Your wedding day is one of the most important and memorable days of your life, and choosing the right photographer to capture those moments is crucial! With countless photographers offering their services, it's essential to do your homework and ask the right questions before committing to a contract. To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a list of 15 questions you should ask a wedding photographer in Athens, GA, or anywhere:
Are you available on my wedding date? This question may seem obvious, but it's crucial to confirm the photographer's availability before diving into further discussions. Most photographers will ask you what your wedding date on their website's contact form, but if they don't, don't forget to ask this question first!
Can I see a full gallery from a real wedding? Most wedding photographers will carefully curate the photos they post on social media. It’s essential for you to see if the photographer’s work is consistent throughout a wedding, so don’t forget to request to view the photographer’s full gallery! If you see inconsistencies in editing styles or image quality in the photographer’s full gallery, that’s a red flag!
Do you have backup equipment? While wedding photographers do not need to have top of the line equipment, they do need to have reliable equipment with back-ups, especially back-up cameras with dual card slots. Nothing would be worse than the photographer missing a good chunk of your wedding day because their equipment malfunctioned, and they didn’t have a spare.
How do you ensure that you capture all the important moments and details of the day? Understanding their approach to capturing key moments ensures they won’t miss anything important to you. You might want to know if they use a shot list or prefer a more candid approach. Ask how they plan to capture both the big events (like the ceremony and first dance) and the smaller details (like decorations, candid guest interactions, and special moments between the couple). Understanding their strategy can give you confidence that they will document your wedding comprehensively and beautifully.
What packages do you offer, and what's included in each? Make sure you understand the photographer's pricing structure and what's included in each package. If you are looking to have an engagement session before your big day, this is the time to ensure your photographer offers engagement sessions with their packages, or if there will be an extra cost associated with adding an engagement session. This will help you choose a package that meets your needs and budget. Ask lots of questions if you don't understand!!!
Do you work with a second shooter or assistant? Having an additional photographer can ensure that no moment goes uncaptured. All the packages with Newtown Photography Co. include a second photographer, but most wedding photography businesses will include a second photographer for an additional price. If a second photographer will be an additional cost on top of the base package price, make sure you know what the additional cost is and whether it fits in your budget!
Will you be the one shooting my wedding, or will it be someone else from your team? It's important to clarify who will be the primary photographer on your wedding day. Don't just assume the individual you are talking with will be the one photographing your big day — you don't want any surprises the day of!
What is your photography style? Whether you prefer traditional, photojournalistic, or artistic images, make sure your photographer's style matches your preferences.
How do you handle documenting in low-light situations? Weddings often take place in dimly lit environments, so it's important that the photographer is skilled in low-light techniques. Don't forget to ask for examples of weddings they've documented in low-light situations! Additionally, if your venue restricts the use of flash, ensure the photographer has alternative methods to document your special day seamlessly.
What is your approach to posing and directing during the wedding day? Some couples prefer a hands-off approach, while others appreciate more guidance from their photographer. Documentary-style photographers tend to not pose couples, and editorial-style photographers 100% pose couples. So it's important to know where your photographer stands on this!
How long after the wedding will I receive my photos? Timelines for photo delivery vary among photographers. Clarify when you can expect to receive your edited photos to manage your post-wedding expectations.
What rights do I have to the high-resolution, watermark-free photos? Ensure you clarify if you'll be granted full rights to your wedding photos for personal use. Without full rights, posting on social media, sharing with loved ones, or printing may require prior authorization from your photographer.
What is your cancellation and refund policy? Life can be unpredictable, so it's important to know your options in case of unforeseen circumstances.
Do you have liability insurance? A professional wedding photographer should at least have general liability insurance to protect their business and provide peace of mind to their clients if anything were to happen, i.e. a wedding guest trips over the photographer’s camera bag and breaks their leg. If a wedding photographer does not have liability insurance, you should question if they are taking their business seriously!
What sets you apart from other wedding photographers? This question can help you gauge the photographer's passion, creativity, and commitment to excellence.
Remember, your wedding photos are an investment in preserving memories that will last a lifetime. Taking the time to ask these essential questions and carefully evaluating your options will ensure you find the perfect wedding photographer in Athens, Georgia, to capture the magic of your special day. Happy wedding planning!
