
It’s important to have a good relationship with your wedding photographer prior to your wedding day. If the photographer you’re consulting with isn’t going to be the primary photographer on your wedding day make sure to schedule an appt. with the photographer who is.
04 | WHAT WILL YOU AND YOUR TEAM WEAR ON THE DAY OF THE WEDDING?
This is important for several reasons. First, do you like their personal style? Second, do you prefer them to dress professionally or more casual? All depends on your wedding style and location.
05 | DO YOU HAVE AN ASSISTANT OR A SECOND SHOOTER?
Yes, there is a difference between the two.
An assistant is there to assist the wedding photographer. They will help carry equipment, prep for portraits, fluff your dress, etc.
A second shooter will be a second professional photographer who will often be positioned at another angle to capture moments from another perspective, or provide more coverage of your wedding day. *I highly recommend choosing a collection that includes a second shooter.
06 | WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU BECOME ILL ON OUR WEDDING DAY?
Life happens and unfortunately there are things that can happen that are outside of our control. But knowing what your photographer has lined up will help you feel at ease.
07 | HOW LONG AFTER THE WEDDING WILL WE HAVE TO WAIT TO SEE ANY PHOTOS?
Do they offer sneak peeks? Sneak peeks are a great way to get a glimpse of the magic captured on your special day. It’s best to know beforehand how long you can expect to wait to see any photos or receive your full album.
Zina’s Answer: I deliver sneak peeks the day after every session. Full album turn around is about 4-5 weeks.
08 | CAN YOU WALK ME THROUGH YOUR WEDDING DAY PROCESS?
This is super important, and allows you to get a feel of how they’ll operate and how they'll be a valuable asset to your wedding day.
09 | HOW MANY WEDDINGS/EVENTS DO YOU PHOTOGRAPH IN ONE WEEKEND?
Wedding Photography is physically demanding. It’s important to know how busy they’ll be on your wedding weekend.
10 | DO YOU HAVE ANY MEAL REQUIREMENTS ON THE WEDDING DAY?
This should be in the photographer’s contract, but be sure to ask if they have any special food concerns. Vendors may require a hot meal at the reception. It’s important to plan ahead of time to notify catering or your planner.
11 | DO YOU HAVE INSURANCE?
Insurance protects the photographer against equipment theft, but more importantly, it provides liability protection in case anyone is injured during your event or session. Professional photographers should have business insurance.
Zina’s Answer: Yes, Zina Dichoso Photos is insured.
12 | WHAT IF THE PARTY LASTS LONGER THAN EXPECTED? WILL YOU STAY AND IS THERE AN EXTRA CHARGE?
Knowing up front the photographer’s policy is important for all parties involved. You don’t want to run into a misunderstanding before your whole album could be released or if they’ll pack up before you want them to go.
I hope these questions helped you out! If you’re looking for more wedding tips and inspiration you can check out more of my blog posts below.