Q&A: Questions to ask Your Wedding Photographer

Park City Wedding Photographer

The Basics

Do you have my date available? NOTE: Obviously, if the answer is NO and you're not willing or able to change your date, there's no need to ask the rest of these questions.

Seems simple enough right? Am I available or not. Well, depending on your priorities, this is flexible. If your wedding photographer is very important to you, consider booking them before you select your venue. You wouldn't want to miss out on your favorite photographer just because you've already picked a date and venue!

How long have you been in business?

I've had a camera in my hands for over 15 years, but have pursued it professionally since 2013.

Have you done many weddings that were similar to mine in size and style?

I've shot weddings as small as 6 people and as big as 250+! Big (or small) weddings don't scare me at all. My weddings have also ranged from simple mountain weddings to elaborate fairy tale themed weddings so chances are pretty good I've shot something similar. Bottom line: I'm comfortable in any setting. :)

How would you describe your photography style?

My wedding photography style is a good blend of traditional and photojournalistic. I love to capture real moments and emotion so I spend the majority of the day shooting in a more journalistic style. Of course, we always spend a little bit of time on more formal details and group shots to compliment the gallery for future generations. 

How would you describe your working style?

I love to have fun, I want YOU to have fun, and I'm very active! I'm super attentive to what's happening around me so I'm prepared to capture a moment as it's happening. I like to joke around and interact with guests. I find this helps your guests feel more comfortable with my camera which results in more natural photos. I'm also always moving. It's not uncommon for me to walk/jog/run/crawl/cartwheel 7-10 miles on a wedding day! 

What do you think distinguishes your work from that of other photographers?

I have been a photographer for most of my life and have a passion for all types of photography. I love shooting landscapes, architecture, still life, portraits, you name it. I don't "only" shoot weddings. I am an accomplished photographer who happens to specialize in weddings. I'm always shooting something, experimenting with techniques, and pushing my art. I am able to bring all of these different disciplines with me to a wedding for a more dynamic gallery. 

Do you have a portfolio I can review? Are all of the images yours, and is the work recent?

Absolutely! I am happy to provide a recent wedding gallery upon request. I want you to know exactly what to expect when you hire me! 

What type of equipment do you use?

I use professional-grade Nikon equipment. For a detailed list and explanation of what's in my bag and why I use it, check out this blog post. 

Are you shooting in digital or film format or both?

I shoot digital with a few polaroids thrown in for fun. :)

Do you shoot in color and black & white?

Both! I develop your gallery with the intention of telling your story. I use my discretion when deciding which images to develop in black and white. This gives you more flexibility with how you want to print and display your photos. 

Can I give you a list of specific shots we would like?

Of course! I have my own shot list that covers most of the traditional wedding shots, but I understand every couple is unique. One of the questions I always ask before the wedding is if you have anything specific or special you'd like me to shoot. Keep in mind, the longer your shot list gets, the less time I have to shoot candids. :)

May I have a list of references?

I am happy to provide references from clients and vendors I've worked with upon request.

The Shoot

Are you the photographer who will shoot my wedding? If so, will you have any assistants with you on that day?

I will definitely be the photographer shooting your wedding! Depending on the size and scope of the wedding I may bring an assistant. I will let you know before the wedding exactly who will be on my team.

Do you have backup equipment?

My biggest fear is having my gear fail at a wedding. Because of this I bring backup cameras, batteries, flashes, and memory cards. For a detailed list of what gear I bring to a wedding click here. 

What about a backup plan if you are unable to shoot my wedding for some reason?

I have a close group of associates I can rely on to cover for me in case of an emergency. Luckily I have NEVER had to use them!  

If my wedding site is out of your area, do you charge a travel fee and what does that cover?

Travel to most locations in Northern Utah is covered in the package price. If you're planning on getting married somewhere further away let me know. I try my best to travel at cost to pass the value on to you!

Are you photographing other events on the same day as mine?

Nope. Never. You've hired me to shoot your day and it's just that: Yours! I spend my time before a wedding double-checking my gear, preparing, and resting. 

How will you (and your assistants) be dressed?

It's up to you! I try my best to blend in with the wedding guests, so I will ask you what the dress code is and dress appropriately. Black tie? No prob. Mountain Casual? You got it. I understand I'm a part of your wedding and respect that at every turn. At most weddings, I'm dressed similar to this.

Is it okay if other people take photos while you're taking photos?

Of course! We live in a digital age where everyone has a camera in their pocket. The more cameras the merrier! Having a hashtag for your wedding and encouraging your guests to use it is an awesome way to capture your wedding from many unique perspectives. I do have a few requests when it comes to guests taking photos during the ceremony (Stay out of the aisle! :p), but overall I welcome and encourage guests to snap away! 

Have you ever worked at my wedding site before? If not, do you plan to check it out in advance?

If you're getting married in Park City, UT, it's likely I've shot at your site or venue. But rest assure, if I'm hired to shoot somewhere I haven't been before I always make a trip to the venue before the wedding to scout the location and lighting conditions. 

What time will you arrive at the site and for how long will you shoot?

I start feeling a little antsy if I'm not at the venue at least 45 minutes before our start time. I love having the extra time to walk the venue to see if anything has changed and to see how the decorations are coming together. I prefer having the time to soak up the venue before we start shooting.

If my event lasts longer than expected, will you stay? Is there an additional charge

I will never leave your event if you want me there! I understand sometimes schedules get delayed or an after party pops up that you want me to cover. Don't worry, I'll be there! If we go over our contracted hours, additional time is $300/hr. 

Packages, and Prints

What packages do you offer?

I offer several packages that cover the majority of weddings. For a detailed list of my wedding packages and products get in touch!

Can I customize a package based on my needs?

Definitely! I know every wedding is unique and I strive to work with each couple to customize my wedding packages for their specific vision, budget, and needs.

Do you include engagement photos in your packages?

Several of my packages include an engagement portrait session. Engagement, bridal, or adventure sessions can be added to any of the packages.

Do you provide retouching, color adjustment or other corrective services?

Every image in your final gallery is professionally developed for color, crop, exposure, and white balance. I also take the time to retouch where needed. More extensive retouching requests are handled on a case by case basis.

How long after the wedding will I get the photos? Will they be viewable online?

I deliver a wedding preview usually within 3 days of the wedding. I want you to have something more than a phone pic to share as soon as possible! Your final online gallery will be delivered within 8-12 weeks of your wedding.

Will you give me the digital images, and is there a fee for that?

Yes (and NO)! All of my wedding packages include the high resolution digital files and print release. You have the option to have your photos printed with archival quality from a professional print lab directly from your online gallery, but you're free to print them wherever you'd like!

Contracts and Policies

When will I receive a written contract? 

Definitely. I'll send you a contract as soon as you choose me.

How much of a deposit do you require and when is it due? Do you offer a payment plan?

I require a 50% deposit to reserve your wedding date. The deposit is due when you sign your contract in order to reserve your wedding date. I understand every couple's situation is unique, so if you need a little time on the deposit, or would like to work something out, let's chat about it. :)

What is your refund/cancellation policy?

In the event you have to cancel the wedding for whatever reason the booking fee is non-refundable. I often turn down multiple requests for the same wedding date after I've been hired by a couple, so this is necessary to protect my business.

Are you licensed and insured?

Yes and yes. My business is registered with the State of Utah and I have a business license issued from Wasatch County. I also maintain a current liability insurance policy.

Questions to Ask Yourself:

Do I feel a connection with this photographer as well as his/her photos? Are our personalities a good match?

Am I comfortable with this person's work and communication style?

Has this photographer listened well and addressed all my concerns?

I know selecting a wedding photographer is one of the biggest decisions you'll make when planning your wedding. I hope this Q&A helps make the process a little easier! If you have any questions not covered here feel free to comment below or get in touch... :)