Hey, newly engaged!
So... you picked your date, you've got your venue booked, and you have the guest count in order? What's next?
Photography interviews, of course!
Holy Moly, just when you thought you had this wedding planning thing figured out, you stumble across a million photographers to go over; all have gorgeous websites and amazing images. Obviously, you'll narrow it down to the ones that fit your style, vision, and make sure they are available on your date (great.... now you've narrowed it down to a couple thousand)
Hmmm, what now!?
Here are 10 great questions to ask while conducting wedding photographer interviews.
1. How do you save/backup wedding galleries during and after our wedding?
On top of having great gear, which includes a camera that has dual SD card capabilities and a backup one (just in case), it's a good idea to start off by asking how they save your gallery throughout the day. If the answer is not somewhere along the lines of "I have gear which has dual SD cards" or "I work with two cameras," I would give a hard pass! They should also have a safe method of transferring onto a hard drive after the wedding day is complete.
2. Will you be the photographer taking our photos?
Hmmm yeah, let's think about this one for a minute... Your photographer will essentially be with you ALL day, capturing all the special details. Yes, they are your personal paparazzi! If you don't feel comfortable with your photographer, if you don't enjoy their company, if you don't have a connection with them, chances are you'll have a hard time getting comfortable in front of the camera. So make sure your contract states that the person you've selected is the person who will document your wedding.
3. Speaking of contracts!
Do you require a signed contract?
The answer should be YES... simple! YES! I know, contracts, bleeeh! I have a confession; I hate reading through them. Even with that said, make sure you have a contract! Having a contract in place will legally protect you and ensure your photographer's attendance. It will help with having all costs up-front and keep your photographer honest about promised turnaround times.
4. What is your turnaround time?
I may ruffle some feathers with this one, but there is no reason you should wait 5 months to get your wedding gallery back. Standard wait time is 1-2 months. Personally, I make it a point to deliver sneak peeks within 24 hrs and deliver a complete gallery within a month.
5. What type of images are included (candids, portraits, cinematic, etc)?
Even though you've already narrowed it down to photographers that match your style, you'll want to make sure they provide a variety of poses. If you see they favor one over the other, you'll want to make sure you ask them if they accept a shot list that YOU create. This way, you'll be sure all poses are included.
6. Do you assist with timelines?
It's always good to keep us in the loop of your wedding day schedule. You'll need to know how long it takes to get certain portraits. A savvy photographer will know how to keep your timeline on task!
7. Can you work in situations where there's low light?
Ask to see samples. Yup, that's all! When you see, you'll know.
8. Will I have unlimited access to my wedding gallery so I can make my own prints? And how long will I have access to it?
You'll want to make sure your photographer allows you to print your own images. While these photos are of you, a photographer owns the copyright. Make sure you have printing rights over your high-resolution gallery. Also, ensure you are given an appropriate amount of time to access your galley. Most galleries are delivered through an online service. It's a good idea to have them give you plenty of time to work with.
9. Can we see a few recent galleries you've shot?
A photographer should value all aspects of the day. While you are the main characters of the day, a masterful photographer will recognize a great moment. He/she will not miss the details of the wedding party cheering you as you walk in or a gentle tear from a grandparent. When you ask to see galleries, these are things you should look for.
I like to provide my clients with many different angles; it goes without saying you'll see a lot of YOU photos, but you'll also be surprised when you see fun moments you might have missed.
10. Last but most definitely not least.
In case you have an emergency and can't photograph our wedding, what is your backup plan?
We are human after all. While an emergency can happen, who will step in? While I have a handful of second shooters and photographer friends who can fill in, again, you'll want to make sure it is someone you can feel comfortable with (references help).
While there are so many more questions you should ask in your interviews, don't forget to also ask yourself a few questions as well: Did you find a great connection with this person? Do you connect with their images? Overall, did they provide great answers?