Ever wondered what questions to ask a wedding photographer before booking them for your wedding? I mean, this is your big day; you want a photographer that you can resonate with. The problem is there a million and one photographers, professionals, and amateurs as well. Before jumping on any call, be sure you resonate and can connect with the photographer's work.

Your photographer is an integral part of your wedding team. Questions like are you available for my wedding date, your photography style, and what packages do you offer? are very important to ask. Ideally, your potential photographer will answer all these questions with no hesitation. So how do you find the right match? What questions do you ask? Not to worry we've got you covered.

Before hiring a wedding photographer, or giving a verbal commitment, have a sit-down with the photographer and ask them some very vital questions that will save you both so much trouble. Don't worry about these questions; I've got you covered.

Here are ten crucial questions you must ask your photographer before you commit to them:

1. Would You Be Available On My Date?

Before any conversation ensues, clear the date issue. Photographers are usually booked a lot (especially during wedding seasons). You don't want to get your hopes up only to discover that he/she will be busy capturing another person's love memories. For me, this is the most critical question you can ask. Let them check their calendars and be sure that they are available for your date.

 2. Why did you decide to become a photographer?

Consider this question carefully because it can establish a creative rapport and an artistic relationship between you and the photographer. This question unravels their enthusiasm, passion, drive, and personality. Most people don't ask this question because they think it's too high-end to ask, but the reality is that understanding why someone does what they do would help you understand why they do it the way they do. If you want to establish a friendship with the photographer you'd like to work with for your wedding photography, connect with their story, heart, and dreams. While he/she answers, listen and note common grounds/concepts, this should serve as a foundation for the other questions you should ask.

3. What's Your Photography Style?

Photographers have different styles when it comes to wedding photos. Some are traditional; others give off the editorial vibes, while others take the creative route to collaborate with your ideas to bring them to reality. Booking a photographer that shoots in the style you want is the best decision you can make to enjoy looking at your wedding photographs.

4. Can I see your portfolio?

People always put their best foot forward, so proof of the previous conversation is what you're asking for here. Your photographer by now should have answered your question on his style of photography. So, demand for wedding photographs he has taken in the past. Ask him to show you his work. This would confirm if you both are really on the same page, and if you like what you see, you can move on to the next question.  

5. What packages do you offer?

 You will get to know the kinds of services the photographer offers his clients- the shoot duration, if they offer engagement sessions with the wedding package or not. The formats you'll get your pictures in, albums included, how long before you get your photos, and if they have an associate that will also be on ground shooting. This is where they get to define their different offers, and you decide which one works best for you. I deliver full-resolution files via a personalized online gallery.

6. Let's talk about money

Ask about the pricing, breakdown of the budget, and method of payment. So, ask the photographer to state the prices for each of their packages with a detailed breakdown. Then ask when you need to pay the first payment and the last. Find out the kinds of payment plans they offer and ensure that you understand them before shaking hands. If the price isn't your budget, here is an excellent time to speak up and ask if they could offer a bespoke package. Also, ask if you would be providing travel expenses if your wedding destination is far from town. It especially important you have a written contract with all the details so far.

7. When would you be arriving on Wedding Day?

Never assume, be sure to clarify what part of the event your photographer will be covering. Would the photographer be covering the entire day from wedding preparations to the couple whistling away to their honeymoon, or would he only capture the ceremony?. Photographers differ in time services and offer. Ensure to have this conversation and arrive at a conclusion that works for you.

8. Is there an extra fee if we require you stayed longer?

You can plan a wedding from the first minute to the last minute but still spend more time at the venue. Do not assume because your photographer is a service provider, he or she would love to stay longer without adequate compensation. If their answer is yes, get the exact extra fee per time, many photographers charge per hr.

9. What Information Would You Need From Us?

Ask the photographer what additional information they would need before the wedding day. Most of the time, the questions will revolve around logistics such as location, time, what the lightning at the venue will be like, and your wedding timelines. I personally send clients a form containing questions so I could better understand their needs. Feel free also to include a wedding shot list, this is a list of all the photographs you want taken

10. Do you edit all your images?

I'll let you know right now, I've never met a wedding photographer who delivered non-edited photos to their clients. Photographers take a great deal of pride in their work (they should at least), and editing is a huge part of photography style and art. Delivering non-edited photos would be delivering an unfinished product.

Once you have all your yes-es and nos checked in the right places, you might have just found your perfect photographer.