Booking a wedding photographer is a tough task and one that worth taking your time over. After all, once the canapes are gone and the flowers have died, you should be left with three wonderful things – being married, lots of lovely memories and a set of beautiful photographs capturing all the magic, joy and emotion of your day.
Having been a wedding photographer for over 15 years now and having been a part of over 400 weddings, I know how vital it is to have a great fit between couple and photographer. I want to help you ask the right questions to get the information you need to help you book the best wedding photographer for your special day. From ‘boring’ logistical questions to ensure everything is taken care of professionally, to creative questions to help you strike up a good conversation and connect with the person you’re trusting to capture your day – Some of these are questions we’ve been personally asked and some are the ‘standard’ questions a lot of couples feel they ‘need’ to ask, some are questions I’d be asking to help me learn about the photographers approach and way they handle the wedding day.
But by all means, use this list to inspire your questions and help guide your process in deciding what is important to you! – but please don’t just print it off and rattle the questions off to the photographers you’re considering. Firstly, dropping 50 questions on anybody is at best cold and at worst, just plain rude… we’ve had this ‘interrogation’ approach a few times before and it rarely gets the relationship off to the best start!
Just for a bit of added interest, I’ll answer the questions myself below, and give some insight into the kind of things you might look for.
- Are you available? How far in advance do you book?
- How much do you charge and what do we get?
- Can we customize packages to meet our needs?
- Do you charge extra for travel?
- How much deposit do you charge?
- When is the outstanding balance due?
- Can we pay in instalments?
- Are you the person who will be capturing our day?
- Do you work with assistants? How many people will be covering our day?
- Are you insured?
- Do you have a contract?
- What happens if you’re ill, injured or otherwise unable to make it to our wedding?
- What sort of equipment do you use? do you have backups?
- What is your refund or cancellation policy?
- How long have you been a photographer? How many weddings have you photographed?
- Is this your full-time job?
- How would you describe your photography approach?
- How much coverage do you think we need? Do you stay all day?
- Do we need to feed you?
- What do you wear to weddings?
- Do you recommend we have an engagement session?
- Do we meet you before the day?
- How do you work on the day, what sort of things do you look for?
- Can other guests take photos?
- How much guidance would you like from us? Can we provide a list of photos we would like?
- Do you do group photos? What your approach to them?
- Do you pre-scout locations or venues?
- What would your travel plans be for our wedding?
- How many weddings are you doing around ours?
- How many weddings do you do in a day/weekend?
- Do you often shoot weddings like ours?
- Have you worked at our venue before?
- Can we see full galleries of similar weddings?
- What draws you to photograph weddings?
- What would you say was important to a ‘good’ wedding?
- What have you seen go wrong at weddings?
- Once the wedding is over, how long does it take for us to get our images?
- How do we get our images?
- What sort of editing will you do to our images?
- What can we do with our images?
- Can we share the images with our friends and family?
- Will you be sharing our images on social media? Using them in your portfolio?
- What is your policy on backups? Can you describe how safe our images are from the point of capture?
- How long do you keep our photos?
- Do we get a gallery/website to access our images? How long is that up for?
- Can you recommend any suppliers?
- Do you do albums? Are they included in a package or an extra? Can we see examples
- Do you design albums in house?
- Who makes your albums?
- How long do albums take to make/print/deliver?
Questions to ask your wedding photographer
Ok, so now onto my answers! I’ll answer them as if the question had been posed by one of our couples and aim to give some idea on why a photographer may answer in a certain way.
1. Are you available? How far in advance do you book?
My Answer: We tend to book about 1-2 years in advance, and popular summer weekend dates can go very early. We booked up every August weekend in 2020 by early 2019. Winter dates often are available with a little less notice. Weekdays often offer the most flexibility and can be available with as little as two weeks notice.
What you’re looking for: Getting a feel for how rapidly a photographer books up will give you an idea on their popularity as well as giving you an insight into how quickly you would need to secure your date, if it is available. Some photographers and a lot of broader wedding suppliers have limits on how far in advance they will allow dates to be booked – 2 years is common, but I’ve heard tales of people refusing to book date a more than a year in advance.
2. How much do you charge and what do we get?
My Answer: We send out a brochure containing our prices and lots more information to all our enquiring couples – we’ve built our business around transparency and want people to know exactly how much everything is upfront, to avoid any nasty surprises.
What you’re looking for: Understanding how much a photographer charges will help you work out if they fit within your budget. It can also give you an idea of how experienced, in-demand or indeed how successful they are. Finding out all the nitty-gritty about their pricing, before signing on the bottom line – helps to avoid any nasty surprised down the line.
3. Can we customize packages to meet our needs?
My Answer: Absolutely, we can build bespoke packages depending on your needs – packages can be adjusted right up until four weeks before the wedding.
What you’re looking for: Some photographers have set packages and may offer a little wiggle room around that. If they offer 10 hours as standard and you only need 6, it’s worth finding out if that affects the price you pay. Likewise, if you need to add anything else to your coverage, either upon booking or at a later date – how that affects your budget and if there is a final deadline to have your package set in stone.
4. Do you charge extra for travel?
My Answer: Many of our packages include travel all across the country. Some include it within a certain area and we quote on a per-wedding basis outside of that. We do lots of weddings each year around Sussex, a few in East Grinstead and many further afield – Bath and Wales for example, so have a thorough understanding of the costs associated with covering weddings in different areas. Destination weddings, for example, have a greater cost of travel and accommodation associated with them, so we quote based on time spent travelling, flight prices at the time of booking and accommodation costs.
What you’re looking for: Some photographers will only travel within a certain radius and outside of that, they’ll charge more. Some photographers offer a flat rate travel fee within a country or continent and others charge on a per-mile basis.
5. How much deposit do you charge?
My Answer: We take £500 to secure the date.
What you’re looking for: Some photographers charge a fixed rate to secure the date, some charge a percentage – finding this out nice and early helps you budget.
6. When is the outstanding balance due?
My Answer: Four weeks before the wedding.
What you’re looking for: Everyone has different time frames, you’ll rarely find a photographer who doesn’t collect the outstanding balance at least 2 weeks before the wedding – anywhere between 2 weeks and 8 weeks is pretty standard.
7. Can we pay in installments?
My Answer: Absolutely, we can work out a payment plan that suits you.
What you’re looking for: Flexibility in payments can help you budget, or can even help you stretch a package you may not otherwise be able to afford. Paying out a big lump sum near to the wedding date can cause some couples budget stress and most photographers will be happy to help avoid that!
8. Are you the person who will be capturing our day?
My Answer: Absolutely, I’m always the primary photographer – I never subcontract to other photographers.
What you’re looking for: Some photographers work with several associates and the person you’re dealing with may not always be the person that is in attendance on your day. Some studios even have dedicated salespeople and send jobs onto one of several photographers. If having a rapport with your photographer is important to you – make sure the person you’re dealing with is the person who will turn up!
9. Do you work with assistants? How many people will be covering our day?
My Answer: Usually I work solo, occasionally I’ll bring my partner Heather as a second photographer, or if you’ve hired us for video she’ll be handling that side of things. Sometimes for larger weddings, I may need another associate or an assistant – but I’ll always keep you informed of how many people will be there and who they are what role they fill. I have a small, personally selected group of experienced associates and assistants that all work in the same, relaxed style and I would trust completely to capture a day.
What you’re looking for: Some photographers work with assistants and whilst you may have only hired one photographer, two or three people may be in attendance on the day helping the primary photography achieve the coverage you’ve hired them for. Every photographer is different and there is no right or wrong answer, but it helps to know how many people will turn up before the big day arrives, in case space is at a premium, or you’re thinking of feeding them all.
10. Are you insured?
My Answer: Absolutely, We have indemnity insurance and liability insurance – so everything is well protected and safe.
What you’re looking for: Professional photographers will have insurance – to protect both them and you from unforeseen circumstances – from camera gear getting damaged or stolen to accidents on the day or issues arising in their performance. If a photographer doesn’t have insurance I wouldn’t work with them.
11. Do you have a contract?
My Answer: Yes! A copy will be sent to you along with the booking form so you can check everything is to your liking.
What you’re looking for: Professional photographers will have contracts. Both for your protection and theirs. Not only does this layout all of the expectations and any limitations of the offering, but it avoids most issues arising later in the process due to miscommunication. Be sure to have a good read and query anything you’re not sure about!
12. What happens if you’re ill, injured or otherwise unable to make it to our wedding?
My Answer: We have lots of professional wedding photographer friends, and we’re also members of networks of professional photographers – so if for whatever reason we were unable to attend your wedding, a suitable replacement would be found. If we were unable to find a replacement a full refund of all monies paid would be provided.
What you’re looking for: A safety net or some kind of guarantee – things happen. A friend of ours recently broke his leg putting him out of action for an entire wedding season and we, along with other photographers stepped in to help him and his couples covering the dates he couldn’t do. If the photographer can’t offer a plan in case of unforeseen circumstances – you’re right to be concerned.
13. What sort of equipment do you use? do you have backups?
My Answer: We use Canon 5D IVs and always shoot with multiple cameras, lenses and multiple backups of everything we need. If anything was to happen to any part of our gear – your coverage wouldn’t be affected.
What you’re looking for: You’re not necessarily going to know what a ‘Canon 5D IV’ is, or what a ’24mm 1.4′ lens is, so don’t get stuck on the details – just try to get a feel for that they have a couple of professional quality cameras, a good quantity of gear and backup gear in case anything happens on the day. Cameras get dropped, lenses get stolen, flashes get lost – if the worst happens, how would that affect your coverage? If someone only has one camera and one lens – avoid.
14. What is your refund or cancellation policy?
My Answer: The booking fee is non-refundable should you choose to cancel. If for whatever reason we had to cancel the booking fee would be refunded. Any cancellations made within 4 weeks of the wedding will be charged full price.
What you’re looking for: The more information you have the easier your decision process – knowing the photographers booking policies is incredibly helpful should you need to cancel for whatever reason.
15. How long have you been a photographer? How many weddings have you photographed?
My Answer: I’ve been a photographer since 2005 and have covered over 400 weddings.
What you’re looking for: Gauge their experience! Have they only done 10 weddings, in which case they might not be prepared for every eventuality – but maybe they’re cheaper? If they’ve done hundreds, they’re likely very, very good – and thus more expensive.
16. Is this your full-time job?
My Answer: Yes! and has been since 2005.
What you’re looking for: Some photographers work a full-time job alongside being a wedding photographer, but if that’s the case you may not get as high a level of service and they may not be available during the week to answer questions or discuss your wedding. They may not be available in the build-up to your wedding for any last-minute queries either! Delivery of your images may also take longer after the wedding, as they have other commitments.
This may make them cheaper, but it’s up to you if the trade-off in service is worth it.
17. How would you describe your photography approach?
My Answer: We’re relaxed, documentary photographers – we catch things as they’re happening and build a story around the moments. We’ll blend in with your guests and capture all the joy, laughter and fun without interruption
What you’re looking for: Just an idea of how they see themselves and how they work on the day – you’ll be able to get some of this looking through their site, but its always worth making sure their approach sits with what you had in mind for your day.
18. How much coverage do you think we need? Do you stay all day?
My Answer: We tend to start two hours before the ceremony and go on until an hour or two after the first dance – but happy to stay until the bitter end if that’s important to you. I always suggest couples have as much of the day covered as they can afford.
What you’re looking for: Some photographers limit their coverage to a set number of hours, some offer all-day unlimited coverage for a set fee – Some photographers cover a few key hours and leave, some work all day and tell the whole story. Knowing how their hourly structure works and how it fits within your schedule is super important.
19. Do we need to feed you?
My Answer: Yes, please! Any hot food is greatly appreciated – we often go for the vegetarian options as it’s a lighter meal, perfect for keeping us fresh and fueled late into the evening.
What you’re looking for: Some photographers bring food, some demand food in their contracts – it’s a long day for most photographers and it’s hard to find time to get away and eat some food, so food prepared by the catered is often appreciated. We don’t demand it -but its always appreciated!
20. What do you wear to weddings?
My Answer: I like to dress as if I’m a guest – my aim is to stand out as little as possible. I like to balance smartness with comfort and will often forgo a full suit as I’m moving around a lot. I’ll often smart trousers and a formal shirt.
What you’re looking for: I’ve seen photographers turn up in ripped jeans – it’s pretty personal to the photographer how they like to dress and what they’re comfortable to work in, but think about how you would feel if the photographer turned up in jeans and a tee-shirt. If that doesn’t bother you – then no problem, but if it does, it’s worth finding out early!
21. Do you recommend we have an engagement session?
My Answer: Yes – they’re a great way to get comfortable in front of the camera – they’re also fun!
What you’re looking for: Do they offer them? Are they free? Are they extra? Does the photographer think they’re of benefit to the way they work?
22. Do we meet you before the day?
My Answer: Not always. I’m more than happy to meet if our schedules and geography line up, but if not I’m happy to have a chat over facetime or skype.
What you’re looking for: Perhaps meeting the photographer isn’t important to you, but if it is and having that face to face rapport is something you had your heart set on – making sure they’re up for meeting ahead of the big day is important.
23. How do you work on the day, what sort of things do you look for?
My Answer: I’m driven by moments – I love telling a story through the little glances, smiles and laughs. I’ll watch scenes unfolding and position myself ready for that perfect moment – before moving onto the next!
What you’re looking for: How a photographer approaches the day and what they look for will give you an idea of how the coverage will fit with your plans and your expectations. A photographer who looks for moments may not be a photographer that does lots of posing, and a photographer that looks for creative backdrops for group photos may be one that directs a little more and is less concerned with being unobtrusive.
24. Can other guests take photos?
My Answer: Absolutely, we have no objections to guests taking photos!
What you’re looking for: Some photographers ask that they be the only one taking images of the day, this may be to prevent guests getting in the way of their shots, distracting the couple from the official photos – or it may be to protect their future print sales.
25. How much guidance would you like from us? Can we provide a list of photos we would like?
My Answer: We’re happy to have a list of group photos and will work with you to capture any shots you would like. We don’t tend to work from a prescriptive list however, as this can take away from our creativity in documenting the flow of the day.
What you’re looking for: If you have lots of ideas for photos, or lots of groups you would like your photographer to capture – make sure they’re OK with that! Some photographers love the safety and simplicity a list provides, others feel offended that you are micro-managing them.
26. Do you do group photos? What your approach to them?
My Answer: We suggest doing 8-10 groups – often these are our couples least favourite shots, but the ones that become the most important as time passes. Some of our couples have said they regret not doing more group photos on the day, so we always suggest making the time to do them.
What you’re looking for: Maybe you’re not interested in group photos at all – and that’s fine! But if you’d like a few, check your photographer does them, some photojournalistic photographers won’t do any group photos.
27. Do you pre-scout locations or venues?
My Answer: We don’t usually pre-scout locations, but we’re happy to if that’s important to you. We’ll plan journeys and take a good look at the venues online and via google street view/maps – but often an actual site visit isn’t all that helpful, as lighting and on locations, situations can change from day to day. We find seeing a venue fresh on the morning of the wedding can fuel our creativity. We do however like to arrive nice and early on the wedding day, so we can check out locations and plan for the rest of the day.
What you’re looking for: If it would make you feel more comfortable to have a site visit or a meeting on-site with your photographer before the day – check that’s something they offer, some do – some don’t. If they do it may be an additional charge.
28. What would your travel plans be for our wedding?
My Answer: We like to make longer journey’s the night before to ensure we’re there safely and fresh on the morning of your wedding, without any traffic implications. Shorter journeys we allow double the time to cover any unforeseen situations – traffic, detours or accidents. Destination weddings we’ll arrive a few days before to cover us in case any flight cancellations or delays.
What you’re looking for: You don’t want your photographer to be making a 4-5 hour drive on the morning of your wedding – it only takes one accident or road closure for them to be off schedule and late. We one took 9 hours to make a drive from Brighton to Bath due to an accident on the M25. It’s a good job we were heading down the day before, otherwise, it would have severely affected the couples coverage.
29. How many weddings are you doing around ours?
My Answer: We usually do one per weekend maximum – this keeps us fresh and ensures the focus remains on your day!
What you’re looking for: Some photographers do 2-3 weddings per weekend and whilst there isn’t anything wrong with that, being the third in the row can result in a tired photographer – or being first can result in a photographer who is keen to rush off early, to save themselves or the next day! Knowing these kinds of things up front can help you make a good decision.
30. How many weddings do you do in a day/weekend?
My Answer: Just the one – yours!
What you’re looking for: Less so these days with most photographers staying for 8-10 hours, but it was common a few years ago for photographers to do a few 2-hour weddings in a day – one in the morning, one after lunch, one in the evening. Nothing wrong with that, but if you’re the middle wedding and the first one overruns – you may have issues. Likewise, if you’re the first and you’re running late – you want to know if your photographer has to run off at a set time.
31. Do you often shoot weddings like ours?
My Answer: in a hypothetical situation like this, it’s hard to answer this!!
What you’re looking for: If for example, you’re planning an Indian wedding, you’ll want to know whether your photographer has experience with your wedding – so they have a good understanding of the timelines and schedules, as well as traditions and customs – as they’ll need to know where to be and how to best capture it! Likewise, with destination weddings – a photographer who has done lots of destination weddings will be familiar with packing light to meet luggage restrictions, the potential for travel delays and lots more besides.
32. Have you worked at our venue before?
My Answer: We’ve worked at many wedding venues in Sussex and across the entire UK, so there’s a good chance we have!
What you’re looking for: Whilst not imperative – a good wedding photographer will be able to adapt to any situation, even in a venue they’ve never been to before – it can be reassuring to know your photographer has experience working at your venue and knows all the best places for photos, or where to do group shots – or even what to do there if it rains! Even simple things like – they know exactly where it is, can be really useful – avoiding chances of them getting lost.
33. Can we see full galleries of similar weddings?
My Answer: Yes! I have a few hundred weddings to draw from, so I’ll certainly be able to show you something appropriate!
What you’re looking for: A full gallery of wedding images is something you should insist on seeing before booking. A professional photographer should be able to produce a consistent quality of work across a day regardless of the setting, the light or the weather. Seeing a whole gallery will also allow you to get an idea of how they work and how your story may be told. When you’ve done enough weddings its easy to build a killer portfolio of the ‘best’ images from each, but a really good photographer will be able to demonstrate that they produce a set of amazing images across a single wedding, rather than one or two amazing ones and a couple of hundred mediocre ones.
34. What draws you to photograph weddings?
My Answer: People – it’s all about the people, their relationships and the moments they share. Weddings are an amazing thing for bringing together a hundred or so people who care for each other and want to have an amazing time and celebrate someone’s love. There’s no greater joy than being able to capture that for the couple.
What you’re looking for: Most professional photographers will have a good understanding of what draws them to weddings – some will do it for the creative expression, some for the money! But this little question will give you something to discuss with your photographer (they’ll love that you’re showing interest in them!) and give you insight into both their motivations, but also what they’ll be drawn to throughout your wedding day.
35. What would you say was important to a ‘good’ wedding?
My Answer: The people! A prestigious venue, glorious weather, outstanding decorations – whilst all make for great photos – it’s the people that make for a great atmosphere, and a day with an amazing atmosphere will always make for a good wedding
What you’re looking for: Tips! A good wedding photographer will have been to hundreds of weddings and learned a lot, seen a lot and have a great understanding of how weddings work. Any little ‘specific to your situation’ tips you can get from them, especially early in the process, will be amazingly helpful.
36. What have you seen go wrong at weddings?
My Answer: Older guests not being considered – I’ve seen quite a few weddings where older guests, grandparents etc. haven’t been thought about in the planning stage – long walks or long periods standing don’t tend to agree with them! I’ve also seen some weddings where the venues haven’t been close enough to each other, resulting in lots of ‘dead’ time between ceremony and reception – and even a few missing guests!!
What you’re looking for: Again, more tips! Use your photographer to get some insight into how to plan an amazing day – they’ll love offering their opinions and anecdotes! It’s also a great way to connect with someone and start to build that rapport.
37. Once the wedding is over, how long does it take for us to get our images?
My Answer: 4-6 weeks, often sooner! We also aim to get you a slideshow preview within a week of the wedding.
What you’re looking for: This is largely about managing your expectations and getting an idea for how long you may be waiting after you get back from honeymoon. Some photographers deliver in a week, some take 3 months – this time depends on the level of service they’re offering, their workload and even the efficiency of their business. Many photographers offer some kind of preview if they know they will take a long time to deliver the full set,
38. How do we get our images?
My Answer: We deliver high-resolution images via a password protected online gallery that you can share with family and friends.
What you’re looking for: Are you getting a USB of files? a disk? digital download? hard copy prints? Again, understanding the process and managing your expectations is key to getting the best out of your photographer!
39. What sort of editing will you do to our images?
My Answer: We remove anything unflattering and edit the images to ensure a cohesive, consistent collection and will adjust light and colour – we don’t tend to do too much ‘photoshopping’ we want your images to be a reflection of the reality of the day
What you’re looking for: Some photographers do very little, so do a lot – knowing whether you’re going to get something realistic or ultra stylised and ‘airbrushed’ is all about managing expectations.
40. What can we do with our images?
My Answer: Whatever you like! Print them, share them – upload them to social media, they’re yours and we want you to enjoy them. We just ask that you don’t sell them.
What you’re looking for: Can you make your prints? Do you have to go back to the photographer every time you want a print of an image? Will you be in trouble for giving a picture to your gran?
41. Can we share the images with our friends and family?
My Answer: Yes and we encourage you to! They’re meant to be shared and enjoyed!
What you’re looking for: As above, are you going to get in trouble for giving your gran a picture? Is the photographer going to be upset if you’re posting them onto Facebook?
42. Will you be sharing our images on social media? Using them in your portfolio?
My Answer: We tend to share weddings on our Instagram and Facebook, as well as on our website – in the portfolio and on the blog. Sometimes we are approached by magazines, blogs or other wedding venues to use and feature images.
What you’re looking for: Firstly, if you don’t want your photographer to share your images – do tell them! Most photographers don’t mind and personally, we’re used to working under NDA’s – where it is commonplace. Other than that it’s good to know where your images may end up, so as not to get surprised after the wedding.
43. What is your policy on backups? Can you describe how safe our images are from the point of capture?
My Answer: We shoot to multiple cards, so have multiple copies of your images immediately after capture. After the wedding, we download our cards immediately often whilst still on-site and then duplicate them into three different locations, including an offsite backup – so your images are protected against fire, flooding or physical damage. The cards aren’t overwritten until we know they are completely safe and secure.
What you’re looking for: Everyone has a different approach to data security – having your photographer demonstrate that they have a plan and understand the importance of your images is all you can do. We’ve heard too many horror stories of non-professionals taking their cameras to the pub after the wedding and losing the images or keeping the images on one hard drive which has failed.
44. How long do you keep our photos?
My Answer: We guarantee to keep your images for one year – but we’ve never deleted anything in the 15 years we’ve been in business. Hard drives are cheap – memories are priceless.
What you’re looking for: After you’ve had your images delivered – who is responsible for them? Does your photographer keep backups in case you lose them? Do you need to back them up in multiple places?
45. Do we get a gallery/website to access our images? How long is that up for?
My Answer: We keep galleries online for a minimum of one year – but often much longer.
What you’re looking for: Again – if you lost your images can you re-download them? How long can your family and friends access the gallery?
46. Can you recommend any suppliers?
My Answer: We have a long list of vendors we’ve worked with over the years and can happily recommend!
What you’re looking for: Your photographer will probably have worked with a huge number of suppliers and may even have some who they consider friends, or have worked with multiple times – don’t be afraid to ask for advice and recommendations! Your photographer will be happy to help – flattered you value their opinion and it’ll save you the hassle of finding someone good!
47. Do you do albums? Are they included in a package or an extra? Can we see examples?
My Answer: Yes! We recommend all our couples go for a wedding album – they’re a great way to maximize your investment in wedding photography and preset your images in a beautiful way. You can add albums to any packages at any point between booking and your wedding, or you could consider purchasing one after your wedding as an anniversary gift! We have a few examples we can show you, as well as examples of colour swatches of covers etc.
What you’re looking for: Albums, whilst less popular in some markets are still a worthwhile investment to add to your wedding photography. Some photographers don’t offer them – focusing on the digital files. If you are keen to have a physical heirloom at the end of your wedding journey, its important to work with a photographer than can produce them to the standard you deserve.
48. Do you design albums in house?
My Answer: Yes – we absolutely love designing albums, with a background in editorial design it’s a part of the process we adore. After the wedding we can put together a concept design for you to approve (or suggest changes!) and then we’ll work back and forth with you to perfect the design, before sending to one of our partners for printing.
What you’re looking for: Some photographers outsource their album design – it can be great for their efficiency and allows them to focus on areas of the business they are stronger at or enjoy more. We love designing them in house as we want to ensure you are taken care of at every step of the process, and as we were the ones at the wedding capturing the day – we’re best positioned to tell the story as it happened!
49. Who makes your albums?
My Answer: We use Folio or Kiss to produce our albums – between the two suppliers we have access to a huge range of page styles, cover colours and finishes. We’ve extensively tested many manufacturers over the years and have found Kiss and Folio are the best.
What you’re looking for: Most photographers will have one of two suppliers they use – some won’t like to ‘give up’ the name of their suppliers, some will. If you do find out the suppliers details – it’s always worth having a look on their site to see more examples of albums and build up the excitement for your own. You may even see options that you love on the manufacturers website that your photographer hasn’t covered and you are completely within your rights to ask if that is something they can offer you.
50. How long do albums take to make/print/deliver?
My Answer: We usually take around 2 weeks to design a wedding album, and once it is signed off by the client we send it to print. Our printers take 6-8 weeks to print, bind and deliver albums. They’re worth the wait though!
What you’re looking for: If you have your heart set on an album, it’s great to know how long you’re going to be waiting. Some couples choose to have their album as their first experience of their wedding photos – even before seeing them online – so factoring the length of album production and delivery into the editing workflow will help you understand how long from your wedding before you’ll be getting things.
Final thoughts on Questions to ask a wedding photographer
I hope this list of questions gives you some things to think about and perhaps some insight into the process of booking a wedding photographer. Most photographers are friendly folks – all too happy to answer any questions you may have. In fact, a large portion of our work is about building a rapport with our couples, so it’s a very useful step in the booking process.
Regardless of your photographers answers to any of the above questions, it’s important that you find someone that you can make a connection with – your photographer is likely one of the people you will spend the most time with on your wedding day, so making sure they are a great fit should be your number one priority. Finding someone you are comfortable with and who will blend in well with your guests will result in the most beautiful set of images, perfectly capturing the joy of your special day.
If you had any other questions we’ve not answered or if this guide has been helpful, do get in touch!