8 Questions to Ask your Wedding Photographer

Wondering what questions to ask your wedding photographer (before you book)? I thought you might be! In case we haven’t met yet, I am Katie, a local YEG wedding photographer. As you have likely gathered, I’m a wedding and couples photographer who likes to have fun, get real with people, and make memories. I love adventures and would be honored to document yours. You can book me (or ask a question) here. But for now, let’s talk about what questions you should ask.

 

1. How many weddings do you typically book?

 

In order to be able to truly focus on my couples and devote enough time to each and every one of you, I will not accept more 15 clients for my 2021 wedding season. There are some photographers’ who almost operate like a wedding factor with 40+ weddings per year and then they outsource a lot of the editing and client communication. There is definitely NOTHING wrong with that, it depends on how much of a personal connection and assistance you want to have with your wedding photographer. Often times, I help plan out locations and timelines with my couples and I love being that involved. I definitely couldn’t take that time if I was booking multiple weddings every weekend. 

NOTE: Given the disaster of the 2020 wedding season, your wedding photographer may be forced to take on additional weddings in 2021. I think we all need a little bit of grace next year. If you are interested in a 2021 wedding, I would encourage you to contact me right away because dates are starting to book up and I need to be protective of my booking calendar.

 

 

2. What if we are awkward in front of the camera? How can we prepare for nerves in our wedding day photos?

 

I’m kind of cheating including this in a post about questions to ask your wedding photographer. This is such a common question I get and honestly, it’s okay to feel awkward in front of a camera, I know I do! What you shouldn’t worry about is LOOKING awkward because that’s my job, to make you laugh at my lame jokes and focus on what an amazing commitment you’ve made to one another. When that’s your focus, you’ll be looking amazing. 

This is also part of the reason I, and many other photographers, include engagement photos in their wedding day packages. Sure, it’s partly for you to have dreamy photos to remember your time being engaged (and often use for save the dates!), but truth be told, it’s also to help you get comfortable with me on your wedding day.

 

3. Do you retouch images?

 

Before you ask this, make sure you take some time to really look at the photographer’s portfolio. Typically we all have our own wedding editing style that is unique to us, and you should absolutely love it before reaching out. Because that is likely an accurate representation of what your wedding day photo’s will look like. For me, I color correct and digitally process your images. When editing your wedding day photos, I don’t have an overly “light and airy” or “moody” style because I want your wedding photos to be a true reflection of the day. I correct skin blemishes or bruises that are not usually present on your body. I do want to fully embrace people for who they are and promote and value of self-love, so I don’t edit in order to change someone’s body composition.

 

4. When will I receive my photos back?

 

Definitely ask your photographer this! Everyone will have slightly different timelines depending on other commitments they might have, how many weddings a year they typically book, whether they outsource editing, etc. For me personally, you’ll get about 20 images within 3 days of your wedding. These are commonly known as “sneak peaks” and I try to get them to you as soon as possible in order for the most amount of excitement following your big day. Then you’ll get your full wedding album no more than 75 days after your wedding. That’s about 2 ½ months for challenged people like me who don’t love math!

 

5. Do we need a second shooter?

 

Great Question. I actually talk more about hiring a second shooter and questions to ask here, but really I do usually recommend a second shooter to capture all the little moments on your wedding day. Trust me, you won’t want to forget these little moments. I physically cannot be in two places at once, so if I’m getting you in your limo, I’m not photographing your guests arriving at your reception. It’s just math. Because I think it is so important, I include a second shooter in my top two wedding photography packages (which are most popular).

But ultimately, it is up to you. If you are on a budget, many photographers’ will create a custom package for you if you don’t want a second shooter. Disclaimer: this often doesn’t save as much money as you may think! Even though it’s recommended to have a second shooter,  I can absolutely shoot your wedding without one. 

 

6. How many hours should I book for?

 

If you are trying to figure this out on your own, please know your photographer can help you with this. I actually wrote a whole blog post on this, so I won’t go too much into detail here. But yes, definitely ask your photographer about this. And be prepared for some questions back. Do you want first look photos? Getting ready photos?. It is also worth asking if you book one package now, are you able to change your mind closer to the date. Often times photographers are one of the first vendors you book, so you might not have all the details mapped out yet. Don’t assume your photographer can be flexible. If that’s a priority, be fair to them and check upfront.

 

7. Should I create a shot list?

 

Yes. Specifically, for family photos having a typed-out list of the combinations you would like will help us use the time you set aside for family photos most efficiently. Additionally, appointing one of your bridesmaids or groomsmen who knows your family somewhat well to be in charge of the list and gather the people needed will be helpful. You can give me the list, but I don’t know who Aunt Brenda is or what she looks like so appointing someone to be there to help locate relatives is always a good idea.

But what about poses of just the two of us? Also yes. I’m not offended with you sharing your Pinterest board with me, if fact I love it! But please remember that your wedding album is going to be of YOUR wedding and shouldn’t be compared to a highlight reel of the best of the best images from multiple exotic weddings. I love to see what kinds of images you love, I just do not want to set you up for a Pinterest fail moment when you remember you’re not planning for elephants and fireworks at your big day.

 

8. How and when do I pay you?

Ahhh, this is the question they might answer before you ask. But seriously, it is SO important on the list of what questions to ask your wedding photographer. For me personally, to book your date you will need to pay a non-refundable 30% retainer. Once I have received the retainer and a signed electronic copy of your contract you can relax knowing you’re covered on the day of your wedding. The remaining 70% of your payment is due 3 weeks before the wedding. Don’t worry, I’ll remind you as the date approaches.

 

Now that we have covered questions to ask your wedding photographer: Are you looking for an Edmonton wedding photographer?

 

I am so grateful that “wedding photographer” gets to be my official job title. It is my absolute passion photographing couples on their wedding day and I would love to document your day to help you remember every last detail. If you have questions about me or my process, you can contact me here. If you have questions about the investment or experience, I share those details here.

And of course, if you have more questions to ask your wedding photographer, I am happy to be an open book. Seriously, I value transparency. And my job is so much easier when we are all upfront from the beginning. So, let’s do it. Contact me here.