By Kylie Hinson, Kylie Hinson Photography
Once the cake is sliced, the champagne is popped, and the toasts are shared, the wedding photos are one of the only keepsakes after your special day. Selecting the right photographer to document your love story is a crucial decision in the planning process!
Believe it or not, you will spend more time with your photographer on the wedding day than with your spouse! Having a phone or in-person interview before signing the contract is a great way to make sure you find someone you love and will be a good fit for the wedding. Here are 10 questions to ask the photographer before booking!
- How many weddings have you photographed as a lead photographer?
When it comes to wedding photography, certain skills and knowledge can only be learned through practice and time. Finding a photographer who has an experience level you are comfortable with is very important. Some photographers might only have second shooter experience. While this is not a deal breaker, it could influence your decision depending on the style and skill you desire in a potential photographer.
- What is your working style on the wedding day?
You might be looking for someone direct who will take charge or someone who is more laid back and goes with the flow. Ask them about their working style to determine if they are a good match for your needs and personality.
- How would you describe your photo editing style?
Asking the photographer to describe their editing style will help to determine if they are the right fit. Is their style light and airy, dark and moody, true to color, or something else? If you want a specific editing style, make sure to find a photographer who edits in that style so that you don’t end up disappointed with the final gallery of images.
- Do you have a second photographer with you?
Second shooters are very helpful throughout the wedding day. Not only will you get more images, but a second shooter also brings a different creative eye and artistic style to the photographs. While the main photographer is photographing you, the second photographer will be with your partner capturing images at the same time, allowing for every detail of the day to be covered.
- Does an engagement session come with the package?
Engagement sessions are a great way to meet the photographer in person, make sure you connect with them, and learn some wedding day poses. Even if you have already had an engagement session with someone else, doing a session with your potential wedding photographer will ensure that there are no surprises after the wedding as to the type of images you will receive or the customer service experience they provide.
Kylie Hinson Photography
- Can I see a few full galleries of recent weddings?
While looking at their social media pages will give a brief taste of their work, viewing a full gallery will provide a more detailed look into the photographer’s ability and style. Ask them for a gallery that matches your venue so you can see their skill level with various lighting situations.
- What is the backup plan in case of an emergency where you are unable to photograph our wedding?
Life is unpredictable and sometimes unfortunately things go wrong. If the worst should happen and the photographer is unable to attend, knowing their backup plan can alleviate a lot of unnecessary stress on your wedding day.
- Do you carry backup equipment?
Equipment is never 100% reliable. Having a photographer that has a backup camera, multiple lenses, and extra equipment will help relieve some stress in case the worse happens and equipment stops working. Also, make sure to ask if their second shooter (if they include one) has backup equipment as well.
Kylie Hinson Photography
- Can you provide any references or client testimonials?
Asking for references or reviews from previous clients can give an insight into how your experience will go. A photographer can take the most amazing images, but if their customer service experience is bad, you might have a tough time on your wedding day.
- Are you licensed and insured?
Some venues might require that your vendors are licensed and insured. Make sure to ask your photographer if they carry liability insurance, which is important in the event of injuries or property damage.
Kylie Hinson is an internationally published wedding and family photographer who specializes in turning moments into memories. Kylie’s philosophy is pretty simple: tell the most amazing stories through photographs that capture true love, real emotions and beautiful moments. To learn more about her photography services please visit, www.kyliehinson.com