WHAT TO ASK POTENTIAL WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS

When searching for a wedding photographer, there are a crazy number of things to consider before choosing. It needs to be the right choice for you both as a couple. Aside from liking their portfolio and packages on offer, which are often the main things that will lead to an enquiry, I wanted to share other things you should DEFINITELY ask before making any decisions.

Can I see a full gallery?

As photographers, it’s an obvious choice that our portfolios are filled with our absolute favourite photos. The galleries we deliver on a wedding day, though, aren’t JUST the portfolio shots.

Before booking a wedding photographer, view at least 1 full gallery. This is so you can actually see what you may receive after your day. When speaking to enquiring couples, it’s surprising how few knew this was even something they could ask for. Make sure their work is consistent!

Do you have back up equipment?

Your wedding day is something that will happen once. It’s not something you can go back and reshoot! It’s so important to pick photographers who come equipped to deal with whatever a wedding throws at them. 2 cameras is an absolute minimum, as well as a few lens options to ensure that if one breaks, there’s another that will provide the same look. Your photographer should have plenty of batteries fully charged and ready to go, plus spare SD cards galore. Make sure your photographer has invested in their business and don’t take any risks with your wedding photos!

Will we receive a contract?

If the answer is no, do not book. Contracts are there to protect both the couple AND the photographer. The only reason a photographer would not provide one is if they cannot guarantee they will hold up to their terms. Your contract should confirm everything from gallery delivery times to cancellation details and everything in between. It should be signed and dated by both you and your photographer before the day.

Are you fully insured?

All legitimate wedding photography professionals will be insured. This may be equipment insurance, but definitely public liability. Insurance is incredibly affordable, so if your photographer isn’t insured, I would recommend steering clear. If you want to be sure, you can always say your venue requires it from all suppliers. If they don’t have it, I’m sure they won’t continue with your enquiry much further.

What is your back up plan?

No photographer can swear that nothing will happen to prevent them from capturing your wedding day, despite the fact that some may do so. What’s important is that they have a plan in place if the worst was to happen. Speak to any potential photographer about what they will do if they’re truly not able to make your day. I personally have a few girls who, if available, would cover for me at short notice. All editing would still be done by myself to ensure your gallery style is consistent though!

I was telling a couple the other day about the single time I have been unwell in the past 10, maybe even 15 years. Food poisoning! I was sick the entire night but still travelled 2 hours to capture the entire day solo. Funny story, IT WAS MY FIRST EVER WEDDING! It will take death for me to not attend.

This post contains just 5 things you should definitely ask any photographer you are considering for your wedding photos. I could probably list 5 more with ease so I may well do another blog post in the future! The craziest thing I’ve probably been asked is what I will wear… the answer is whatever’s comfortable, haha!

If you are looking for a wedding photographer based in The Midlands I would love to hear about your plans. Feel free to ask me any of the above and more, just get in touch.