Questions to ask a wedding photographer before you book

Wedding photos are one of the few parts of the day you keep, and there is no second attempt. Most couples choose a photographer by looking at a portfolio, which is the right place to start but only shows the best frames. The questions below help you find out how a photographer works on a whole day, and whether that suits yours.

Before you contact anyone

Have these details ready, because every photographer will ask for them:

• The date, and whether it is fixed.
• The locations: ceremony, reception, and anywhere you want portraits taken.
• Roughly how many guests.
• Which parts of the day you want covered, from getting ready to the first dance or the end of the party.

On Bouncing Bison, start with photography under events and filter by your city or a distance around the venue. Many photographers add portfolio albums to their listings. Open them and look at complete sets of pictures from one event.

Questions about their work

1. Can I see two or three complete wedding galleries? A portfolio shows the best twenty pictures from many weddings. A full gallery shows what you will actually receive, including group photos, dark venues and rainy days.
2. Have you worked at our venue or a similar one? It is not a requirement, but a photographer who knows the light and the layout of a church, a registry office or a restaurant hall will plan better.
3. How would you describe your style, and how much do you direct people? Some photographers mostly observe; others arrange people and set up scenes. Neither is better, but you should know which one you are booking.
4. How do you handle group photos? Ask how long they usually take and whether you should prepare a list of groups in advance.

Questions about the day

1. How many hours of coverage are included, and what does an extra hour cost? Weddings run late. Know the rule before the day.
2. Will you photograph the wedding yourself? Some studios send an associate. If the person matters to you, have their name written into the agreement.
3. Do you work with a second photographer? A second shooter can cover the groom and bride getting ready in different places, or the guests during the ceremony.
4. What equipment do you bring as backup? Ask whether they carry spare camera bodies and use cameras that record to two memory cards at once. Equipment fails, and a professional should have planned for it.
5. What happens if you are ill or cannot attend? Ask whether they have a replacement arrangement with other photographers.
6. Do you need a meal and a break? Most photographers working a full day do. Plan a seat and a meal for them.

Questions about delivery

1. How many edited photos should we expect? An approximate number is fine; it depends on the day.
2. How long until we receive them? Ask for the usual delivery time and whether you get a few preview images sooner.
3. How are they delivered, and for how long is the gallery online? Download the files yourself and keep your own backup either way.
4. What can we do with the photos? Ask about printing and sharing rights, and whether the photographer wants to use your pictures in their own portfolio. If you would rather they did not, say so now.
5. Are prints or an album included, or extra?

Questions about money and the agreement

1. What exactly does the price include? Hours, second photographer, travel, editing, album, prints.
2. How much is the deposit, when is the rest due, and is the deposit refundable?
3. What happens if we change the date or cancel?
4. Is there a written contract? For a wedding there should be. It should list the date, the hours, the people, the deliverables and the deadlines.
5. Can you issue an invoice? If you need one, the verified businesses filter shows photographers registered as a company that can invoice.

Reading the reviews

Look for reviews from couples, not only from portrait sessions or corporate events. Pay attention to comments about punctuality, how the photographer dealt with guests and family, and whether the photos arrived when promised. Reviews on Bouncing Bison come from customers who completed a booking with that provider, and some include photos. Also read how the photographer replied to any criticism.

Meet before you commit

A video call or a coffee is worth the time. You will spend the whole day with this person close by, and your guests will too. After you book, use the booking chat to share the timeline, the list of group photos and the names of the people who can help gather the family. Having everything in one place makes the last week before the wedding easier for both of you.