What questions should you ask a wedding photographer before booking?
Short answer: ask about what you actually get, who actually shoots your day, how the day is covered, when you get your photos, and how booking and payment work. Six or seven good questions will tell you more than a long list, and the answers should be easy to get in writing.
Who will photograph our wedding?
Ask who is shooting, not just whose name is on the website. Find out whether there is a second photographer, and whether that is included or an add-on. Studio Williams includes two photographers, which is worth knowing when you compare packages. Our post on whether you need a second photographer goes into why it matters.
How many hours are included, and what do they cover?
Hours differ a lot between packages, so ask where coverage starts and ends. Does it begin with getting ready, and does it run through to the first dance? Our guide to how many hours of wedding photography you need will help you work out what you are comparing.
What happens after the wedding, and when do we get our photos?
Ask for dates, not "soon". Studio Williams sends a preview within 24 hours and the full gallery within 12 weeks, and you should expect a clear answer like that from anyone you book. See how long it takes to get wedding photos back for what is normal. Also ask how many photos you can expect, and whether you can download and print them. Our post on who owns your wedding photos covers the licence side.
What is the full price, and how do we pay?
Ask for the full cost in writing, including anything extra such as travel. Ask when the deposit is due and when the balance is. At Studio Williams a full day starts from £3,500 and a 50% booking fee secures the date. Our guide to how deposits and payments work explains the usual pattern, and our cost guide covers what drives the price.
What if something goes wrong?
Ask what happens if the photographer is ill on the day, and whether there is a written contract. A good photographer will have an answer ready. See what happens if your photographer is ill and whether you need a contract. It is also fair to ask about insurance, which we cover in does your photographer need insurance.
What is your style, and will it suit us?
Look at full galleries rather than highlight reels, and ask how they work with people who dislike being photographed. Our post on feeling comfortable in front of the camera shows how we approach it. If you can, speak to them before you book. We explain why that helps in should you meet your photographer before booking.
Can we talk it through?
Yes. If you would like to ask us any of these, get in touch to book a free consultation. A full day starts from £3,500, and you can see what is included on our investment page.
