Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer

Ideas & Inspiration

Ten questions you must ask your wedding photographer

By:

Eliesa Johnson

1) Why are you a wedding photographer?
This question is imperative. When you’re interviewing photographers, make sure they are passionate about your love story! After all, it might be their 239th wedding, but it is your ONE BIG DAY!

2) How will you bring together my and my fiancé's families?
Tensions can run high when planning weddings. In fact, I can't think of a single bride who wasn't at least a little bit worried about her and her fiancé’s families getting along on their wedding day. Have no fear, your photographer should be able to handle your families without a problem! Ask your photographer how they orchestrate the formal family photo part of your day. One good tip is to give your photographer a portrait list. This is a great point of reference for them, because they are able to "check people off" as they go, and it ensures that they get all of the family portraits that are important to you.

3) Do I get a DVD of digital negatives included in my package?
First, check to see if your photographer shoots with digital cameras or film cameras. Since most are shooting digitally, it’s important to ask your photographer what their policy is on digital negatives. Some photographers included a DVD of all images, others offer the DVD as an add-on a la carte sale for an additional charge. It is also important to ask your photographer if you have the rights to reproduce with your DVD. Again, some photographers only allow prints to be purchased through an online gallery, others give you the right to take them to a lab of your choice (as long as you purchase those rights).

4) If I get a DVD of digital negatives, are the images color corrected or no?
Another good question to ask about your digital negatives is what exactly you are getting on your DVD. You will probably get all of the same images that are in your final edit, but in what format? How large will your files be on the DVD? Will they all be Photoshopped or simply white balanced? Will there be black and white versus color?
On another note, it is important for the client to realize that prints purchased through your photographer will always be high quality beautiful prints. Yes, they might be a bit more costly, but you are also investing in an amazing product! The color, paper quality and printing will always be much better than Walgreen’s - trust me, it is most definitely worth it.

5) Do you do color-correct your own photos or do you outsource it to another company?
This is a great question for you to consider when choosing a photographer. Some photographers might not be as savvy with Photoshop as the next guy, but at the same time, they may work with a great lab to color correct your wedding photos. This is an important question because if you get your wedding photos back and there is one print that you would L OVE in black and white, can your photographer take care of this for you or will there be an extra fee for them to send it off to a third party?
This is also a good time to discuss their method behind color correcting. Ask if you will get all images in color or some in black and white. Will all of your images simply be white balanced or Photoshopped? If you want an image to be touched up (skin, etc.), is there an extra charge for this?

6) Finished albums—how do they work?
As a photographer, I feel that finished albums are essential to a complete wedding. In the digital age, less prints are being made, so I think it’s extremely important for clients to walk away with a stellar, finished product that will last for years to come. Each photographer has a different package and price structure. Make sure you ask them if a finished album is included with your package. If not, your photographer probably offers albums as an a la carte option. I highly recommend purchasing a finished album. Some may have some sticker-shock value, but they are 100 percent worth the investment. Also, remember to ask your photographer about their design process and how long the production of your album will take.

7) How many hours to I need to book for my photography coverage?
Ask your photographer to draw up a 'timeline' of your wedding day and ask for their recommendation as to how many hours you need. Make sure to tell them everything that is important to you, as far as coverage on your wedding day.

8) What kind of makeup looks best for my photos?
I have never had an issue with one makeup brand versus another making a bride look best in her wedding photos. I think in general, it is best to not have the makeup caked on. Too much foundation will always photograph a bit rough, but really, don't worry about it. Your makeup artist will make you look beautiful on your wedding day.

9) What should I expect from you on my wedding day?
This is one of the most important questions you could ever ask your photographer! It's important to understand how they work on the big day. Some photographers are more traditional, set up lights in the church, work with a tripod, etc. And other photographers might have a more modern approach and take you on location and “free hand” everything. Make sure you are on the same page with your photographer and appreciate their style of working, along with their photographs.

10) Do you need to scout out my locations before my wedding day?
Each photographer has a different way of working and channeling their inner creative. For some photographers, going to your locations beforehand might inspire them. Yet, for others, they might work best by coming in to a space and creating beautiful photos with the elements of that day. Whichever way your photographer works, trust them. Trust is a huge part of that of that relationship and know that you have 100 percent confidence in your photographer on your wedding day.

Eliesa Johnson is the owner and lead photographer for Minneapolis-based Photogen Inc. She has a unique approach to wedding photography that has gained national attention. This year Eliesa won Blu Domain's 'Girl of the Year' award, making her one of the best of the best in the wedding photography industry in the nation. Eliesa hopes to re-define wedding photography and the wedding industry be helping and educating both photographers and clients.