This post goes along with the post I wrote a couple weeks ago about knowing when you’ve found the right photographer. To elaborate on that a bit I’ve decided to talk specifically about the types of questions you should ask a photographer in that initial meeting.

I love client meetings! I love hearing all about how a couple met, how he (or she) proposed, and what their dreams are for their wedding, honeymoon, and life together. It’s just such an exciting time in their lives and it’s an honor to be a small part of that.

When I meet with a potential client, I try to learn a little about them, ask them a few questions, and make sure that all their questions are answered. I’ve found that most people either (1) don’t know what to ask and end up emailing me later with questions they’ve thought of OR (2) are following a set of questions that they found online that may be outdated or that they don’t even know why they’re asking them. I thought it might be helpful to suggest a list of questions to you that may help you get all the answers you need to make a thoughtful decision about such an important part of your wedding day.

NOW, before you meet with a photographer, pleasepleaseplease take a look at their portfolio! Many of your style-related questions will be answered by doing this. Even if you have a recommendation from a friend, just make sure that their style is the same as yours. If you see only candid shots in someone’s portfolio but you’re looking for a photographer to take posed and traditional photos, you can see how that may not work out, right? That being said, here are my suggestions for questions to ask at an initial meeting with a wedding photographer:

1. Approximately how many images will you deliver and how/when will you deliver them? – Most likely, your photographer will not be able to give you an exact number, but they will be able to give you an estimate number of images they’ll deliver based on previous weddings. For example, I usually deliver somewhere from 600-1000 images and I tell my clients that it varies depending on length of wedding day coverage, amount of details, etc. You should also know when to expect the images and how they will be delivered. Usually it’ll be in an online gallery, but everyone does this a little differently so it’s a great question to ask.
2. Will I have printing rights/can I order prints through you? –  This is a MUST ASK question! You need to know whether or not your images come with printing rights. Some photographers will charge a fee for their shooting time, then schedule a consultation in which you can order prints from them but you do not get digital images or printing rights. Many photographers these days offer digital images with full printing rights. Again, it varies so be sure to ask this question at your initial meeting.
3. Do you take “macro” shots and/or detail shots? – Many photographers use a macro lens to take close-up shots of rings, jewelry, and other details. Usually you’ll see this in their portfolio, but it’s good to ask them at the meeting. Depending on the photographer’s style, they may focus on details a lot or very little. This is where you’ll need to decide what’s important for you and what are you “must have” shots. Do you NEED photos of your shoes and your invitations or would your photographer’s time be better spend elsewhere?
4. Do you have a “second-shooter”? – You need to know how many photographers will be shooting on your wedding day. Besides this, you need to decide if it’s important for there to be two angles at the reception. Also keep in mind that if a photographer does not have a second shooter, they will not be able to be in two places at once – i.e. with the bride and with the groom while they’re getting ready. That seems like an obvious statement but I think it’s worth mentioning!
5. Do you get out on the dance floor at the reception? – This is just for fun, really. If dancing photos are important to you, be sure to bring this up. If a photographer is willing to get out on the dance floor, they’ll be able to get some close-up, fun shots of your guests dancing the night away. This is completely up to your preference, but if it’s important to you, bring it up at the meeting!

**There are MANY other questions that should/could be asked and discussed at an initial meeting with a wedding photographer. These are just a few that my clients don’t always ask and that I think are important. Be sure to also touch base on things like contracts, deposits, refund policies, and liability insurance. Maybe I’ll even write another blog post about these things in the future.**

I think the biggest “take away” from this blog post is that you should think through your wedding day and make sure to discuss the things that are most important to you. That is going to be something different for everyone, but being on the same page as your photographer is going to make your day run so much more smoothly!

I wish you luck in your wedding photographer search and I hope this post has been helpful! Happy Tuesday!