No matter what kind of wedding you are planning, you’ll find this list of questions to ask your wedding photographer priceless in choosing whether they are the one for you.
As well as putting together the list of questions I thought it made sense I answer them. After all, you’re probably reading this because you are thinking of booking me for your wedding photography.
Do you charge for initial consultations and venue visits?
I don’t charge to meet with you initially, and if I haven’t taken wedding photos at your venue before I will always visit prior to the big day to ensure I am familiar with the surroundings and can make the most what’s on offer for your photos.
Do you have a backup photographer and backup gear?
Heaven forbid, but what if the unthinkable happened? Luckily for you, I have several other Wellington wedding photographers I can count on at short notice. As for backup equipment, I always have a spare Canon DSLR camera body securely in my vehicle if something should happen to my primary camera.
Do you need feeding?
I generally do ask that I be fed (and an assistant if they are required). However if your venue charges a per head fee for people eating, I usually arrange my own meal. A lot of venues do offer free catering for officials on your day (photographers, celebrants etc) so pays to check with them first. A table setting is not required, but some couples do allocate a set seat for me – which is great, but not essential as there really isn’t much sitting down time. If there is an extra cost on your end for feeding the photographer, I am happy to cover this.
How many photos will you take, and how many will I receive?
The answer varies quite a lot from wedding to wedding, but on average I would take around 1,500 photos and usually give you around 800-1,000 of these.
Is the person you are meeting the person taking the photos on the day?
Nothing gets up my nose more than commercialised wedding photographers, who have an assistant who meets you prior to your day, and another assistant who takes the majority of your wedding photos, and another that does all the editing. The saying What you see is what you get is no more important than with wedding photography. You are paying good money to have your wedding captured, so make sure you meet the actual photographer on the day. For me – I am always the one who meets you, who does the venue visits, turns up on the day, edits the photos, and personally hand delivers the finished product.
How many weddings have you shot?
An important question to gauge how much experience your photographer has. I have shot over 30 weddings in the last 5 years, most of which can be found in my wedding portfolio.
Do you have any testimonials from previous clients?
They say photos speak a thousand words, but when it comes to how the client felt after dealing with you, nothing tells a better story than a testimonial directly from them. All my wedding portfolio’s have client testimonials – feel free to have a read.
What type of camera equipment do you use?
My standard kit is a Canon 5D mkII with a 24-70 f/2.8 (Professional “L” series). Depending on the venue and your requirements I often use a 70-200 f/2.8 (Professional “L” series) lens too.
What do you wear?
A suit of course. Not a suit to show up the groomsmen, but smart enough to not stick out like a sore thumb.
How far in advance do I need to book you?
I generally am booked out at least a year in advance. After deciding on a date and venue – the next thing on your list should be a photographer.
Do I get along with the photographer?
Probably one of the most important questions of the lot. You may be surprised to know that you spend more time with your photographer than nearly anyone else at the wedding (almost more than the groom!). If you don’t get along with them and feel happy and comfortable, then this will show in the photos. Ensure that you have a spark with your photographer. I am very charismatic and have no qualms with being thrown in room full of 100 people I have never met before and acting like I’m a long lost friend.
Do you charge for travel & accommodation?
If you are in the Wellington region (Martinborough included), I do not charge any traveling costs. If you are tying the knot out of the Wellington Area, I am happy to travel anywhere if you cover the travel costs & accommodation (I never charge for my travel time). I have shot weddings in Australia, England, Auckland, Dunedin, and everywhere else in between. As you will be booking me awhile in advance, I can keep an eye on flights to ensure you get the cheapest cost to get me there for your big day or if it is cheaper for you, then driving is always an option.
Have any other questions you think should be answered here, ask them below!