Preserving the memories of your wedding day starts with choosing the right photographer. For some brides and grooms, selecting this professional is the most important decision you will make in planning your special day.
The best way to start investigating your photographer is to ask friends and family for recommendations. It's also wise to consider your budget for a photographer. Also, consider where you are hosting the wedding. A fantastic photographer from your home town may not be able to travel to your destination. Wedding professionals such as a resort wedding coordinator may be a better source for recommendations.
When looking closer to home than a place such as Bermuda, hearing the name more than once from friends and relatives is a good place to start. For far-away destination weddings, you may have to rely more on phone interviews with the photographer and/or references and samples. Regardless of your wedding location, your questions for a photographer may be very similar. Here are 20 questions for the wedding photographer to get you started in making this important decision.
1. Discuss your style ideas (formal, informal, candid, etc.) and ask the photographer for suggestions. Ask about specific experience in these areas.
2. What is your (the bride) involvement in shot direction? Will the photographer provide a list of packaged shots and charge extra for any not on the list?
3. If you're working with a large photography company, can you meet with the photographer who is actually shooting your wedding? Will there be any assistants?
4. How many weddings has the photographer covered? Are weddings their specialty or something they do in addition to other photography work?
5. What type of photos can you expect? Color, black and white? Film or digital?
6. What type of equipment does the photographer use? Does the photographer provide all the equipment? What arrangements will you need for setup?
7. Does the photographer have backup equipment in the case of failure? What is the backup plan if there is an emergency?
8. How much time will be needed to shoot the photos? This will help you plan for travel and reception details.
9. Does the photographer events other than ours scheduled for that day or weekend? Will that cause any conflicts or delays?
10. Has the photographer handled similar weddings (size and style)?
11. Does the photographer belong to any associations or professional groups?
12. Will the equipment be obtrusive or discreet? Will you need any modifications to the wedding setup, or will you work around our plans?
13. Does the photographer carry liability insurance and provide proof?
14. Ask for a few references? Ask if you may contact them personally.
15. Can you review a copy of the contract before we sign it?
16. What are all of the package choices available?
17. Who does the film or digital processing? If someone else, what are their qualifications? What assurance do you have if the film is lost?
18. What type of material is used? What brand? What finish?
19. Can we purchase the negatives or storage media? If not, why?
20. What sets you above other photographers for our wedding?
These questions are a basic overview of what you should ask the photographer. Your individual wedding plans will play into it, but this should get you started.
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