15 Questions to ask your wedding photographer.

Your wedding photo album is how you can remember your day and relive those special memories, so it is vital you choose the best photographer for you. Make sure you do your research and look at photographers you can afford but aim to get the best you can. These 15 questions will help you to get the information you need at your from your potential photographer at your initial consultation.

1. Have they shot at your venue before?

If your photographer has shot at your venue before you can have a piece of mind knowing that they know how the venue works, where is the best spots for photos and they can feel comfortable shooting there. Which is a massive bonus for you as it means you will get the best photos! Not to worry if not get them to go along to the venue before your wedding and have a look around so they know where to shoot on the day and dont waste time looking for the best spots!

2. Will they have a second shooter on the day?

Most photographers would normally have a second shooter as this allows them to cover absolutely everything! If they have one shooter with the bride and one with the groom they should be able to get every part of the day!

3. How many hours shooting are included in the package?

Definitely find this out! You want to make sure you are getting value for money. Most photographers would start during preparations and stay until well into the reception but make sure you ask this question so you know how long you have with your photographer!

4. Will they be able to meet you at the venue before hand to have a walk through the wedding and find good locations to shoot?

If they haven't shot at the venue before this is a must! You want to make sure the photographer knows in advance where is the best place to shoot and the best lighting, you dont want them having to do this on the day and wasting valuable time. If they are happy to attend make sure you do it!

5. What happens if the photographer is ill or unable to attend on the day?

Make sure you find out the backup plan, this shouldn't happen but you want to know that if for any reason they cant attend that they need to send a replacement as you dont want to be left without a photographer!

6. What would they say their photography style is? Reportage, Fine art, traditional?

You probably already know this by looking at their portfolio before booking the consultation but it good to get confirmation and learn more about their style and feel of the photography.

7. Do they have the relevant public liability insurance?

They must have this to be able to work at venues, makes sure they are covered before signing anything!

8. Can you provide a shoot list of photos you would like to the photographer?

Most good photographers will ask you for this but just double check they are happy for you to provide as list. You dont want to book and then find out that they are going to do their own list of photos and just shoot anyone and anything!

9. Is an album included in the cost?

Most albums will be included in the cost but double check as you dont want to assume you do, get to picking your photos and find out you need to spend thousands more for an album!

10. Will it be the photographer you are speaking to shooting on the day or will it be an assistant?

You dont want to build up your trust and rapport with this photographer and then find out it wont be them shooting on your day!

11. Will the photographer be able to get all the preparation shots of the Bride and Groom?

With a second shooter this wont be a problem, but if the photographer is solo and your not getting ready at the venue this could be difficult!

12. Do they prefer to use natural light or flash?

By asking this question you'll know what kind of photos to expect. Natural light is a lot softer but flash would be better for darker spaces. Ask to see examples of both.

13. Do they use black and white or colour? If both what percentage of each do you use?

Most photographers will use a range of both but if you would only prefer one time mention this! Sometimes you might not get a percentage as it would depend on the lighting. But find out what they shoot and then decide if it will work for you.

14. How long after the wedding should you expect the photos?

Depending on when you are getting married would depend on the wait time. Ask your photographer this so that you know when to expect to receive your photos!

15. Will they be able to coordinate with the videographer prior to the day to make sure they will both work well together?

This is vital! I have worked on weddings when these two suppliers didn't get on and it was a case of who could ruin whos work the most which is horrible for the bride and groom that have done nothing wrong! If at your consultation you haven't picked your photographer/videographer ask them if they would be happy to meet with them once booked or if they have any recommendations of people they have worked with before that they know do amazing work and they can work with them easily!