The first thing is to find out if your preferred photographer is available. You can do that by going to their website and finding their contact page. This might have a form or an email. Send them an email or contact form that has the details of your wedding (ex. Date, Venue and Planner)
Now once you get connected with your preferred photographer you may want to ask some questions that may be pertinent to your wedding day. These questions can help you decide if you want to book with this photographer and if they are a right fit for your wedding needs.
Just remember asking questions kindly and professionally is totally okay and often expected. Your photographer should be able to answer all your questions!
Wedding day
Will you be the one shooting my wedding? If not, can I meet the photographer who will be on-site?
How many other weddings will you photograph that weekend?
Will you have any assistants with you on our wedding day?
Background
How long have you been shooting weddings? How many weddings have you photographed?
Do you often shoot weddings that have a similar size and style to the one we are planning?
Can we see the full galleries of a few of your recent weddings?
Have you ever shot a wedding at our ceremony and reception venues? If not, do you plan to check the venues out in advance?
Have you ever worked with our planner? At our venue?
Style
How would you describe your photography style? What would you compare your work to?
How would you describe your working style? Do you prefer to blend into the background to capture candid moments, or do you like to be more visible and take charge to choreograph images?
Do you shoot digitally? With film? Or both?
Pricing and Packages
What is included in your standard package? What add-ons do the more expensive packages include?
Can I customize a package to fit my needs?
Do you include engagement photos in your packages? What about pre-wedding events like rehearsal dinners?
How many hours are included in each package? How much do extra hours cost?
Do you offer a photo booth?
Do you offer retouching, color adjustment, or other corrective services? Are those included or an additional charge?
Do you charge a travel fee? For what distance? What does that cover?
Prints and Albums – How do I get my photos?
Can we order prints or albums directly from you?
What type of album do you offer? Do you provide assistance selecting images and designing the album?
Are albums or prints included in your packages? How many pages or prints are included, and what is the turnaround time?
How long after the wedding will we receive the images? How will they be delivered?
Will we have the rights to the images?
Will we receive the negatives and/or high resolution digital images? Is there a fee for that?
Will the images be accessible online? For how long?
Logistics
When will we receive the contract?
How much of a deposit do you require? When is it due?
Do you accept payments in installations?
What is your refund or cancellation policy?
Do you have liability insurance? Does it cover your assistants, as well?
Do you carry backup equipment?
What is the backup plan if you are unable to shoot my wedding for an unexpected reason?
How will you and your assistants be dressed?
Can we request a list of specific shots we would like?
`Will you be posting about our wedding on your website and social media? Will you be submitting our photos to magazines or blogs?
