Top 30 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer

Before setting out to find a professional photographer for your wedding, it's very important that you prepare a series of questions to ask your potential candidates. This way, you can know more about them and the kind of services they offer.

Below is a list of the top thirty questions you should inquire on every photographer you're considering. Feel free to print it out so you'll have a guide when conducting the interviews.

1. How many years have you been working as a professional photographer in the city?
2. What made you decide to become a wedding photographer?
3. What photography styles are you most skillful at?
4. What do you usually use: film or digital photography?
5. Do you apply the latest techniques in wedding photography to your work?
6. Can I view samples of your wedding photography work?
7. Can you show me your credentials and qualifications?
8. Are you working independently or under contract with a studio?
9. Are you the actual person who will cover my wedding? If not, then can I talk to the assigned photographer?
10. What kind of cameras and other photography equipment do you use?
11. Do you always bring back-up equipment in case an emergency happens at an event?
12. How many assistants will you be bringing with you to the wedding?
13. Do they have the necessary experience and expertise?
14. Are they part of the package, or will I have to pay an additional amount for their services?
15. Is my wedding venue ideal for the photo-shoot?
16. What kind of wedding coverage do you provide?
17. Do you accept specific photo requests from clients?
18. What are the different wedding photography packages you offer?
19. Do you allow your clients to customize their packages?
20. How many clients have you previously covered before?
21. How many clients are you currently working on?
22. Can you give me some references to your clients?
23. What are your payment options and terms?
24. Do you bill clients according to a fixed fee or per hour of service provided?
25. How much do you charge for every extended hour of coverage?
26. Can you give me an itemized detail of the costs?
27. How much is your required amount of deposit? Is it refundable?
28. What happens if I decide to cancel the reservation?
29. Do you provide a written contract for every client you work with?
30. Do you or your studio have liability insurance in case an unfortunate situation occurs?

Now that you have a detailed list of questions to ask your photographer, conduct the interviews right away and pay attention to the responses you receive. The best wedding photographers always give you the most satisfying answers, while the terrible ones will often stutter and respond nervously. By the end of the consultations, the most qualified candidate will easily stand out--go ahead and hire that professional so you can finally start working together and achieve amazing wedding photography results.