One of the most important vendors for your wedding is your wedding photographer. Your wedding photographer plays a critical role in capturing your unforgettable moments and memories on your wedding day. Everything from the intimate details to spontaneous moments lies behind the lens of your wedding photographer. There are ten (10) questions every bride should ask her photographer to ensure your vision is captured and to make sure the photographer is a good fit for you.

1. Is My Wedding Date Available?

Photographers can get very busy especially during the wedding season. So, contacting your wedding photographer early to make sure your wedding date is available is very important. This allows you time to make other arrangements if the photographer you were hoping for is unavailable. That's why this is one of the ten (10) questions every bride should ask her photographer.

2. How many weddings have you done?

There is comfort in knowing that the photographer you choose for your wedding is experienced in shooting weddings. Do your research when it comes to the wedding photographer by visiting their website, looking at their social media, and asking for recommendations from others that have used their services. Also, simply ask the photographer about how many weddings they've done in the past.

3. Do you offer retouch or corrective services?

Nowadays, cell phones and other software programs are available to retouch any photos from your wedding gallery. However, this is one of the ten (10) questions every bride should ask her photographer. Some photographers may offer corrective or retouching images as part of their wedding photo packages. Be sure to ask the photographer how many images they will retouch as part of your wedding package.

4. What are the costs?

While photographers may offer several packages, being clear on what your wedding photography package includes and the costs associated should be discussed. This is why this is one of the ten (10) questions every bride should ask her photographer. Doing this allows you to choose a package within your financial comfort zone. Also, be sure to inquire about any overtime that may occur and the costs associated with the overtime as well. You sure don't want any unexpected costs to arise that you didn't prepare for. Other questions to consider would be the deposit required and how payments are accepted.

5. What Is Your Refund/Cancellation Policy?

While it may be written in the contract, one of the ten (10) questions every bride should ask her photographer is what is the refund/cancellation policy. Sometimes the print is so small that it is illegible or the wording has so much legal jargon that it may take an attorney just to understand it. There is absolutely nothing wrong with being upfront and asking about the refund/cancellation policy just in case something happens on your wedding day. You would want to know what to expect during any unforeseen circumstances.

6. Will you be the one shooting my wedding photos?

There is nothing like establishing a relationship with a vendor and expecting them to be there the day of the wedding and when the time comes someone else shows up. Many larger photography studios have several photographers on staff and may send a photographer from the company. Be sure to ask your wedding photographer if they will be the ones shooting your wedding photos. Besides you want to be comfortable with your photographer on your wedding day.

7. How will I receive my wedding photos?

We are living in a digital world, so that means many photographers may not offer actual print photos. If they are required to print, there will surely be a cost associated with printing them. However, you would want to know how you will receive your wedding photos. For instance, will they be in a digital gallery, Dropbox, CD, or flash drive? Also, be sure to inquire about when the photos will be available.

8. Do you plan to use our wedding for social media or on your website?

If you are concerned about your privacy, then this is a question to ask your wedding photographer. Besides, not all brides want to have their wedding photos published. If this is your concern, speak with your photographer about not having your photos used in this way.

9. What is your photography style?

There are so many photography styles such as traditional, editorial, etc. Depending on your style you would want to choose a photographer that is aligned with the vision you have for your wedding. A trending style now in photography is something called photojournalism where the photographer uses images to tell a story.

10. Am I allowed to request specific shots?

Most wedding photographers are delighted that you've taken the time to research the images you would like for your wedding. Making a list of the images that you would like, as well as, the family members to include can be very helpful to the photographer.

If you would like to learn more about questions every bride should ask her wedding photographer, contact us to speak to one of our wedding planning professionals.