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After you pop the big question – and the other person says yes! – finding your wedding vendors and setting a date are the next big steps toward tying the knot. And finding a wedding photographer you love is crucial. Of course, all of the other details are important, too; but wedding cake lasts a day while your photos last a lifetime (or more)! Your photos are the best way to preserve those special memories so you can relive that magical day again and again.
Before you book a wedding photographer, you want to make sure that it’s the right fit. Are they on board with your vision? Do you share similar style preferences? Do your personalities mesh? All that to say, you just want things to click.
In order to find “the one,” ask your photographer candidates these questions.
Important Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer
1. What does your availability look like?
With the pandemic, things are still a little up in the air. Flexibility is a must these days – both for couples and photographers. First, determine if your dates match up. Decide on the ideal wedding date, and then list a few backup dates as well just in case. (You may want to do this with all of your wedding professionals and find overlapping backup dates that work for all of your big vendors.)
In addition, ask the photographer about their contingency plan should any issues – or mandated lockdowns – arise. Discuss cancellation and date-change policies as well.
*It’s also a good idea to consider wedding insurance/wedding liability coverage.
2. What is included in your wedding package?
Select the package that’s best for your needs and budget. How many hours of coverage will you need? What if you need more? Also discuss customization options, add-ons, and pre-wedding photography (such as engagement photos, bridal portraits, and or rehearsal dinner shots).
If you’re having a destination wedding or your photographer is not local, go over the costs for travel and lodging and who is responsible for those fees.
3. What is your photography style?
You probably found your photographer by admiring their photography online, so you’re already familiar with their overall style. But you may also want to ask about:
- Second shooter/backup photographers
- Working style (some like to take charge and keep the routine flowing while others prefer to shoot quietly and independently)
- How they work with difficult lighting (bright sunlight or dark reception hall)
- Film or digital?
- Photojournalistic style or traditional wedding photography?
- Do they typically keep photos raw and natural, provide standard edits and color correction, or do extensive retouching? (Retouched images cost more because they take much more time.)
- Will they incorporate your list of photograph requests?
4. Discuss the post-wedding process. Common questions include:
- When will we receive the images?
- Does the package include digital files? When can we access those and for how long?
- Do we own the rights to the images, and how long will you keep our digital files?
- Do you offer prints, wall art, and/or albums?
- Can we order prints elsewhere?
Once you’ve found your photographer, don’t forget to go over the contract together. Wedding photography is an important investment, so you both need to be on the same page. Determine a payment plan that works well for both of you – will you pay a deposit up front and final payment later? Will you pay in installments? And make note of when those payments are due. Then you won’t have to worry about any loose ends on your wedding day.
Sasha Chou Photography Studio is currently booking engagement sessions, bridal portraits, and weddings for 2021 — contact us today to reserve your date!
Book Your Session with Sasha Chou Photography!
Sasha Chou is a boutique New York City engagement, wedding, and maternity photographer. She specializes in timeless, photojournalistic images. Discover her style by visiting her portfolio here. Learn more about the dedicated Sasha Chou Photography team here. To book video or photography services or learn more about wedding packages, click here.
Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram @sashachouphotography and Facebook @SashaChouPhotographyStudio to see what we’re up to!