Questions for Photographers
The Basics
- Do you have my date available?
- How far in advance do I need to book with you?
- How long have you been in business?
- How many vow renewals have you shot?
- Have you done many that were similar to mine in size and style?
The Style
- How would you describe your photography style (e.g. traditional, photojournalistic, fine-art, moody)?
- If your style is mostly candid, will I still get formal, posed portraits (and vice versa)?
- Do you shoot events in digital, film format, or both?
- Do you specialize in indoor or outdoor events, or both?
- Do you have an updated portfolio I can review with examples of full weddings/vow renewals?
- How do you approach directing and posing subjects? How do you handle family/group photos and pushy relatives?
- Can I give you a list of specific shots we would like?
- What is your experience with low light or at my specific venue?
The Logistics
- Are you the photographer who will shoot my wedding? If so, will you have any assistants/second-shooters with you on that day?
- What type of equipment do you use? Do you have backup equipment?
- How do you back up photos (e.g., dual memory cards, cloud)?
- What about a backup plan if you are unable to shoot my wedding for some reason?
- Are you photographing other events on the same day as mine?
- How will you (and your assistants) be dressed?
- Is it okay if other people take photos while you’re taking photos?
- Have you ever worked at my venue before? If not, do you plan to check it out in advance?
- What time will you arrive at the site?
- If my event lasts longer than expected, will you stay? Is there an additional charge?
- Do you have liability insurance?
- How do you prefer to communicate before and after the shoot?
The Packages and Pricing
- What’s included in the package (hours, digital files, prints, album)?
- How much of a deposit do you require and when is it due?
- Do you offer payment plans?
- What is your refund/cancellation policy?
- What’s your backup plan if you’re sick or have an emergency?
- Do you charge a travel fee and what does that cover?
- Do you provide retouching, color adjustment, or other corrective services?
- How long after the wedding will I get the proofs? Will they be viewable online?
- Can I share previews or sneak peeks with family/on social media?
- How many final images should I expect to receive?
- Do you help with creating an album? Can I see some album designs?
- What is the ordering process, and how long after I order my photos/album will I get them?
- What are the printing rights, and who owns the copyright?
- Will you give me the digital negatives or unlimited downloads so I can make my own prints?
- Is an “engagement” session included in order for us to get to know each other better?
The Vetting
- May I have a list of references or a link to reviews?
- What sets you apart from other event photographers?
- Have you ever worked with my Coordinator? Venue manager? etc.
- If I hire you, when will I receive a written contract?
- What information do you need from me before the vow renewal day?
The Gut Check
- Do your personalities jibe? Would you be comfortable grabbing drinks with this photographer?
- Do you feel a connection with his/her photos?
- Are you comfortable with this person’s customer service/communication style?
- Did the photographer listen well and address all of your concerns?
If we don’t get a photo book through our photographer, we will go through mpix.
First Look: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Ease nerves
- Spending less time taking portraits in between the ceremony and reception
- Release emotions and tears before the ceremony
- Create a private moment for Tracy and Amber
Cons
- Breaks traditions of saving the first look for the alter
- Add pressure of sharing emotions on camera
- Requires an earlier start time when getting ready
- Onlookers can potentially watch the moment
The Photography Shot List
Amber:
- Dress hanging on the wardrobe, on the bedpost or over a chair
- Detail shot of clothing, shoes, accessories, and any other special items
- Mom helping to-be-wed with one last detail, such as veil or shoes
- Full-length shot of Amber in dress looking in mirror
Tracy:
- Tracy getting ready (Psst: tying the tie is a classic)
- Putting final touches on outfit (boutonniere)
Tracy & Amber
- Emotional shots of Tracy and Amber (separately) talking to/hugging parents and siblings before the ceremony
- Amber ready to go
- Tracy ready to go
- First look
- Points of interest before people arrive
- Guests entering the site
- Tracy and Amber walking down the aisle
- Couple at the front (including the officiant)
- Arch, altar or canopy from the back during ceremony
- Wide shot of audience during ceremony, from couple’s point of view
- Faces of the couple as they exchange vows
- The kiss
- The couple’s recessional
- Couple outside ceremony site
- Congrats shots: couple hugging, laughing, and crying with friends and family
- Tracy and Amber together for portrait
- Tracy and Amber looking at each other
- Tracy and Amber hugging or kissing
- Any other candid shots of Tracy and Amber
- Tracy and Amber with all parents
- Tracy and Amber with immediate family members from both sides
- Shot from outside reception venue
- Reception details such as place cards, guest book, centerpieces, decorations, table settings, favors table, and champagne glasses
- Stationery flat lay
- Tracy and Amber arriving to reception
- Receiving line moments
- Tracy and Amber at head table
- Guests’ tables
- Tracy and Amber sipping champagne
- Tracy and Amber’s parents talking to each other during dinner
- Tracy and Amber chatting up the guests
- Detail shot of food
- Kids playing or dancing
- Guests going nuts on the dance floor
- Tracy and Amber laughing with guests on dance floor
- Wedding cake (or dessert) table
- Cake cutting moment
